The journey continues at the sound of a gentle breeze, to the rhythmic noise of the engine of the ship and the hooting of seabirds hovering over the sea. Little by little the islands are close to our eyes, the flat islet and great deserted cover our horizon; in the back we get a glimpse of covert the smallest island. Tentatively the sunrays unveil the veins of the rocky islands, it is as if someone had painted layers of different shades from the top to the coast these stone walls, streaks of colors intersect the dark volcanic lava in shades that go from a yellow-brown tone to brick, sparkle with green vegetation . The porous escarpments torn by winds end in caves bathed in gray pebble and even the water changes color, the sea is has a hypnotic blue that cries for our bodies, it feels like a dive. Finally we arrived to the cove which overlooks the house of the vigilantes of nature. It's time to put your feet on the ground. The soil is curious, seems like brown gravel, mottled by small tufts of plants, trying to glimpse the size of top of the great desert, we are blinded by the sun, but nothing stop us of appreciating the grandeur of this wilderness mountain. Doubts arise about the path that will lead the group of 20 people to the summit swell. After all it is difficult to visualize the track, however, nothing discourage hikers from Club free foots. Normally visitors can not hike in the big desert exception is made to this group for their role in nature conservation, three hours to reach the top, so is time to leave. Interestingly, the invisible rail appears in to form of stairs carved into the rock, there are hundreds, all attention is needed, because of the loose rock, but the experienced guards accompany us on this unique adventure. It is not the same as making one levada. There are no trees, no plants along the way, just rock and the endless sea. At the summit, the scenery is breathtaking. There is nothing beyond 360 degree sea and they see for the first time Madeira from the deserted island point of view. After inhaling a new golf of air the descent requires even more attention because of the slippery ground. Along the coast there is a pre-defined path, a visit tour, which allows us to understand the importance of this so unpredictable ecosystem. I did not spotted any monk seal, no nun of Bugio, or shearwater sorry to say, but in return we were targets of attention bold devouring lizards that did not hesitate to try to find food in the backpacks and climbed up our legs without any fear. There were a lot of screams and laughter due to the boldness of these blacks and fearless lizards. Time for a dip in the clear and warm waters. It is impossible to describe the pleasure of swimming surrounded by this almost idyllic landscape, toasted with a little rain, due to the microclimates of these islands. It's time to leave, little by little; time is always scarce when the experience is unforgettable. The anchor is hoisted and the trip back faces a new challenge, the wind rose, the sea is stung and the sailboat intercuts the white waves spraying all of salt foam. I feel a thrill in these days of troubled waters, a strong sense of being alive and a feeling that draws a smile on my face, despite the navigation somewhat troubled by the constant rocking of the boat everyone has fun and here we are again on the shore, tired but happy. See you next year.
