Basket case

 Crispy is still not happy. Bless her, her legs have still not recovered which is troublesome as tomorrow we are walking the Rabacal waterfalls. A 12 km valley walk along a Levada containing 25 fountains. It's not a strenuous walk like the mountain but still rough country . I need her back in peak physical condition.  Despite my remonstrations regarding exercise she was reluctant to get moving again this morning. Even with my promise of a packet of crisps and a bottle of pop it seemed that she was reluctant to climb out of her pit. After several attempts I finally got her moving and once up and about she seemed to improve in mood and performance. She is talking to me again which is an improvement on yesterday. 

Today we again attempted the cable car and sledge run.  This time successfully.  We made our way to the cable car station and joined the already busy queue for the gondola ride to the village of Monte.  Once alighted from our transport we made our way to the botanical gardens. Botanical gardens are always a great way to spend a morning. Usually in the heart of a city they provide a quiet refuge in beautiful surroundings. In Asia they are always free and a cheap day out but in Europe they usually involve a hefty entrance fee. 

We spent several hours walking the paths and sitting in the warm sunshine. The views from the gardens were amazing. One part of the gardens was fashioned on an oriental pattern and to all outward appearance we could have been in Malacca or Singapore.

After a very pleasant couple of hours we left the gardens and made our way to the start of the toboggan run. It was heaving with people. A long winding queue lined a small road adjacent to the start of the sled run.

It took over an hour waiting in line until it was our turn but turned out to be well worth it. Crispy had been really looking

 

forward to this activity and was very excited. The queue moved quickly and time passed as we got chatting to a young couple from London who were holidaying here.  Before long we were at the front of the queue and it was our turn to board our basket. It seems the toboggan run started over 200 years ago as a way for the young guys from Monte to quickly descend into Funchal for both work and pleasure. Usually carrying goods for market.

The tradition gained popularity once tourists cottoned on to it and it is now the most popular tourist activity in Madeira. The guys wear traditional white clothing and a straw boater in homage to their forbears. 

It's very quick and well practiced. Crispy's posterior had barely touched the seat before our two "drivers" were tugging on the ropes connected to the basket sled and slinging us down the metalled road. The journey takes less than 10 minutes as the guys steering the sled push pull and slide the basket down very narrow side roads towards Funchal. Crispy loved it and has already posted a video of the experience on face tube.

We were only feet from the sled in front and at one point nearly collided but the drivers are very good and know what they are doing. at no point did it feel scary or unsafe.

It was a very worthwhile wait for the ride and we are so glad we got the opportunity to experience this unique activity.  If you are ever in Madeira our advice is to give it a go. You won't be disappointed.

After the ride it's a short walk down into Funchal. We walked down with a couple who had witnessed us wizz by in our basket and we're impressed with Crispy's howling.  They are from York and the lady worked at the Masonic care home there. We got chatting and ended up sharing several drinks in a small bar in one of the alleyways of the old town. It was a very pleasant few hours as we discussed our past travels and plans for future adventures.

Out for dinner and an early night as tomorrow involves another full days walking. Crispy can't wait.

Bare and Crispy signing off. Funchal. Madeira