whiskychaser
02-15-2008, 07:08 PM
Today somebody sent me a link that reminded me of Madeira and I thought I'd share cos its a slow day. If you arent drawing your pension yet, you will be one of the youngest on the the plane. From memory the only places of interest were a botanical garden and a wine tasting event. I'd have gladly missed both. What is of interest is the 'airport'-the runway is on stilts. You do a circuit of the bay before landing so you get a good side view of what it is the pilot is trying to drop you on. Unfortunately there is no hook sticking out of the back of a commercial plane nor a big elastic band catch it on a la Top Gun. You fly so slowly so will swear you are going to drop out of the sky. As you approach the runway, you are actually BELOW the tarmac level. Not to worry-the concrete wall you are flying at has handy black and yellow stripes to warn you. May I suggest if you DO go, take advantage of the onboard hospitality:) Pics on this link make it look better than is:
http://deputy-dog.com/2008/01/30/i-hope-those-pillars-are-strong
http://deputy-dog.com/2008/01/30/i-hope-those-pillars-are-strong