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During our week long stay in February 2019 on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands my wife Liz and I took several drives up into the volcanic highlands to look at the majestic scenery to be found there.
But what we didn't expect was just how verdant this high altitude landscape was, especially given the low rainfall in this part of the world.
Naturally, the vegegation was of the sort that could survive the harsh conditions, such as these cactus plants high in the mountains in the Tirajana region of central Gran Canaria.
You can also see some of the specialist cloud pine trees in the background, which get their water not from rainfall, but by sea mist condensing on their fine, long needles.
Just amazing, and a very welcome splash of greenery in this otherwise dry, brown landscape.
Filename - gran canaria tirajana 01.jpg
Lens - 24-105mm zoom @ 28mm
Exposure - 1/30 sec @ f11, ISO100
Filters - Polarising filter used to enhance colours.
Location - Tirajana, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
Image enhancements - Adobe Lightroom
Comments - Handheld exposure with image stabilisation.
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