gmurran

Driving through Madeira feels like stepping into a painting—layers of vivid greens, bursts of wildflowers, and the sweet scent of eucalyptus and laurel trees drifting through the air. Every bend in the road reveals a new shade, a new view, and a reminder of nature’s raw beauty.

Awe-inspiring Pico do Arieiro at night.

With no moon and perfect conditions, it was the ideal opportunity to capture the Milky Way above the clouds. As the last of the sunset glow faded and the crowds cleared out, I stayed behind in the silence of the mountains, watching the stars slowly fill the sky. It was one of those rare moments where everything aligns—location, timing, and sky clarity.

But nature had other plans too. The wind at the summit was relentless, making it incredibly tough to get a steady shot with my travel tripod. Still, I managed a few frames before the conditions pushed me to call it a night. Nice to meet fellow photographer
for a few minutes.

One thing I still can't understand—why anyone would litter such a place. I decided not to remove the can from the photo, even though I did take it home... in my camera bag.

A few lessons learned: bring a wider lens, and definitely a sturdier tripod when you’re standing on top of a mountain at midnight. But even with the challenges, it was an unforgettable couple of hours beneath the stars. If I had more time and didn't have a longer drive home I would have stayed and tried to get a better composition.

Guindaste Viewpoint, Faial — dramatic cliffs, wild Atlantic, and a deep sense of isolation. The light wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for, but just before sunrise, a few fleeting moments of colour made the early start worth it. 🌅🌊 Another marvellous viewpoint.