Irish break record crossing Atlantic from La Gomera

The winning Irish team on arrival in Antigua (Image: Atlantic Campaigns)

This winter's Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (click here to see previous posts about the race) has been won by an Irish team who set a new record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic by a team of five rowers. They managed to row  from San Sebastian de La Gomera to Antigua in just 33 days 12 hours and 38 minutes.  

The team comprised of Tom Nolan, Diarmuid Ó Briain, Shane Culleton, Gearoid O'Briain and Derek McMullen crossed the finish line of the The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge Saturday evening. They were rowing under the team name, 'Row Hard or Go Home', and set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 12 December 2022.They broke the previous record set by 'The Ocean 5' team, who completed the same race in 35 days 19 hours and 50 minutes in 2019.

The five lads had to endure storms and other difficulties during their crossing of the Atlantic in aid of the RNLI and other charities. Today many of their competitors are still far out at sea trying to complete the race including two other Irish teams, a four-person team, also rowing under the name 'Row Hard or Go Home', only has about another 130 nautical miles to go and is currently in 11th place, and solo rower Jamie Carr. He is competing under the name 'Nothing Ventured'  and currently placed second in the solo race with over 1,000 nautical miles still to row.

Another Irishman, Gavan Hennigan from Galway, had previously set a record in 2017 with his impressive solo row in the same event, known as 'the world's toughest rowing race'. He crossed the Atlantic from La Gomera in 49 days and 12 hours on his own.

A Happy Christmas To All

Image taken just before Christmas 2022 in Vueltas, Valle Gran Rey

Tragic death of popular publican

Manolo in his small bar (Image source Facebook)

Manolo, a good friend of mine and the popular former owner of 'Bar Teguerguenche' in La Puntilla, better known simply as 'Manolo's' was tragically killed when he was knocked down by a car on Valle Gran Rey's main thoroughfare recently. Emergency services attended quickly but despite their efforts he died at the scene of the shocking accident.

Manolo was an avid soccer supporter and had a massive collection of jerseys and fan items in his bar, where many were added by customers from all over the world. He also attended every match of the local Valle Gran Rey soccer club and even closed his bar for those occasions. 

He was also one of the few remaining publicans that actively supported live music of all kinds and often went out of his way in the difficult task to obtain licences and permits for many events outside his bar (and some even inside the tiny establishment), while also making sure his neighbours were not disturbed late. Some famous musicians as diverse as Peter van Hooke (Van Morrisson band, Mike & The Mechanics, etc.) and renowned Irish uilleann piper Mickey Dunne, plus many more played there and Manolo treated every musician like royalty.

Furthermore his good English attracted a lot of English speakers, often seeking advice with the refreshments, and he had a special welcome for the Irish. Last but not least the food and snacks he served in very cramped but spotlessly clean conditions was excellent and his was the best hamburger in Valle Gran Rey, that's what the locals always knew. He seemed to have four arms and four legs as he managed to do all of this on his own most of the time.

He was taken from us in his mid 50s and will be sorely missed by all. RIP Manolo.

Prettiest village of Spain officially is in La Gomera

 Seen from the 'Mirador de Abrante' viewpoint: Spain's most beautiful village is1000 feet below, and 

  the Atlantic ocean is a further 500 feet below La Gomera's historic and stunningly beautiful small town

I've always said it and several publications did same over many years: the prettiest village, or town as the locals would call it, in the Canary Islands and even all of Spain perches on La Gomera's north coast and is named Agulo. The village with its twin 'centres' sits close to and high above the rugged Atlantic coastline and offers spectacular views of neighbouring island Tenerife. 

The town and its municipal rural area is home to just over 1.000 residents and sits below sheer vertical cliffs with Garajonay national park above in the mountains. Agulo is best viewed first from the breathtaking viewpoint with a restaurant and glass-floored skywalk hanging onto the clifftop. However the serene town itself with its historic buildings and maze of narrow lanes is a must-explore and worth paying an extended visit. 

British daily 'The Times' earlier this year promoted the fact that Agulo has been officially selected as the prettiest village in all of Spain. They described the source of their article thus:

''...In a land of such bounty it’s not easy to pick Spain’s prettiest villages. There are 7,582 municipios with a population of 15,000 or fewer, and you could argue until las vacas come home over which has the most dramatic castle or most charming plaza, or conjures the best magic with flowers, water, sunshine and shade.   

Alternatively you could ask the experts. Founded in 2011 Los Pueblos Mas Bonitos de España is a highly selective association of villages deemed the nation’s prettiest. To be considered the community must have a population of 15,000 or fewer and have “an architectural or natural heritage” — in other words, it has to be pretty. It is then judged by the association according to 29 criteria, including “the harmony of windows, doors etc”, “the aesthetic treatment of overhead lines” and — crucially in the 21st century — “the existence of artisans”.

Those (villages, Ed.) that pass selection become part of a highly selective club that comprises just 105 members — or the top 1.4 per cent of all Spanish villages. ...''

Agulo won the Spanish title in 2022 and it's easy to see why. I nearly moved there when I first came to La Gomera, such were the charms of this town. There's little tourism and most visitors are day-trippers from Tenerife that you'll only see passing through around lunchtime. Most other times you'll have the beauty of the village almost to yourself.

By the way, Fyffes, the global fruit and fresh produce company headquartered in Ireland, once owned land and premises in and around Agulo from the late 1890's for many years. They grew bananas there and later tomatoes as well for export directly to Europe via packing facilities and a crane at a small beach and rocks just below Agulo town. 

Anyway, 'The Times' described Agulo as follows:

''1. Agulo, La Gomera

Eleven hairpins from a black rock beach and hidden in banana plantations amid an Escher-like confusion of terraces lies the village of Agulo. Such is the might of the surrounding topography, and the colonial beauty of its cobbled lower town, that you can feel at times that you’re in Peru. Come for the hiking on marked trails that offer views of Tenerife and El Teide, or through the rainforests of the Garajonay National Park. Choose carefully: some are Andean in scale. Stay dead centre in the historic Casa de la Oje. It’s basic, with sea views, but charming nonetheless.''

Here's more posts about Agulo and the spectacular viewpoint (click)...

                                                       © lagomera1.blogspot.com

Storm Hermine: Heavy rain in Canaries - WARNING

                                                                             Archive image

A tropical storm named Hermine has formed north of the Cabo Verde Islands and is moving slowly north towards the Canary Islands. The associated heavy rainfall is imminent in the Canaries and warnings have been issued by the Spanish authorities for today, Sept. 24th 2022, tomorrow, and Monday. The American National Hurricane Centre has also issued a public advisory in its latest bulletin:

BULLETIN
Tropical Storm Hermine Advisory Number   4
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL102022
800 AM CVT Sat Sep 24 2022

...HEAVY RAINS EXPECTED THROUGH THE WEEKEND FOR THE CANARY
ISLANDS...
...FLASH FLOODING POSSIBLE IN HIGHER ELEVATIONS...

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Hermine is expected to produce 3 to 6 (75
to 150 mm) inches of rainfall with localized higher amounts up to 10
inches (250 mm) across the Canary Islands through this weekend. This
rainfall may cause some flash flooding in areas of higher terrain.

These rainfall amounts are especially hazardous after years of drought in the Canaries. Rockfalls and landslides can be expected. Do not walk or drive in the mountains. The Canarian government has issued the a ''maximum alert'' and recommends to avoid all travel and all outdoor activities. Traffic disruption is to be expected. All events have been cancelled. Flooding in valleys and all lower regions is also possible. Thunderstorms have been predicted which can deposit extreme amounts of precipitation in a short space of time. The western Canary Islands are most at risk and for these level orange warnings have been issued for La Gomera (even red for parts of La Palma island and same for all of El Hierro island), as well as numerous public advisories by local authorities. Rainfall may accumulate up to 30mm in just one hour in La Gomera

One bit of good news is that winds won't be extreme, but still an added hazard with warnings in place of peak gusts of around 70 km/h, but possibly higher in exposed mountain areas.

Below is a summary of the warnings issued for tomorrow, Sunday 25th of Sept. 2022:

Body discovered in Tuesday's fire outbreak

The scene of the fire near Playa del Ingles (Image: Bomberos Valle Gran Rey)

A fire broke out in Valle Gran Rey on Tuesday afternoon around 4pm. The small area of scrubland affected is close to the minor road between La Playa and Playa del Ingles, near art gallery Oasis. The local voluntary fire brigade arrived quickly on the scene and the fire was subsequently brought under control. However, when the area was checked more thoroughly a male body was discovered. Rumour has it that the fatality is a Swiss citizen and that a small gas container had exploded. Another person is said to have narrowly escaped the flames uninjured. The Guardia Civil police continue to investigate the incident.

Tuna fair in Playa de Santiago tomorrow

Tomorrow, Saturday July 9th 2022, Playa de Santiago in La Gomera's south will host a 'Tuna Fair' from 10am with cookery demostrations, fish and wine pairings, free tapas, children's events, market stalls, live music and surprises. All is themed around fresh tuna, as Playa de Santiago's port is where most of La Gomera's tuna catch is landed and all along the south coast you can still see the ruins of several tuna canneries.

Police station moved to the harbour of Valle Gran Rey

La Gomera's president Casimiro Curbelo speaking at the opening of the new Guardia Civil post (Image: gomeraverde.es)

Valle Gran Rey's Guardia Civil police station has recently moved from its previous location in La Playa to the harbour of Valle Gran Rey. The refurbished building on the pier in front of the fishermen's co-op once housed the office of the 'Garajonay Express' direct ferry, but had been vacant for years since the termination of said ferry connection. Now the Guardia Civil police have relocated to what is meant to be their permanent station in Valle Gran Rey, and NOT to 'Casa Maria' as I reported as an April fool's joke last year..., but who knows if the Policia Canaria or some other Spanish police force is not eyeing that vacant building to cover the western side of Valle Gran Rey ?

Fiesta in honour of St. John

...and don't forget, there's also bonfire night St. John's Eve. Find out more...
 

Playa de Santiago seen from the sea just after sunrise

Ferry 'Benchi Express' to run soon again

The 'Benchi Express' passenger ferry entering the harbour of Playa de Santiago a few years ago

The reopening if the so-called interior ferry line between the ports of Valle Gran Rey, Playa de Santiago and San Sebastian de La Gomera will soon become reality when the purpose built ferry owned and run by the Fred. Olsen ferry company will re-establish the service. The 'Benchi Express', a catamaran type passenger ferry, suspended all services with the beginning of the pandemic in March 2019 and the vessel was first mothballed and later serviced the connection between Playa Blanca in Lanzarote and Corralejo in Fuerteventura, where post-pandemic tourism recovered first. It has a capacity of 250 passengers and boasts a cafeteria and kennels for pets, but again it will not sail to Tenerife. However its sailings will be timed to connect with the large Fred. Olsen car ferry to Los Cristianos in Tenerife with three voyages in both directions per day . Tickets will be again be sold online and through special vending machines in Valle Gran Rey and Playa de Santiago. These will also give up to date information on sea and weather conditions and real-time arrival and departure times. It was announced by the Fred Olsen ferry company and the Canarian minister for transpot that the vessel will come back into service uniting the three La Gomera ports on the 1st of July this year.

La Gomera's stone circle to be moved

One of La Gomera's main visitor attractions is mythical La Laguna Grande in the centre of Garajonay National Park, and indeed in the centre of the island, high up in the mountains surrounded by ancient forests.

La Laguna Grande offers a small interpretative centre that explains the flora and fauna of the national park, a restaurant which is rented and run by the Fred. Olsen ferry company, public toilets, a playground, and barbecues and ovens which are popular with locals often bringing their extended families for day-long celebrations and parties. The area is also included in nearly all coach tours, bringing day trippers from Tenerife and cruise ship excursions. The popular spot is also often chock-a-block with rental cars, bikers and hikers.

 Now a major re-development of La Laguna Grande has been announced which will see the small car park between the open green area and the restaurant extended, providing three times more space. As it is now this car park always quickly fills, resulting in too many cars being parked along the dangerous main road above the area, where the coaches also must park because they cannot turn below. Trees there beside the GM-2 cannot be felled to create more parking along this main east-west artery because all flora and fauna is protected in the national park. 

 Further to this recently approved development it has been announced that the stone circle (see image above) will be moved to the beautiful park around another of the island's main attractions, the Torre del Conde in the island's capital San Sebastian de La Gomera. It had previously been suggested by the Spanish minister for culture to move the monument to a museum in mainland Spain ''to give it more protection from the elements and human interference'', but thankfully La Gomera's president Casimiro Curbelo intervened and he stated that La Gomera will not tolerate these stones leaving the island. There were also well-attended protests held in San Sebastian de La Gomera and during one of those the crowd formed a large 'human stone circle' (cadena humana de piedra) around the Torre del Conde, demanding the monuments be re-erected in front of the tower:

       The 'human stone circle' protest in San Sebastian de La Gomera recently (This image: gomeranoticias.com)

 The compromise solution now is to move the lot to the island's capital where it can be better monitored and protected, as well as making it more accessible to locals and visitors. The associated cup-marked standing stone/boulder (image below) will also be moved there. The whole operation will be supervised by a team of archaeologists and historians, to make sure the exact same alignment will be observed and that no damage is done.

 The existing small playground in the green of Laguna Grande will be augmented with a new themed amusements park with various additional rides and pleasure gardens which ''will reflect the many myths and legends associated with La Laguna Grande''. Work on the project is to begin after Easter when low season begins. It is hoped that both the newly-developed attractions and the relocated stone alignment will be open to the public again on April 1st 2023, according to Cabildo de La Gomera, the island's government. Funding has been made available with part-funding coming from the EU who praised the project as eco-friendly and a ''show-piece sustainable development which also will reduce traffic and emissions in Garajonay National Park''.

La Gomera to generate 70% of its energy from wind

Parts for the new wind turbines arriving in the port of San Sebastian de La Gomera last month (Image: gomeranoticias.com)

Finally the planned construction of wind tubines in La Gomera is going ahead and the arrival last month of the first large parts for the wind turbines heralds the end for the ageing and very smelly diesel generator driven power station in the island's capital San Sebastian de La Gomera.

The new large windmills will be constructed in three wind parks in the mountains above the capital, one of them near 'El Camello'. This desolate spot once had indeed camel stables, then it housed a discotheque and nightclub, and after that had closed down refugees from Africa were housed there in container homes.

The three wind parks, once completed, will generate up to seven megawatts of electricity and should cover 70% of the island's 10MW average demand.

The plan to generate all of La Gomera's electricity from renewable sources was drawn up in 2019 and the arrival of the first segments of the windmills was hailed as a historic moment by the authorities.

The aim is to become 100% self sufficient in electricity generation and the next step in the island government's plan is the construction of solar photovoltaic parks to augment wind energy and to provide stability of the grid. Some of the diesel generators will probably remain on stand-by.

The new windmills will hopefully be a lot more reliable and sturdy than the only two previous turbines near Epina that never worked very well. One of them even got blown down in a storm a few years ago (more here...).

New 2€ coin to feature La Gomera island

Since the end of January the Spanish national mint has begun producing commemorative two Euro coins which will not show the portrait of the king of Spain on the reverse side. Instead these new 2 Euros (above) will show La Gomera's emblematic and iconic Roque Agando (more here...) together with examples of the fauna in the island's 1.8 million years old laurisilva forest. Both can be found in Garajonay national park, the stunningly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site which covers about 11% of the entire island, and to which the new coins are dedicated.

The Spanish king probably won't mind, as he has visited La Gomera and admired its national park on several occasions.

The new coinage will come into circulation ''in the first quarter of 2022'' according to the official decree issued two months ago, so keep your eyes on any 2 Euro pieces in your change from now on. This should also be of interest to numismatologists as the 2022 commemorative issue dedicated to La Gomera will be strictly limited in numbers by the national mint.

La Gomera's oldest citizen

La Gomera's oldest citizen is Antonio Navarro from the harbour village of Vueltas in Valle Gran Rey. Born the 29th of December 1914, he just celebrated his 107th birthday and he still clearly remembers all the events and experiences during his long life. Congratulations !

Antonio once imported clothes and shoes to Valle Gran Rey and he also built apartments to rent out to tourists. This accommodation is still officially listed as 'Apartamentos Navarro' today and available to book.

UPDATE Dec.31st 2022:

Antonio just celebrated his 108th birthday, see below:

                     (source of images: Ayuntamiento de Valle Gran Rey)

UPDATE May 20th 2023:  Sad news as Antonio has passed away, RIP.

Fishing or leaping ?

The above image shows the statue near the picnic area at the Embalse de La Encantadora, the large irrigation-water reservoir near Vallehermoso in La Gomera's north-west. The lake-like reservoir contains plenty of fish, and permits for angling are available for a small fee from the local town hall. Should you catch anything, you can cook it right there as the lovely picnic area boasts ovens and barbecues, basic kitchen facilities (all under a traditional roof) and clean toilets. Most times there's even a large stack of firewood supplied for use by the public and all these facilities are free of charge. A great place for parties, too, but please inform the locals and the town hall of your plans if a larger crowd is expected to attend. The locals nearby are very helpful and it might be a good idea to invite them. They do make good wine there, you know...

The statue of the aboriginal Gomeran stands on a small headland jutting out into the artificial lake very close to the picnic area.

However, he's not holding a fishing rod, nor some type of spear. The long pole he grips was and still is used for the so-called 'salto del pastor' (shepherd's leap), a means to speedily traverse the rough and steep terrain of La Gomera. There's more about that tradition, with a video of how it's still done today here...

BREAKING: Clocks to go back two years this weekend

It's that time of the year again (see previous post) and there's

BREAKING NEWS, as reported by Waterford Whispers News below:

''AUTUMN is well and truly underway with the biannual changing of the clocks to take place this coming weekend, however, this year will be slightly different to previous years as the clocks go back a record 24 months to the year 2019, WWN can report.

“Due to Daylight Saving Time, we normally put our clocks back 60 minutes on the last Sunday in October, but due to the worldwide Covid pandemic we have decided instead to reclaim the last two years,” explained Director of Clocks Going Back, David O’Clock, “hopefully this will give everyone back the time they’ve lost and there’s absolutely no need to thank us. You’re welcome”.

The move will see October 31st, 2021, become October 31st 2019, sparking mixed emotions from across the world.

“I personally think it’s a great idea,” stated Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was due to hand over his leadership position to Leo Varadkar in December 2022, “this will be a great way to restart the roaring 20s all over again and give us time to get our party back up the polls”.

“I’d rather we change the trajectory of the earth using rocket boosters, so we crash and burn into the sun than relive another moment of 2020,” voiced one concerned man, “what sick fuck suggested this?”

Despite conflicting feelings over the two-year clock change, the Tokyo Olympics and Euro Football championships could be relaunched again in June, depending on if the clocks don’t go forward again by two years in March.

“Look, we’ll see how this goes for the time being,” David O’Clock added, “if the next year is worse than the previous two then we might just skip forward by three years to 2022 – leave it with me”. ''

© Waterford Whispers News  

(except image and heading, that's La Gomera Whistles News)

Volcanic eruption in La Palma continues explosively

La Palma banana plantation worker covered in volcanic ash (Image source:facebook)

The volcanic eruption in La Palma (click for more), the westernmost Canary Island, continues unabated and the emitted lava has now destroyed more than 500 buildings.(Ed.: the church of Todoque has now fallen victim to the advancing first lava flow, which has reactivated due to fresh hot lave running under the previous  and already cooling stream). Most of the affected properties were vaporized by the over 1.000ºC hot lava which is over twelve metres thick in places. The shocking video below demonstrates the destructive power:

The eruption which started a week ago entered a more explosive phase on Wednesday, Sept. 22nd 2021, and the volcano now emits large volumes of lava, red-hot rocks, pyroclastic material, gases and ash. The plume over the volcano is up to six kilometres high at times and has even reached central Europe, while it forced the closure of La Palma's airport. Obviously La Gomera is getting a fine dusting, too and people are advised to wear a face covering for an entirely new reason now.

The image at the start of this post demonstrates the plight of La Palma's farmers. The island's banana crop alone contributes 50% to the island's economy. Large tracts of agricultural land have also been buried under the lava which will take a long time to cool down and decades to be of any use again.

Below is a drone video of the devastation, taken a few days ago: 

The government of the Canary Islands has pledged to buy over 200 properties to relocate residents who have lost everything and a major aid programme has started to distribute essential goods to the more than 6.000 evacuees.

Friends of mine who were living just above Todoque have lost everything as their house, workshop and organic farm were right in the middle of the first lava stream. 

If you'd like to make a donation, you can do so by sending money to one of the two accounts of the municipal administration of El Paso, under whose jurisdiction the affected area is and who are trustworthy to direct the funds without costs to aid those affected. I trust them and have just donated.

To: Ayuntamiento El Paso 

Reference/Message: Erupcion Volcanica 

Bank 1: LA CAIXA, CAIXESBBXXX,  IBAN: ES26 2100 7109 3122 0015 5652 

Bank 2: CAJA SIETE, BCOEESMM076, IBAN: ES57 3076 0480 6710 0761 6723 

Explosive phase:

The cone of the main eruption which has gained a height of over 250 metres in less than a week suffered a partial collapse of its western flank after another eruptive opening began spewing lava on its northern side.

The new lava is flowing at a pace of about 30 metres per hour towards the sea while initial main stream came almost to a stop in the town of Todoque, but is now slowly flowing again.

If and when the lava will reach the sea is still not clear, but once it interacts with the Atlantic it will cause further problems as explosions and toxic gases will be generated. 

(UPDATE Ed. Tues night: Since 11pm lava is now flowing freely into the sea, after igniting and demolishing more buildings, large covered banana plantations, and the farmers co-operative building with stocks of fertilizer, which caused some toxic explosions. No personal damages are reported thanks to the precautions taken. There's now about 700 buildings destroyed or severely damaged. The eruption continues strongly and further earthquakes, some of around 3.3, were registered tonight in the vicinity of the the new volcano, suggesting a further push of fresh lava)

The tremor remains steadily strong, there are fairly regular minor quakes and some rockfalls have been reported.

How explosive the volcano has been lately can be appreciated in the video below which also captured the major explosions that shattered window panes miles away from the volcano:

Significant volcanic eruption in La Palma

Image of the new volcano taken Sunday night. Source: C7/ISMAEL SANTANA / MOISÉS RODRÍGUEZ

Just when you've had a quiet Sunday out in nature and not bothering to check yet again the recent swarm of minor earthquakes in La Palma Island, La Gomera's western neighbour, you come home late after a meal and few beers and the morning's worries are confirmed.

There's a significant volcanic eruption on La Palma in the Cumbre Viejo area and about 2.000 people have been evacuated as a precaution while the first house was engulfed by the lava flow. According to the Canary Islands press, police are preparing to evacuate several thousand more. Several hundred tourists have been evacuated and given accommodation in safe areas, according to local press.

(UPDATE Monday morning: Now more than 5.000 people have been evacuated and more than 100 houses were engulfed by the lava flow)

Image source: Canarias7/REUTERS/BORJA SUAREZ

In the municipal areas affected (El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane, Tazacorte) schools have suspended classes. The military emergency unit UME has been sent to La Palma island. There are no reports of any personal injuries, but several houses have been damaged by lava.

Fred. Olsen ferries have already given priority to emergency crews going to La Palma island and some regular passengers were refused boarding its service on Sunday, so any intending passengers should check with their ferry company if they can travel.

Image taken Sunday night, Sept. 20th 2021 (Source: canarias7.es)

The eruption is said to extend to two fissures with eight active craters separated by a distance of two hundred metres. The main crater extends to a fissure of 150 metres. The volcanic eruption started Sunday, Sept. 19th 2021 after 3 pm.

The Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez cancelled his visit to New York to go to La Palma instead and has assured the citizens of La Palma that their safety is assured and that any damages will be covered by his government. The king of Spain has pledged his 'all his support' for the people of La Palma to the Canarian president.

Live video of the eruption can be seen on Canary Islands' main TV station RTVC.

The alert level has been changed from yellow straight to RED, skipping amber.

This being a developing situation, I'll close for now as I need some sleep and will be posting more soon...

UPDATE Monday 20-09-2021, 3:15pm:

Just 24 hours after the begin of the eruption it was expected that the first lava could reach the sea tonight, after widening and flowing through a more populated area. 

There are now three main Lava flows, each of several metres thickness, advancing slowly towards the coast at a speed of about 700 metres per hour. More houses and farmland in their path have been destroyed.

UPDATE Tuesday 21-09-2021: 

A further crater has opened late yesterday and scientists say more may open. By now more than 200 houses have been destroyed and more than 6.000 people are now evacuated. The lave has still not reached the sea and has now entered the town of Todoque, slowing further and widening its path. It's still not clear when it will interact with the Atlantic, but it is now not far away anymore. The seismic activity continues with regular tremors, a few of which were felt all over La Palma island.

UPDATE SUNDAY Sept 26th, 2021 (click to read)

Below a map of probabilities of lava flow and resulting danger areas:

A plume of ash, gases and fumes has been blowing towards and over La Gomera as far as the western coast of Africa, which was observed from space. The image of the emissions was taken late on Monday (below):

Source: Copernicus

-

Below a map of seismic activity on La Palma over the two weeks before the eruption. The strongest quake measured 4.2 on the Richter scale:

(Source: Instituto Geografico Nacional)

Into The West

Taguluche and Alojera with its beautiful beach are two villages in La Gomera's west that are both well worth exploring...