Only the woodwork saved visitors Burgos FC from a feeding frenzy as Cd Tenerife romped to a home 4-0 victory. Tenerife had goals in their eyes from the kick off. Victor Mollejo waded through a sea of defenders legs to p9ke in a 5th minute opener. Burgos looked poor but in the past so called easy opposition have often caught Tenerife on the hop.

A 10 minute twitch after conceeding was all the reds could offer, as the power, pace, and pressure of the home side pinned them down. Sam Shasoua fed Elady whose shot bounced off a defender, allowing time for the goalie to flick it aside. Alex Bermejo was having one of hiis most creative games, he spotted an opening and unleashed a fierce shot that cannoned back off the crossbar. The second goal follwed after 40 minutes from a crisp move by Bermejo, through Elady to Shashoua to drill into the back of the net.

Half time was just a short respite for Burgos, Bermejo got the goal his hard work deserved after 54 minutes with an angled strike as he ran in from the left. Mollejo tucked an effort just wide of the goal before coach Ramis made two subs, replacing Bermejo and Aitor Sanz with Michel, and Ruben Diaz. It didn´t stop the attacking flow, the squad all know there is something special brewing in Santa Cruz and they all want to play a part in it. Shashoua cracked a shot straight at the under siege goalie and two more swaps followed.

Sergio Gonzalez replaced Alexandre Correrdera but the most welcome change was the injury return of Enric Gallego for his outstanding understudy Elady. Tenerife were still hungry, defender Pomares struck a thundebolt shot that grazed the bar. Gallego showed he had retained his sharpness, when a well flighted ball came his way, the striker found space to stretch the keeper and put the ball wide of him to make it 4-0. Even a VAR referral couldn´t wipeout his precision. It was a comprehensive win to put CD Tenerife back to third place. Crowds are still growing, 12,163 had the pleasure of seeing this game as the club anthem soared from the terraces and bounced around the stadium

Mollejo was the only home player to relish the raft of changes made by CD Tenerife coach Ramis. The Atletico Madrid loanee was advanced from his usual midfield slot and got under the skin of the Eibar defence. Even so, he bowed out four minutes before the 0-1 finish after a rash tackle got him sent off.

Striker Elady was dropped to the bench and Gallego was still injured, that meant Sam Shashoua and Mollejo trying to form a goal alliance with some support from left back Pomares and midfielder Ruben Diaz. It was more clunky than creative and it took until the last five minutes of the opening half for Tenerife to show any teeth. Eibar were lucky to scramble a shot off the goal line and grateful that Ruben blasted high and wide.

Alexandre was short of his usual bursts of inspiration and along with Pablo Larrea was subbed at half time for Aitor Sanz and Michel, both more holding players than game changers. Eibar made their own double change and freed up defender Tejero to torment Tenerife with his inventive runs down the left. Home goalie Soriano punched away one of his crosses destined for an attackers head. Elady replaced the ineffective Bermejo on the hour and offered better options including a shot that fell kindly to the keeper after hitting a post. Mellot tried to screw a shot along the line and beyond the visiting stopper but the angle was too tight. Pomares had a clear target but shot into the crowd.

Eibar showed how it should be done as Tenerife pushed up, he lobbed a loose ball long and high into the home net to take a late lead. Coach Ramis reacted by replacing Pomares with fellow defender Alex Muñoz, an odd call for a team witht the game running away from them. A hard task became harder after Molledo was sent off, Michel added a booking in injury time, his 5th of the season, both players will sit out the next game. Bookings are a long term curse for Tenerife teams and very frustrating for the coach. After 11 of 42 games, Tenerife sit in 7th place and need to rewind to their early season form. Another bumper 9,348 crowd kept the vocal support loud and proud, they will be hoping Tenerife can exploit a run of games of lesser rated opposition.

Power up your magic marker and tick these off. Awkward lowly visitors, a suicidal home sending off, a brilliant in at the deep end degut from a local born youth player, and a CD Tenerife performance full of resilience and character. Newly promoted Amorebieta staged a late rally but found Tenerife in resolute form to seal a 2-1 home win in front of a 12, 572 crowd in Santa Cruz.

Coach Ramis again proved himself with the home line up. Jose Leon relieved Carlos Ruiz in the centre of defence and excelled while the old war horse rested his bruises and stitches. Enric Gallego was also rested after early injury retirements from the last two games. Alex Bermejo got a recall to support Elady and Sam Shashoua at the sharp end. Alexandre and Sam created early pressure but the green shirted visitors had their moments. A hanging cross could have been a problem if goalie Soriano hadnt raced across his goal mouth to claim the ball.

Elady was revelling in the main strikers role , he was shaep to tuck in a half chance after goalie Santamaria failed to prevent the opening goal as he fell awkwardly. The keeper had to be taken off and replaced by understudy Saizar. Tenerife were looking comfy until Mellot ripped the game open with a clumsy retaliation followed by plenty of verbals to earn a double yellow sending off. It meant a frantic seven minutes before the break. The French offenders natural replacement at right back, Shaq Moore was away on USA duty so Ramis gave a home debut to 21 year old David Rodriguez, he had a great game and made some timely tackles.

Nerves were still raw when a poor headed clearance from Sipcic opened the second half. A double change just before the hour saw Michel Herrero and Mollejo come on for Ruben Diaz and Elady. A wild high boot ftom an Amorebieta defender  led to a VAR penalty for Tenerife after 64 minutes. Sam was cooler than a Dorada from the fridge as he stroked the spot kick past the goalie. The breathing space was welcome but Amorebieta kept pressing and from a corner Etxaburi pulled one back for a tense final 20 minutes.

Alex Muñoz for Aitor Sanz and Sergio Gonzalez for Sam Shashoua rightened things up and it was Tenerife who had the best remaining chances. Mollejo streaked away down rhe right but launched his shot just over the bar. The depth of the home squad was yet another plus in a season that is promising so much. Still in 4th place, Tenerife will be looking for local derby bragging rights at Las Palmas next Saturday.

It may be just 115 metres high but Montaña Chayofita opens windows onto Los Cristianos . It´s past, and ever evolving present and future are put into glorious perspective. Accessed from the track opposite Parque Santiago 6 , the collapsed volcanic cone has a clear rising circular path.

The table top Roque del Conde is the 1001 metre inland guardian at the southern end of Tenerife. The Arona outdoor pool, and sports centre  look welcoming from the elevated position as the modern snaking Green Mile Bridge seems like a Scalextric circuit as it vaults the bypass to Playa de Las Americas. Of course the sea is soon calling as the path rises to reveal the ferry port and Playa de Los Cristianos as it stretches away to the foot of Montaña Guaza. The skyline has changed dramitcally as hotels and apartments have marched out from the fishing community.

In times of crisis the ferry port has been a vital artery to the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma. Often it¨s summer forest fires that need help but the recent volcnic eruption of Teneguia  on La Palma has required a constant stream of diverse emergency support services. Currently debate centres on the need for an alternative port at Fonsalia, the west coast closest point between Tenerife and La Gomera. Others favour expansion of Los Cristianos.

All is calm below on the 700 metre long Playa Las Vistas. A rock peninsula with fountain is a popular landmark but planning follies are close at hand. A half built mansion has scarred the mountian for decades, and a recent white elephant complete with crane defies logic and coastal protection laws. The long established sandy coloured Los Torres twin towers and the sky blue Mare Nostrum Resort pop up on many a holiday snap.

The mountain path comes full circle before dipping down and giving views of another modern addition, Arona Court, an imposing sight in front of the Golf Las Americas course. Back in the base of the cone, modern gives way to ancient as the black rocks reach out from across the centuries. A service road to the half mansion screams  private property, next to a newer official Arona council sign proclaiming Montaña Chayofita Camino (walk) , one of many contradictions to the areas status. Back in 2013 I watched a horse based challenge on the mountain road involving sortija type jousting to spear overhead metal rings.

Whatever your outlook, Montaña Chayofita is quite an eye opener and is like spinning a rack of old postcards of Los Cristianos.

Green fingers were restored to good health for “the gardener” at Plaza de las Flores in Guimar. As sculptures don´t get frost bite, a previously chipped hand was glad of some wrapping to ensure a return to blooming pride. The fountain was pouring and a good scattering of visitors took time out on the benches. Among the well trimmed greenery, dogs were discouraged from leaving their mark.

It was a step off point for me involving the recently improved Valle de Guimar Titsa bus network. A scenic zig zag ride down to Candelaria racked up plenty of new ideas for walks and visits. The Guimar link 127 route crossed the TF1 motorway and mestled in Plaza de La Villa de Teror, a short stride from the beaches and the Plaza de Basillica to check on some more stone casualties.

Constant powerful waves had eroded the ground from under four of the statues of the Guanche kings at the end of 2020 but now restoration was underway at a cost of 602,338 euros. Six months should see the nobel figures back on firm bases by December 2021. Even with the work going on the sea was throwing in the odd bigger wave, and the building site setting  would have dented anyones pride, but neither the interuption or cheeky seagulls could phase the kings.

The plaza was compensating with a homage to local born artist Dimas Coello. A full range of events were scrolling out through 2021 and samples of his work were spread across the busy plaza. Rejuvination was in the air, a few bars and cafes had opemed outside terraces during the restrictive Covid measures that denied inside gathering. A makeover was also underway at the nearby cultural centre, the year long huge nativity scene was covered but will hopefully return with a new artisitc look.

Back at Plaza de La Villa de Teror there was a new urban transport initiative involving pre ordered taxis on five set routes to open up the remote coastal and high altitude villages for the elderly and those with limited mobility. A similar scheme has already trialled in Fasnia with much success. Looking firther north along the coast, Las Caletillas is about to receive a 2 million euro upgrade of the promenade and beach areas over the course of 14 months. All these projects will go a long way to lift the recently under fire economy – and lure me back for regular check ups.

Was that a stoney glint in Agatha Christie´s eyes? Maybe it was anticipation of the fourth festival in her name in Puerto de la Cruz. The 5 to 14 November homage to the British crime writing legend is based on her time in the north Tenerife city writing a short story called “The Enigmatic Mr Quinn”. It was just one of the events waiting to welcome people back to the coastal delight.

Just a month after the restart of the TITSA 343 bus service between Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, and Puerto de la Cruz had a dozen passengers on board, a good increase on my last trip under the Covid restrictions. On and offs at Tenerife South, and Tenerife North airports still left a half full bus when I bailed out at La Paz on the outskirts of the city centre. Agatha´s statue had new friends, two yellow shirted ladies offered information and advive under the city´s Safe Tourism banner. The cafes down the wide walkway to Playa Martianez were bristling with customers.

A mix of hot sun, mingling crowds and big waves all added to the busy vibe, and it was good to see hotels with open windows and busy balconies. The return of the scrawny parrots for photo sales was not so welcome, at least there was something more imaginative in the form of a wood art guitar bike. It featured initials of the worlds greatest players and a few young passers by twanged out some great riffs. The back street murals had been joined by a few new additions, notices promised that the next day the returning street market would provide more reasons for exploring the back streets.

Heading out to the rough car park parade overlooking Playa Jardin, the new face of the city was emerging. All traces of the old outdoor swimming pool were gone as the 8 million euro aquatic centre rose from the shallow end. Next door, the El Penon football stadium was ready for its new beighbour and will again show its versatility as a venue by staging Penon Rock on 15 October. Last year it staged two days of similar music under tougher Covid restrictions. Back in the centre of town, Timanfaya Cinema was offering regular music shows with tribute acts like Robbie Williams, in the Sala Teatro.

My bus ticket was demanding more miles, so I headed up to Los Realejos Alto and the Ayuntamiento building at the top of the town. Photo art filled the council plaza, full marks for hospitality, they invited me inside their historic building. Passing a small open public library and a stained glass version of the municipality crest, I was able to look down on the art exhibits from the balcony. The photos were part of a competition for students in the local photography course – very impressive.

More bus routes and stops had been added to the streets that unwound down to Los Realejos Bajo. I tried the 390 route for some different views on its way past the popular eatery El Monastario. My hunger was fuelled for another trip soon to try the steep path up to the isolated church of La Montaneta

Carbon copy goals from Moreno snatched three points for visitors Mirandes, the final on the last gasp of injury time. Tenerife had looked to have done just enough thanks to a Michel Herrero penalty just before half time, but they needed a second half goal to keep the sparky visitors at bay.

Coach Ramis took some of the blame, bringing off the always dangerous Sam Shashoua to be replaced by extra defender Pomares with 10 minutes to go. A quick breakaway and Moreno sped down the left, rounded the home defence and slotted the ball past Soriano to set the nerves jangling, his late late encore followed a similar route and was the last touch of the game for a 1-2 Mirandes win. All this was played out against the background of the volcanic eruption on the neighbouring Canary Island of La Palma just prior to kick off. Home fans showed their solidarity with a minutes applause for the affected islanders.

Mirandes weren´t expected to be a tough test, they soon showed they were not just going to roll over. Hassan drove most of their early threats. Elady was sharp for Tenerife, his best first half chance was a shot that drifted away from the goal on the half hour. As the 9,957 crowd were settling for a 0-0 half time break, Michel Herrero was upended in the box and squeezed home a penalty that should have been the launch pad to victory.

Ramis was thinking ahead to two tough away games when he subbed right back Mellot in the break, the French defender had been booked so it was a wise move. Replacement Shaq Moore also gives more attacking options down the flank. Frustration built as the second half wore on and Mirandes discovered some ambition. Sam Shashoua hit the woodwork, and Soriano made a fine save for the home side. The leveller was a shock to Tenerife, and they failed to recover from it.

The ref added a generous portion of extra time and Moreno tried his luck and sneaked the winner just before the whistle blew. Tenerife were not at their recent best but still remain in 4th spot. It makes for added pressure in the next two consecutive away games that will be a test of character and bekief. Hopefully this loss will be taken as a hard but valuable lesson.

Teno rural park, the pools, caves, and peaks of Erjos, and the last big volcanic eruption site at Chinyero. They are all linked by popular walking trails, but dig deeper into the soil of this north western corner of Tenerife and a common bond is revealed. A trip to the El Tanque Eco Museo will show how a special bond between nature and people was forged by hard work and respect.

Nestling between a pine forest and and view to the distant ocean, a huddle of renovated 17th century farm buildings with courtyards, threshing circles, and even spme small caves to shelter goats, have plenty of tales to tell. An ancient plough stands proud on the roundabout by the entrance ro the museum, just above the Los Llanos turning where Santiago del Teide blends into Erjos. A short walk up from the Titsa bus stop by Bar Fleyta or a drive to the ample car parking of the museum is all that´s needed.

Inside the FREE museum, old rural tools are complimented by interactive display screens in English, Spanish, and Germman, with GR codes ready to give phone access to personal testimonies from people who have worked the volcanic enriched soil. There´s even solar panels to save energy – very ancient meets modern.

There were no such short cuts in the past, seasons were long and hard with ground being broken, fertilised and seeded before a range of cereals and potatoes could be grown. Threshing was also a long process of around six weeks with cereal crops dried in the sun and then raked over by a threshing board pulled by oxen or horses. Whole families would take part, it was a big social event with songs, stories, and meals shared as they worked. Every year a threshing fair still takes place in the last week of July to preserve and celebrate yhose traditions.

Large picnic areas now encourage visitors to linger on their visit. The museum is open every day except Monday, from 1st June to 30 September from 11 am to 6 pm, and from 1st October to 31st May – 10.30 am to 5.30 pm. The museum can arrange group visits and tours, just contact them via the website. Whether your rural knowledge is a seedling or fully grown, the museum will make you feel closer to nature.

Confidence oozed through CD Tenerife as transfer window signings flicked the on switch for a convincing 2-0 home win over Segunda Division leaders Ponferradina.

Elady, and Enric Gallego were big and bustling up front sewing seeds of doubt in the visitors defence and providing clear targets for their team mates to pick out. Elady was denied twice in early play by the Ponferradina goalie and when the away side made it to the hosts end, goalie Soriano, another summer arrival,was in solid form to seize the ball. It wasn´t just about the new faces, Tenerife held on to last seasons gems despite envious eyes from other clubs, it made for an encouraging blend of the defensive discipline installed last season by coach Ramis, and a bold new belief.

Sam Shashoua laid off some tempting balls for the front two and full back Alex Muñoz used the left flank as his own personal playground. Veteran centre back Carlos Ruiz had a cheeky claim for a penalty when bundled over but the ref didn´t oblige. Ponferrasina faded fast and offered little, half time was reached with no goals but that looked sure to be temporary as Tenerife were calling the tune.

The arrival of deadline day recruit Mollejo, a 20 year old loanee from Atletico Madrid, added to the attacking vibe. Lively and hungry for the ball, the new boy showed creativity and within five minutes Elady had grabbed the lead, pouncing on a poor clearance before placing it wide of the goalies reach. Coach Ramis kept up the tempo by adding local striker Ethyan for Enric who departed to generous applause from the 6,940 Covid limited crowd. Masked fans were not deterred by the vlistering heat and belted out the much missed terrace anthems.

The best was yet to come. Defender Alex Muñoz doesn´t score many goals but they are usually spectacular. This time he latched onto a through ball, waltzed through three defenders and unleashed a fierce shot into the Ponferradina net. The clincher was watched from the visitors bench by Naranjo, subbed for being as ineffective as he was during two seasons with Tenerife. There is a lot more to come from the resurgent Tenerife squad, they played with a dash of style and plenty of heart. Tougher challenges lie ahead but the squad has lots of positional options and competiton for places in the starting eleven.

Candy striped and 167 feet tall, the most modern of two lighthouses can be seen from Los Cristianos beach in the south of Tenerife. Answering its call with two friends, we uncovered the harsh but beautiful coastal history of lava fields, salt production, and moody seas. Malpais de la Rasca is the protected cultural heritage site but we started out at the fishing village of Las Galletas. Freak waves had punched a gaping hole in the beach promenade, a reminder that this stretch of twinkling blue sea could pack a punch anytime it chose to. The modern marina soon faded as small coves and crunching shingle led us through tall spikey cardones plants. Rock pools abounded as a meandering path climbed and dipped. Shade arrived alongside huge plantations of bananas that looked enough to feed an army of monkeys.

A notice and the rearing tower of the 1978 built lighthouse announced the entrance to the malpais (badlands). Dried pools harked back to the days when sea salt was harvested from the waves that buffeted the coast. There were other welcome uses for these small puddles of water. Tabaiba plants sprout in clusters around the lava field, the toxic armaga variety sprinkled in a pool would induce a drunk like state making the delirious fush easy to grab.

The squat buildings near the sea beacon are from the 1898 original lighthouse, built from stone quarried from Guaza mountain were for the lighthouse keepers family, and the lamp room which needed lighting by hand from acetylene gas. There was no such burden  on our visit, just a few young sun bathers on the nearby outcrops of rock, oblivious to the daily dramas that used to play out as ships were kept well away from the rocks.

Pushing on into the lava fields, we followed an uneven surface a few yards back from the sea. It must have been a slow and uncomfortable procession for herders, cattle, and traders. Some of the old stone huts (goros) still remain at least in part, they would have provided welcome relief from unexpected turns in the weather and any accidents on slippy surfaces. In recent years people have built illegal shacks on the protected zone, a few weeks before our visit a big clean up removed 1,335 kilos of rubbish. that doesn´t mean it´s lifeless out there, some 40 species of reptile call the area home.

Guaza mountain and the modern developments of Palm Mar steered us past the old protective fort and onto even roads to a small promenade. Familiar landmarks over in Los Cristianos looked enticingly close but its a choice of a steep up and over the mountain or our chosen route up the main street of Palm Mar to the busy bus road back into Los Cristianos. The mountain is worthy of a dedicated walk in its own right with a track up the spine to the radio mast park at the peak. A few bars in Palm Mar ensured we cot some cooling liquids after a hot 2.5 hour stroll. Rasca is a taste of tradition and a connection to tougher times.