The Grand Tour's first incidence of poor weather was during my hike of the Circular Mirador de Sámara trail. The hike was a loop near the the mountain of Sámara. Sámara is more of a large hill than a mountain, but it is the highest point in the immediate vicinity. The trail was similar to the Chinyero Volcano trail, albeit with a few less moon rocks. The hike started out very wet and cold. It was the first time during the trip that I've broken out my rain jacket and down coat. The stark views were beautiful and I spent a long time watching the clouds spiral around jagged mountain cliffs and rocky hillsides. It was also the second time that I noticed the extreme weather gradients that seem to be common in these mountainous coastal environments. It can be beautiful, bright, and sunny in one direction and a dark, wet, and stormy in the other. Each location maintaining their differing characteristics throughout the day. The drive back was littered with incredible views of the mountain ranges that encircle El Teide and the mountainside roads that lead back to the coast.
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