Feb 12 – now that we’ve got all that climbing and hiking out of the way, we can relax and check out the sights of the tiny village of Vilaflor.
We found some more wall artRoses blooming in February!A short walk showed us more interesting rock formations. We are on our way to see…(wait for it)…El Pino Gordo , the widest pine tree in Tenerife! This 800 year old Canary Island pine isn’t the tallest or the oldest, but it is pretty wide. You’d need at least six Jims to reach all the way around it.Tourists came by in a steady stream to take a pic in front of the tree and then move on. We didn’t want to miss that opportunity!I think this bump on the trunk looks like a lion’s profile – what do you think?Right across the street is another sign for a pine that is not quite as old or wide, but actually a bit taller. It is called… (wait for it again)… the Tree of Two Legs! So much culture here.Back in town we looked at Casa de los Soler, a fine example of Canarian architecture that was the home of the area’s richest family until the locals drove them out in the 1600s. There was also a murder here in the 1800s. Not sure if the house will be renovated.A pretty carved wooden balcony We went back to the church to find out more about the local saint. While there we spied this statue of a seated Jesus – something we don’t often see.Santo Hermano Pedro de Vilaflor was born right in this village in 1626. He traveled to Antigua, Guatemala to become a missionary in his 20s, and served there until he died in his 40s.Every morning he rang a bell to call people to Mass, hence the imagery of the hand and the bell.He was canonized in 2002 and is the first saint ever from the Canary Islands. Hometown boy makes good!Jim is a satisfied man after our dinner. A half chicken, roasted outdoors on a wooden fire, and a green salad were just what we needed. Simple, and so delicious.A view from the top of the village. Thanks for the memories Vilaflor – it’s been grand!
Taking Our Time 