Gran Canaria, 3-10 November 2008

GC-210 from St Nicholas to Acusa - Artenara

North-west coast - St Nicholas and Agaete

Galdar area

Maspalomas- Dunes and Beach

Tasarte - valley study

Wind Farm at Aringa

Volcanics  - Pico de Galdar and Montanon Negro area

Central caldera - Santa Lucia

Mogan - Ayacata Road

Fataga  Rocque Bentaya San Bartolome de Tirajana 

The Humid North

GC210 Acusa Artenara Road

Chira - valley of water and of fire

The road left St Nicholas inauspiciously, squeezing between cloth tents and dipping over a concrete ford before easing up the valley sides, and into narrow, bendy stretches with low overhangs. The full depth of the gorge in not appreciated going up, as it is down, but a view of Rocque Bentayga confirms its vertical pedigree!

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The draw down of the reservoir is  probably about right for the time of year, just ahead of the winter rains. On the right is the viewpoint with a windmill, and behind it Rocque de Bentayga.

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Where the roads part, a severe driving workout either way! The reservoir in its depleted state, with the pinnacles of Bentayga and Nublo in the background.

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From the eyrie of the windmill the reservoir and lower parts of the valley are set out ... and a favourite perch for a red-legged partridge.

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The scattered settlement of La Candaleria boasts a number of cave dwellings overlooking this mountain road.

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A pair of dry waterfalls cut through the lava layers. In spate these must be truly impressive!

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Gran Canaria St Nicholas La Candaleria Acusa Artenara dams reservoirs red-legged partridge dry waterfalls settlement cave dwellings

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