Madeira sledge ride

 8/5: Into city center to take the gondola up to the top of the hill for the iconic Madeira sledge ride. When we got into town, we found a very long line for the gondola, and a cab driver offering to give us a great deal to drive us all around instead of taking the gondola. After a bit of figuring and more walking away from the busy cab/gondola area, we decided to forgo the gondola ride (as all of us have been on many gondola rides). We found a different large cab that would take us directly to the sledge ride, and wait for us at the end to take us back to the hotel. We were a little hesitant at first, as we thought we’d just get a different Bolt (their version of Uber) when we finished, but he cautioned us that getting a ride up there may prove to be quite difficult. While we weren’t confident he was right, we pulled the trigger and went with him. As we climbed and climbed up the hill, we became quite glad that we had our return trip lined up (no cabs hanging around at the top!)

Simone and Quinn shared a ride

Robo, Bob, and I shared the other

We headed back to the hotel to enjoy the last afternoon/evening at the pool and ocean.

Brandy, Neve, and Simone enjoyed the afternoon tea experience.

Our last night at the resort was fun and relaxing - HH on the patio, swimming in the pool, and our 3rd dinner at the Cliff Bar. We had thought we’d go out of the hotel for dinner, but we all enjoy the food and location so much that we decided to just stay put! A great decision once again!

Our waiter found our one missing card from the night before! The kids lost one, and we looked all over/under the table for it, and when we arrived for dinner tonight, he had it! Found it underneath one of the chair cushions! :-)

Drinks and pool in a room right off the patio

Final sunset in the rooftop bar

We loved Madeira! We could definitely stay another day or two :-)