The Gorse Fox leapt from bed unable to believe he had slept so long. Opening one eye he had glanced at his watch, seen the time, added one hour becuase he was too stupid to remember how to adjust his watch, and realised how late it was. This is not good. Things to do... etc. Once up, about, washed and dressed, ready to greet the day he idly looked at his mobile phone. It was not as late... his watched had obviously received a stray signal overnight and adjusted itself. That's technology for you!

Those of you who might be regular readers may wonder "Why no photos?" Well GF promises there will be. It's just that what blogging he is managing is limited to 28k line, so photos are out of the question really. They will have to be retro-blogged once back in the UK or he locates a faster link here.

It is nice discovering new parts of the island. Though SV+GF have visited many times, we have never strayed to the far north. Today we decided that the Anaga Mountains deserved a trip.

Head up the east coast we dropped down to Santa Cruz and along the main road running through the port. Continuing north for a while until clear of the city we then headed west alnong TF12. This road twists, turns, climbs and drops up into the Anaga Mountains.

At the high point of the road there is a smaller road (TF123) that heads a further 12km north along a single-track, with passing places and stopping points. The views from this small road were exceptional. Deeply folded mountain sides carpeted with lush vegetation plunged to steep sided valleys down towards the sea. Peering over cols, Santa Cruz could bee seen in the distance and the east coast of the island lay before us.

At the end of TF123 was the smal village of Chamorga which seems to be the northernmost town on the island accessible by road. At the heart of the village was a small square with two goals set up for football, and a tiny church that had room for 8 seats. This really was off the beaten track. Nevertheless it did seem popular with walkers who seemed to use it as a starting point for one of several marked trails up to the north coast.

Heading back, we rejoined TF12 and made our way towards La Laguna. As the road twisted and turned towards the south Mount Teide dominated the skyline. We stopped at Pico del Ingles and Cruz del Carmen viewpoints. Cloud was drifting across as we watched Teide appear and disappear in the mist, but patience paid off and the view was magnificent.

By late afternoon we were back, having covered just over 200km and seen some wonderful sights that will certainly warrant a further visit.

[File under: Diary]