An Airport Runway - that is built on air!

Well, We landed at ninth most dangerous airport in the world and didn't even know it. Plus yesterday we got photos. There is a roadway that snakes around and under the elevated runways. Returning from our tour of the East Side our driver pointed out that we were traveling under the runway we previously landed on. According to him it is supported by 138 concrete pillars. He was driving to fast for us to count. 

Here is the photo we took as we drove under them!

The airport on Madeira is unique and technically challenging for even the most experienced pilots. Mainly because of the 150 degree right hand turn required and crosswinds. Only the most accomplished pilots are allowed to land here. If you are an aviation enthusiast there is a live WebCam and you can watch the huge international flights land and listen to airport communications. Go to webcam taxi.com. It's a kick, because in addition to welcoming the incoming flights, they give tourist directions and chat a bit. It is LIVE and the funny part is the camera to the WebCam was placed the other side of a large bush. So you see the plane on approach and begin the descent, then the bush, then the plane touching down instantly. I am now hooked on this site......Just watched a flight from Amsterdam burn rubber on landing.


It used to be a very short tabletop runway with the mountains at one end and the Atlantic Ocean at the other. Then the airport was expanded and the beginning of Runway 23 is now on a platform supported by pillars similar to a bridge. A direct approach landing is not possible for these large planes. Instead aircraft have to make a visual approach and a right hand turn in the cross winds off the ocean.The ocean and mountains are still there but the runway extends over the sea to provide a bit more room.



Madeira has gardens wherever you look. Homes have their vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, and berries. Small farms have terraced plots of bananas, yams, vegetables, etc. Here is a photo showing a typical hillside with commercial and personal gardens. 

Today I spent the afternoon getting a massage and Donna went on adventure to Camara de Lobos. This is the quaint fishing village about five miles from Funchal (the town where we are staying) that Winston Churchill visited in 1950. The village is called Carmara de Lobos. He was so taken with the bay and the colorful fishing boats he painted a portrait of them. There are cafes named in his honor as well as a sculpture commemorating his visit. She got some great photos!





People here take great pride in decorating their walls and houses with beautiful plants. Here is a clever example.  

There is a lovely old church as well.


Enjoy the photos....Dinner tonight was Black Spaghetti (pasta from Italy) and 4 kinds of sea food. Some of which is looking at you!   Will send more photos tomorrow after our ferry ride to the island where Christopher Columbus lived. Oh, and by the way WE FIGURED OUT THE BIDET!  There is no challenge we are afraid to tackle. LOL

















Comments

  1. DongMay 26, 2023 at 1:13 PM

    About that bidet…..katheleen, why is there water on the wall and floor?? Have you been having fun in the bathroom again?😳😑🤗🤣🤣

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 26, 2023 at 5:52 PM

    What is the spaghetti made from? Seaweed? Shoe polish? Tourists' clothes from the airport lost and found? Was there a sauce on it?

    ReplyDelete

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