After breakfast we hopped in the car to drive to the town of Porto Moniz on the northwest side of the island. The scenery getting there was awe inspiring as we drove through a central valley that separated the two distinct volcanic regions of east and west. On both sides were towering cliffs with volcanic outcroppings and shear drop offs, and yet there was housing and crops built almost into the mountainsides. Arriving at Porto Moniz we walked around the natural swimming pools created by the lava and igneous rocks and the sea. Our plans for swimming were thwarted by big seas, wind, and partly cloudy skies. The north side of Madeira seems to have a different micro climate then the south and is cloudier with more precipitation. The views of the huge cliffs cascading into the sea were great. To get a better view however we drove up the twisty road to Lamaceiros up in the mountains overlooking the town and the coast. The view was great, and the drive was exhilarating for some and nerve racking for others to say the least. Then it was back down the mountain to the town of Sao Vicente to explore caves (Grutas) created by lava tubes during the volcanic period some 890,000 years ago. We crossed over a wooden suspension bridge to begin our tour. It was a fun and informative hike through the tubes and they had a great museum as well. After lunch it was back to Funchal for a last look and a trip to the market. We also walked down Rue de Santa Maria where most of the doors had been painted in a competition. My favorite of course was the one about eyes. Back to the Quinta to relax, shower and get ready for our final dinner in Portugal.
