Garajonay National Park - A Hikers Dream

by Steve Gray

Forty miles to the West Tenerife lies the island La Gomera. There are no flashy nightclubs or bars here Instead you will find magnificent landscape full interesting wildlife & fantastic for hiking.

The World Heritage site Garajonay National Park sits on top this orange squeezer shaped island which rises to 1500m above sea level. The segments divided up by deep ravines. http://reddeparquesnacionales. mma. es/parques/garajonay/index. htm

The Park located the centre the island which rises to 5000 ft above sea level & consists Laurisilva or Laurel rainforest. Much Europe was once covered by this fauna but over time was destroyed by climate change & pollution. Garajonay remains one the few locations the world where this type forest still survives.

Laurisilva the name given to this particular fauna & as you make your way into the forest after the long & snaking ascent to the summit by car you will be amazed by its medusa-like trunks & branches which are covered green moss.

The further you go the cooler & darker gets but the well trodden track soft underfoot & easy to follow. Sleepy Hollow springs to mind as the fungus covered laurel reaches out. The contrast to the brown baked earth surrounds this oasis stark. These paths were created many years ago by locals who had to negotiate the forest order to get from one side the island to the other.

A stream reached after about 60 minutes or so. It surprising to find running water on such sun drenched island which does not get much rainfall but the secret s source lies the horizontal rain or mist envelopes the forest.

After walking for an hour or so stream reached. This derived form moisture collected from horizontal rain or mist. A little further on the path opens to settlement which contains number small holdings & restaurant which servers local delicacies such as soup & Gofia ground maize to thicken it.

After hearty meal follow the track back up to the side the valley. Hidden the rock face an entrance to tunnel which takes you to the adjoining valley but make sure torch or candle as the walk long & very dark. A fun way to end your day.

About the Author:

Mark Booth writes for flights to tenerife http://www. flightstotenerife. org. Try us for great holiday Tenerife http://www. flightstotenerife. org