Lanzarote

 

We berthed shortly after lunch in Recife, Lanzarote, the dryest and most easterly of the Canary Islands. 

Factoid: The islands are so named because of the dogs (canines) that were found here. The birds are named after the islands. 

We boarded a bus for an excursion around the island.  Lanzarote experienced a volcanic eruption that flowed continuously from 1730 to 1736. Much of the island is covered in volcanic ash and rubble. Our first stop was a national park protecting the eruption site. 

Our second stop was a large vineyard. A unique cultivation technique enables grapes to grow, despite the lack of rain. A grape seedling is planted at the bottom of a funnel shaped excavation, 3-4m in diameter. The funnel collects the dew at night, and guides it to the seedlings. The funnel perimeter is extended above the ground by a rock wall, which provides protection for the plants from the prevailing winds. The large land areas so cultivated are an intriguing sight. 

Amazing how creative man can be when it comes to wine.