Drone flight over the Barranco de los Molinos
Barranco de los Molinos – The Breath of Fuerteventura
Today, a hike with Helmuth led me to the mysterious Barranco de los Molinos. It was a radiant, warm day, where every step carried excitement and anticipation. We started at the quiet reservoir, Embalse de los Molinos. The dark lake seemed to hold the promise of a life awakening amidst the arid vastness of Fuerteventura. In that moment, I felt alive and free.
The deep barranco unfolded before us and led us into a sea of unexpected greenery. From the steep slopes, water dripped softly and steadily – like the constant, soothing breath of the island, underscored by a distant whisper recounting stories of times gone by. Everywhere, birds chirped, accompanied by sounds rarely heard here. Except when, in the morning, we enjoyed a fresh cup of espresso on our terrace, its invigorating aroma awakening our senses. Then, little winged friends would visit, cheerfully greeting us and accompanying with their song the dreamy view of the shimmering Atlantic that continually captivates us.
The landscape around us appeared as if guarded by venerable protectors: steep slopes, small sparkling lakes, and an endless expanse of green that caressed the eye. Birds, observing us curiously from a safe distance, completed the picture wonderfully. I proceeded slowly, feeling the cool, damp ground imbued with the earthy scent of dew, and listened to the delicate symphony of nature, which whispered its secrets with every breath.
Helmuth, always with his camera in hand, ventured deeper into the barranco. With the passion of an artist reading nature like an open book, he searched for the best angles to capture the majestic slopes, the roaring streams, and the hidden lakes. As he immersed himself in his craft, I let my gaze wander over the picturesque landscape, storing every fleeting image in my heart. Nature revealed itself in its purest form – raw, untouched, and full of mysteries. A single flower, a fascinating pattern – every tiny detail became a poem that further ignited my passion for macro photography.
The path became narrower and more unpredictable. With cautious steps, I walked over the soft, damp ground, crisscrossed by the roots of ancient shrubs. The fresh green that caressed my feet and the intense, earthy aroma made me feel a deep connection to nature. Each step was a small adventure – a dance with a landscape that offered far more than what met the eye.
Suddenly, the path led us over a small stream, and an unexpected mishap occurred: Helmuth stepped on a loose stone, which shifted under his weight, and he stumbled into the water. For a moment, time seemed to stand still – only the rhythmic dripping of water and the gentle laughter of nature prevailed. Then, I too burst into amused laughter. Helmuth slowly got up, his shoes wet, but his camera remained unscathed. “Typical,” he murmured, and in that small incident we both found a reason to smile, as if every stumble were just another beat in nature’s grand concert.
We continued on our way, venturing deeper into the green valley until we reached an open oasis that glistened in the radiant sunlight. Small lakes sparkled like jewels, and the birds seemed to celebrate their freedom in a lively dance. I pulled out my camera to capture those fleeting, precious moments, imagining how one day, in the midst of that tranquility, I would simply listen to nature.
During the hike, the desire to experience this place more intensely grew within me. I imagined sitting early in the morning by a bubbling water source in the barranco, greeting the first light of day and beginning the day in silent harmony. In those quiet moments, it felt as though nature itself was speaking – every sound a promise of infinite beauty and mystery.
The path transformed into a labyrinth of nature and emotions. Amid the gentle breeze and the occasional hint of heat, a brief moment reminded me of how small I was in this vast universe. Yet that humility also gave me strength and opened my heart, allowing me to perceive nature in all its facets even more intensely.
Helmuth accompanied me the entire time; his soft laughter and calm demeanor made every step easier. With a gaze that found joy even in mishaps, he helped me traverse rocky paths and narrow passages – as if every stumble were simply another step in a great, harmonious dance.
Finally, when we reached the picturesque village of Puertito de los Molinos, nestled among gentle, rolling hills, our journey was coming to an end. We sat on the rocky beach to absorb the impressions of the day. In silence, we watched the play of the waves, while the salty scent of the sea and its gentle murmur enveloped us. Every drop, every laugh, and every quiet moment brought me closer to nature, and I knew I would return to this place.
On the way back, the day unfolded within me like a gentle veil. We hiked along the edge of the barranco – a sight that took our breath away, as if the path itself were a living painting. I was already looking forward to the drone footage Helmuth had captured before our tour, while the wind softly brushed my face and shook the dust from my shoes. Upon arriving at our Bobbycar, I watched as Helmuth removed his wet shoes. In an almost fairy-tale moment, it seemed as if nature itself whispered: “I am the silent witness to all your steps, the guardian of your memories.”
When we finally said our goodbyes, we both knew that this would not be our last excursion here. In my heart grew a steadfast desire to return, to experience nature once more in all its splendor and to feel that deep connection with every step. That day in the Barranco de los Molinos would remain forever a part of me. The memory of every laugh, every step, and every delicate sound echoed within me – an eternal whisper of nature that I would cherish deep in my heart.
