Today was the first of our two visits on this cruise to Madeira. Mike had organised a half day trip for us which included the 'must do' toboggan ride in the famous baskets.
A small bird fluttered on to our balcony just as dawn was about to break. It later disappeared.
We had expected to dock at 7am which would have given us plenty of time to meet the tour guide. In fact we docked nearer 8 and it seemed to take an eternity for us to be allowed off the ship: the crew said there was quite a swell in the harbour area and it was difficult to get everything secured satisfactorily.
Our tour guide offered to take photos of each couple in the group.
We all walked very briskly to the meeting point and got there just before the minibus arrived and we were off! We were a party of only 8 and went straight (or more like twisty and turny) to Monte where the queue for the baskets was shorter than we had feared. The guide let us off the bus and went to get some tickets.
Well the baskets didn't disappoint! We whizzed and laughed our way the 2km to the bottom and an exhilarating time was had by all.
We then went to up to Eira do Serrado and had a walk in the cool mountain air at just over 1000m up before moving on to Corral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns) where we enjoyed a hot chocolate, delicious 'pasteis de nata' (Portuguese custard tarts) and tasters of cherry brandy, banana brandy and eucalyptus brandy. With the eucalyptus brandy we weren't sure whether to drink it or rub it on something!
Next stop was Pico dos Barcelos for some lovely views. We then made our way back to the ship via Reid's Hotel and a beautiful area of apartments and hotels which the locals call Dubai.
It was a brilliant excursion and a bargain at around £30 each.
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