2 July 2022 Rabaçal in rain and fog

Course

The start is here on the Fanal road.

First on the PR13 around the small hill and to the next junction with the Fanal road.

Into the tree heather and the ferns again, and to the start of the PR13

Along the road to the start of the track towards the Pico do Rabacal.

In the fog to the Pico do Rabacal, descent on the Caminho do Pau Seco to the Levada Vinte e Cinco Fontes.

You reach the levada shortly before the 25 springs, a short visit amid the tourist bustle, then on to the Madre of the Levada Vinte e Cinco Fontes and the ascent on the deserted Palha Carga to the PR13 and back to the starting point.

Distance: 10.3 Km, 610 Hm ascent, 610 Hm descent

Start: 11.00 Fanal road

End

14.40 Fanal road

Condition

The PR13 is very romantic precisely in fog. Well secured, with steps that are a little slippery

The crossing to the Pico do Rabacal in fog is not always entirely straightforward; GPS support can help.

The Caminho do Pau Seco is/was nicely clear and good to walk; a few steep sections are well secured.

The ascent on the Palha Carga has stone steps over long stretches; for me a bit too much of a good thing!

Remarks

In this weather nothing for anyone who shies away from the wet, but in the fog, precisely, mysterious!