18/12/2024
Canyoning Madeira,
18.12.2024
Ribeira da Quinta Grande
After installing two new anchors on Monday and a bit of bush cutting to make this waterfall accesible again, we descided to resign due to strong wind on Monday with a bit of sadness.
BUT: We returned today to descdent this amazing two waterfalls that measure about 100 meters each.
It starts with a 20 meter rappel in the dry riverbed, just under the Levada that brings the water into the canyon. A bit of walking and downclimbing and we where back at the scene: An amazing view of the small port of Faja dos Padres about 250 further down.
Two bolts on the outward of the rock let us rappel to the anchos of the first 33 meter waterfall, which was very aquatic. There was a strong flow today. Two more bolts and off we go. The next anchor was a bit frightening, the upper bolt was loose and 2 cm of the bolt where already out. But the lower one was fine.
Another 35 meters rappel on which we needed to cross the waterline lead to the final anchor of this first huge drop.
But wait, where exactly is this anchor???
Puh, luckily we brought the driller and a few emergency bolts.
10 minutes later two brandnew, shiny 12 mm bolts where ready to be used. And off we go. 70 absolutely gorgeous meters of rappeling next to the very strong waterjet are our unforgettable memory.
Still another 100 meters waterfall to be descended. 7m to the classical Madeira hanging anchorpoint that provides low or even no rope-rock friction. 60 meters in the middle of the water, searching for the anchorpoint. "Well, it might be on this overhanging block..."
And it was. Unfortunately, at the opening of the canyon there was much less water. Resulting in a fifteen minutes stay in the water spray, until the rest of the group has rappeled down succesfully.
And just one more bolt to be placed to end up at high tide with the feet in the ocean...
Watch the pictures!
https://www.canyoning-madeira.de/home.php
