Tenerife’s Scorched Valley

In July 2012 there was a large forest fire on Tenerife that threatened to engulf Teide National Park. Fortunately it was stopped just in time. This was the first of many photo stops we made on the journey to the summit of the great volcano, and you can see the effects of the fire. To the left of the shot are the sparse trees designating the area decimated by the flames, and to the top right those that were saved.

It’s a fascinating contrast, and a great testament to the power of nature. I was surprised to find many trees at all in this kind of desolate landscape. But apparently volcanic soil is incredibly fertile and therefore great for plant life. From this point on in our journey the views became more and more otherworldly. Volcanic islands must be some of the most incredible landscapes that exist on earth!

Returning To El Teide

I didn’t realise it until we pulled up to the bottom of the cable-car station, but the volcano of El Teide was somewhere I had been in the past. It must have been more than 10 years ago we had a family holiday to the Spanish island of Tenerife. When I visited as a young teenager, I waited in the car with my brother while my parents took the ride to the top in the cable-car. I was not at all interested in making the trip with them.

On Saturday we had the privilege of attending a wedding on Tenerife, so decided to make the most of the opportunity and make it a long weekend. We rented a car and visited the volcano that dominates the barren landscape. As we rounded the corner to park up I had a distinct feeling of déjà vu. But this time I would most definitely be visiting the summit!

I couldn’t help but think about how much things change as we grow older, and this was a fantastic spot for a brief moment of quiet reflection. I only wish I had better appreciated the travel opportunities I was lucky enough to have as a youngster.

Has your attitude towards travel changed over time? Maybe you’ve visited the summit of a volcano? I’d love to hear from you!