This Instagram life
It’s so beautiful here at Pico do Arieiro in Madeira that I can hardly be bothered to take photographs. I’m at 1,800m above sea level and above the sea of clouds below. Intense shafts of light are illuminating the volcanic rock valleys below. There’s so much cloud it looks like the dry ice at a heavy metal concert.

There are very few higher clouds so I don’t think the sunset is going to be too spectacular, but the views are marvellous.

There are a couple of raised spots, where natural stones protrude, giving the best position for panoramic views. There’s a small queue of people waiting to take their place to do headstands or pose for Instagram portraits. As I watch, this group get out a huge folding light reflector and reflect golden light on the young woman’s face.

It’ll look perfect and effortless on Instagram, as if they’re really enjoying themselves. I just hope they managed to savour the moment.
It’s beautiful here looking away from the sun too, with an intense pink horizon.

I’m the only one here now.

I’m experiencing it as if it’s the only time I’ll ever be here, which is a bit silly because it’s been so nice I’m going to come up here tomorrow evening as well. That’s because it’s so spectacular here, but also because I forgot to take a photograph of myself I can put on Instagram.
More Madeira
Laurel fungus in Madeira Here's a find from when it was possible to travel There's a fungus on this laurel tree: It's Laurobasidium lauri,… read more
The Madeira outtakes On the way to Madeira I sit next to a couple and they chat. I say 'they' chat, when I… read more
Clinging on At 1,800m the clouds are below me and above me on Madeira. I'm a cloud sandwich. On the slopes is… read more
Fire and water I'm off on a trip to the far west of Madeira. There's a lighthouse at Ponto do Pargo which sounds… read more
There once was an ugly duck. A very ugly duck. You know the story. There's an ugly duckling which turns into a swan. I don't need to go all Hans… read more
Skum Have you ever looked at a fire extinguisher in Denmark? No? Can I say that I'm not surprised? If you… read more
Madeira birdwatching with Luis Dias There's another birdwatching business on Madeira. It's called Birds and Company. I would give you a link to their website,… read more
Yes! we have no bananas I'm in Calheta in Madeira for the afternoon. Behind the road following the coast is a large garden which appears… read more
Red-Legged Partridge up the mountain I'm standing bathing in the cold orange light of sunset when I spot a largish bird walking towards me. I… read more