Droughts what are they? This little volcanic rock called Tenerife may get scorched by the sun all year but there’s always plenty of water, the fountain at Los Cristianos roundabout is a strong reminder of that. It may have been the meeting point for another Saturday morning walk but a quick car convoy and we were up above San Isidro for a coffee before heading up into El Desierto and Los Blanquitos.

Water was to be a recurring theme but before then there were other delights to encounter. With another hot, clear day down at the coast we had opted for higher ground to get some welcome air and it was a strong cool breeze that greeted us as we set off up hill. Behind and below us Montaña Roja and El Medano were spread out but in our sights we had a long clear road and unspoilt views to San Miguel and beyond to snow free Mount Teide.

Entering El Desierto we stopped at a home made belen (nativity) at the side of the road, this was a real labour of love and was more like a mini village with plenty of nice touches like washing hanging outside a house and geese gathered around a pond. Not many people would get to see this remote work of art but the creator popped over from his house and his pride at our enjoyment was clear. Lingering there it was lovely to see a scaled down version of the small traditional dwellings that peppered the hillside ahead of us.

Pushing on we dropped down into a dip and then up through the rougher terrain, old stone water channels are common up in the hills but many have been replaced by underground pipes. It was good to come across a large gushing water channel pouring downhill with a fair turn of speed, the stone stile over the crossing point was negotiated with a bit of team work. I was going to show off and jump across but knew I would make a prat of myself and took the easy option.

The rough pathway curled round in a semi circle with San Miguel sitting proud some way in the distance and soon we were coming into Los Blanquitos and the Tramo del Camino with its helpful information post pointing out the different types of basalt and over rock used to build walls and houses. Sticking to the narrow path alongside the TF 28 brought us to the church and a sarnie break. The views over the valley were a nice reward and the blue sky was untroubled except for the clear half moon. There was a full moon down below as a farmer used a wall as a lean to toilet – well it is Christmas so a real life Caganer isn’t too out of place.

Making the steady descent through the lower part of Los Blanquitos and El Desierto the pull on my leg muscles convinced me that this was a good advance penance ahead of over indulging over the festive season. The road eventually joined the point where we split off earlier to climb upwards and the pathway took on a familiar look. The breeze was still lively but the Euroguarapo bar was soon reached with the earlier coffee being swapped for something cooler. A good three and a half hour walk, already looking forward to the next challenge.