Pedestrian / Cycle Paths in Costa Caleta.
The first purpose built cycle and pedestrian path to be made in Caleta de Fuste, as it was then, runs from the harbour to the disused water park / swimming pool in Nuevo Horizonte.
This was lined with palm trees of the type shown in the photographs above. The example on the left survived, but those forther along the path that were exposed to the wind did not take, and eventually died. Putting them in there was a waste of time effort and money that should have been predictable.
This type of palm tree has been used extensively to line the side of roads and cycle paths, especially in Caleta and Corralejo. Unfortunately it grows outwards at least as fast as it grows upwards and the fronds extend to around 3 metres from the base, so if they are not planted well away from the path or road they interfere with the flow opf traffic, whether it be cars, cycles, or pedestrians.
New Cycle and Pedestrian Path with Sensible Trees!
Fuerteventura has recently suffered from an infection of a beetle called picudo roja. This damages and eventually kills palm trees. This may be the reason that a different type of tree has been used to line the path that runs from the roundabout at the entrance to Caleta de Fuste to the Elba Sarah Hotel, just past the Atlantico centre. Or it has dawned on someone that the palm trees are not suitable. Either way, the new trees seem much better suited. The cycle path has been given a red coating. Coating the manholes is not a bad idea, as these can be slippery when wet, though lately there has been very little rain in Fuerteventura.
As you can see the trees are blocking the road signs on the approach to the roundabout. I gues someone put a white X on the ground and therefore trees had to be put in. There must be some suitable alternative plant that could be placed close to the road signs. The dark soil past the sign is the top soil that is being added.
© "costa-caleta.co.uk 2008"
