Gran Canaria didn’t disappoint. Where else can you find mountains dipping into the ocean, Sedona and Gran Canyon, and Machu Picchu all wrapped into one? 55 miles and 12,000 ft of gain across eroded volcanos where the north is lush and the south feels like southwest US. From tropical plants to short grass prairie and Canary Island pine groves. What a gem.
I put in 20 miles the first day but got stopped near Tejada during a nasty storm up high. I had met a nice Hungarian girl earlier named Reni who came upon me pitching a tent to get out of the sideways rain and cold. She convinced me to go to the hostel she was staying at down the mountain, and I’m glad I did - I got to meet some cool people and warm up. The next day I hiked back up and continued for 35 miles. I added bonus miles to check out some indigenous caves. Someone stole the drop bag full of snacks and gels I left in the bushes near the start, so I’ve been living off of Iberian ham or chorizo and cheese sandwiches, which is fine by me.
Many birds on this leg, but highlights are red-legged partridge, Canary Islands chiffchaff, Eurasian blackcap, and plain swift.
Next up: Tenerife
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