ROOM WITH A VIEW
A couple of hours ago I checked into the “Residencia” at Teide Observatory – what a breathtaking view from my window… However, since there are astronomers working here at night, by nightfall all the blinds have to be shut and the light inside has to be down to a minimum in order to guarantee the best conditions possible for astronomical observations. More from here tomorrow!

CROSS COUNTRY
Crossing the “Teide”, which divides the island in terms of climate-zones and ecosystems, you could say. Ascending from the lush, almost rainforest-like North (see previous post) of the mountain-slope; descending in the South of the mountain, where the landscape is almost desert-like. Harsh for the many  small-scale agricultural enterprises.

“MILK BOTTLE”
Before reaching the ‘moonscape’ at high altitude closer to the top of the volcano, the road takes you through a vast forest – almost rainforest-like in appearance. That is also where the clouds usually hang; or, as my host here put it – it’s like driving right into a milk-bottle…

Fantastic to be back on the road for the “deep dark _ pale blue”-Project. I arrived in Tenerife a couple of days ago and one of my first drives took me up the mighty volcano “Teide”, Spain’s highest mountain, where “Teide Observatory” is located. This is a special trip for me, as, for the first time in the course of this project, I will be able to spend a couple of nights at the observatory itself. Very exciting!