Small Yet Perfectly Formed

Cris Colon

An unfortunate name one might think, particularly for somebody who has navigated through a few passages? But Cris is more widely known the world over as that intrepid Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. His connection with this island dates back to 1492 when he set sail for India via the scenic route, but America got in the way! I briefly called into the capital (of La Gomera not America) on one of my many rides out, but will be returning for my ferry back to Tenerife, I may add a little more after that visit.

The church where C.C. said his final prayers before striking out west
C.C is a big fish in these parts
Another photo from the capital San Sebastian

Yesterday the trip meter clicked past 2,000 miles, that’s 1,000 to get here and another 1,000 of tootling around the two islands. By the time I arrive back in Carlisle the whole trip will be less than 4,000 miles, which isn’t as much as I was expecting. Nevertheless I will have seen everything I set out to, and more!

Yvonne asked if I’d explored all the island?

I’ve done all the ‘A’ roads in both directions (some more than once) and quite a few of the ‘B’ roads, seen everything that I’d planned on seeing and quite a bit that I hadn’t. In a week I think I’ve given the island a good ‘seeing to’, however it really is a place that offers so much! Not for everybody by any means, in fact I would actively discourage anybody from coming here, we don’t want damn tourists spoiling the place! 

Sombrero Rock
This afternoon I just had to nip over to the north of the island to photograph Pedro y Petra Rocks, in one of my favourite valleys, that of Hermigua

Part of its appeal for me is that although there are a few signs of development for tourism, it certainly isn’t on the scale of the other islands, nor The Costas. There are opportunities to really get away from it all, whether it be in isolated properties in the hills or hidden away coastal hamlets. Yesterday I found a dozen houses tucked away next to a tiny cove, yet there was a French registered Land Rover there, and I saw a couple who were obviously not local, out for their walk.

It’s not the kind of place if you’re having a two week break from work and want guaranteed sunshine, golden sandy beaches, English food, pubs and karaoke, stay on the big islands for that. If you love scenery, nature, walking, cycling, motorcycling (in my case) and a place that hasn’t yet been impacted too much by tourism, then this is a very decent shout.

Today I have argued with myself, as I have nobody else to argue with, about staying here for a few more days or continuing with my booked crossing and hotel accommodation in Tenerife. It really has been a struggle, but I’ve decided to return to the main island. 

As I battled with the decision, a phrase from the world of acting sprung to mind, ‘Always leave your audience wanting more’. This island has done this to me, I leave wanting more, yet may never return, why? Because there’s so much more in the world to see! 

Unless of course somebody tempts me to return, because you know I’m a ‘Yes’ man.

P.S. On another matter it seems that, although not compulsory, the island tolerates naked sunbathing on the beaches, just saying…..

9 Replies to “Small Yet Perfectly Formed”

  1. If you’ve done all the roads and sights then yes, you’re wise to skip back to the big island. Must be roads there you haven’t ridden yet?

    I’m pretty sure you’ll have fun wherever Reg’s wheels turn 😁

    1. Yeah, I’m hopeful there’s still much fun to be had but this will be my ‘Treasure Island’! 😆

  2. Hermigua looks really special with lovely walking opportunities, obviously will be so much greener than Tenerife. Interesting about Christopher Columbus. Hope Reg is having fun x

    1. Yeah Marie, there are no real barren desert like areas on this island, well none that I’VE found! 😆 x

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