One of the things I love most about the rural north of La Palma is just that - it is rural. It is splendidly far away from the most populated places on the island and as such is just that bit special. And yet, with small towns located at each of the east and west corners both with their smattering of shops and a health centre, around one hour to the capital and a little more to the international airport, it can hardly be described as ’remote.’ In fact, it only takes five hours to drive right around the entire island.
In days gone by though, the relative inaccessibility of the north was just an inescapable fact of life. Families were large and generally gained a living from the land and by using natural resources. Life was undoubtedly hard although with the benefit of being one’s own master, yet in a supportive community. But as we all know, necessity (imagined or otherwise) is the mother of invention. That and the desire to see what everyone else is up to.
And so over the years, the north has become more and more accessible. Mobile phones, internet, 4 x 4 vehicles have all contributed, along with improved roads, new tunnels and of course bridges.
It is hard to believe today what work originally went into making the north more accessible - and still it continues. Quite simply, there were no roads in the old days. Travelling from one place to another was on foot, donkey or horseback. Carrying a sick person on a stretcher for hours up and down the ravines as they struggled on to seek medical help, often necessitated in all 5 people needing treatment when they arrived! So when the roads and bridges were being made, it was a requirement that everyone should literally lend a hand, each man giving up a set number of days per year to contribute to the work. And for that we are grateful.
Photo: Original bridge which lies below the asphalt road, just to the east of Roque Faro.
