On my quest to complete the GR131 trail across all seven of the Canary Islands, I fast packed Gran Canaria from the old fishing port of Agaete to Maspalomas. Because this effort was just a small chunk of my overall goal which required rest on this segment, and because I carried a big pack filled with camping supplies, I left a lot of time on the clock. I hope this effort inspires others to trim my record considerably and experience this incredible trail. See below for an excerpt from a blog post I wrote for this effort.
“Gran Canaria didn’t disappoint. Where else can you find mountains dipping into the ocean, Sedona and Gran Canyon, and Machu Picchu-like scenes all wrapped into one? 55 miles and 12,000 ft of gain across eroded volcanos where the north is lush and the south feels like southwest US. From tropical plants to short grass prairie and Canary Island pine groves. What a gem.
I put in 20 miles the first day but got stopped near Tejada during a nasty storm up high, so I stayed in a nearby hostel. The next day I hiked back up and continued for 35 miles. Someone stole the drop bag full of snacks and gels I left in the bushes near the start, so I’ve been living off of Iberian ham or chorizo and cheese sandwiches, which is fine by me.
Many birds on this leg, but highlights are red-legged partridge, Canary Islands chiffchaff (endemic), Eurasian blackcap, and plain swift (endemic)”