4-Xtremes – part 45: in La Gomera Andrea and Mike brave the storm

Series: 4-Xtremes – The World Tour

Force 10 winds.

Hefty gradients, metre-high ferns – and a marsh landscape far out on the Atlantic: “4-Xtremes – The World Tour” visits La Gomera.

Is everything where it belongs? The steep roads of La Gomera are demanding on the Axor. Making a small check doesn’t hurt.


The journey to the island to which we are taking you today requires an early start: the ferry departs from La Palma at 4 a.m. One and a half hours later we roll onto the island of La Gomera – a truly paradisiacal destination.

But at first the weather is rather hellish. Wind gusts of up to force 10 are blowing across the island. The Canary Islands are situated far out in the Atlantic and so freak weather is guaranteed. The only thing we can do is to take shelter and ride out the storm. 


Between an enchanted forest ...
Between an enchanted forest ...
... and marsh landscape ...
... and marsh landscape ...
... and between small mountain villages ...
... and between small mountain villages ...
... and views into the distance ...
... and views into the distance ...
... are only a few kilometres on the island of La Gomera.
... are only a few kilometres on the island of La Gomera.

Not large, but much higher.

When we get started two days later, at first we like the steep winding streets. La Gomera is the second-smallest island of the Canaries but reaches far into the skies – up to almost 1.500 metres. Reason enough for Mike to check the Axor and top up the engine oil.

And beyond driving, what makes La Gomera so exciting is that, as a result of the altitude differences, the island has several vegetation and climate zones – one of Europe’s last primeval forests is located in Garajonay National Park. The evergreen cloud forest consists above all of bay trees, but there are also two-metre high ferns with long lichens. We are wearing down jackets and caps.


“The surface of Mars” between green slopes.

On the same day, lower down we enjoy the sun in T-shirts. Then in stark contrast Montaña del Cepo: an alternately red-, brown- and cream-coloured desert. You could easily think you had landed on Mars. Until not so far away you see green slopes.

As so often in Spain, we get through the main roads easily – and must therefore pay even more attention in the villages. One difference: in La Gomera everything happens in a very relaxed way, and people happily make space for us.

After ten days we sadly say “adios”. But we have to move on and of course we take the ferry again. From the port of the main town San Sebastián, you can look over to Mount Teide, Tenerife’s volcano. That is where we are headed – even if it is only because there is no direct connection to our next destination. Can you guess where?


4-Xtremes – The World Tour.

An unparalleled journey.

Andrea and Mike Kammermann have been on tour in their Axor for three years. "4-Xtremes – The World Tour" is the motto of the journey that the two Swiss nationals embarked on in mid-2020 and which they share with the RoadStars community. Keep up to date and don't miss out on any of the stunning destinations visited by the adventurous pair.

You can find the current parts from the “4-Xtremes – The World Tour” series here.

You can find the route of the trip before the crossing to South America here.

 


Photos: 4-Xtremes

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