The day started off well when we found that we were being taken to the volcano in minibuses in true field trip style. We were driven 30 minutes away from the port and into the barren landscape of the Timanfaya national park. While we went to Tenerife 2 days ago, Lanzarote is completely different - much flatter with cones dotted here and there, whereas Tenerife was very much a single cone. Although Tenerife's landscape is amazing, Lanzarote's is much more impressive and accessible - the cones are surrounded by lava flows and it would be easy to imagine that this is what the Lake District and Cross Fell looked like 300 and something million years ago (now only the cones are left).
We parked in the crater of a small volcano and then walked across the badlands (aa lava field) to another volcano. On the way we saw: lava tubes (including one big one that we jumped inside of), pahoehoe lava, volcanic bombs and ended up with lapilli in our shoes. The guide focused almost entirely on the geology of the area, which was brilliant for us, and he told in in very simple terms so everyone could understand. We were very impressed.
We started to ascend up the volcano, up the side of a lava flow which had cascaded down the side of the cone. The lava erupted in 1730-36, which was not the last eruption, but it was well preserved because of the arid climate on Lanzarote compared with the other islands. We came first across a lava lake which was set within a crater. The crater was from a slightly old volcano and the lava from the 1730 volcano had cascaded into it, filled it up and then flowed down the sides.
They took us part of the way up the rest of the volcano, to about 400m above sea level (the highest point on Lanzarote is only 680m above sea level) where we got a really good view over the island. Then we descended down into another small volcano, back across the badlands and back to the minibus.
We walked for about 3 hours or so, covering only about 3 miles but we didn't mind stopping and waiting for the slower people because the guide took the opportunity to tell us more about the volcanoes!
Today has been our favourite day so far, although its still not been enough to persuade us to come back to the Canary Islands.
We have now left Lanzarote - we should have been here until 5.30 but because of the weather on the way home we left 2 hours early and are already doing max speed of 22 knots. They obviously want to get north as quick as possible. The captain announced that we should hit the bad weather at lunchtime tomorrow (Wednesday) and to be prepared for a bumpy ride home.
We had a sneaky sleep before dinner and are now finishing off with a cocktail in the Spinnaker bar - sadly we've been coming here so often that the waitress knows our room number..... Please note the size of the heels worn on a ship in the bumpy Atlantic (by Victoria). Outfit brought to you by Matalan (shoes, dress, hairband), Dorothy Perkins (bag) and boots (earrings). Total cost £66 but has already been worn for a wedding.
We now have a sea day and then should arrive in Vigo on Thursday - all being well.
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