Tomorrow we take off for the Portuguese island of Madeira, which is situated in the Atlantic Ocean about 320 miles west of Morocco. 

It’s a rugged, mountainous place, with drop-dead-gorgeous views (see above) — and paths to take us to them. Some of these trails are not for the faint-of-heart, but others are tame enough that I hope to hike them. 

It’s a grand adventure, and like every travel adventure, it comes with to-do’s that must be checked off ahead of time.  Most of my to-do’s are to-done — or they will be soon. They have no choice; they have to be!

(Photo: Wikipedia)