HORTA
The Azores are 9 small islands in the Atlantic. 1800 miles
from Bermuda, 1200 miles from the UK, 800 miles from the main land of
Portugal. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azores) There
are nine major Azorean islands and an islet cluster, in three main groups.
These are Flores and Corvo, to the west; Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial in the centre; and São Miguel, Santa Maria, and the Formigas Reef to the east. They extend for more than
600 km (370 mi) and lie in a northwest-southeast direction.They
are effectively in the middle of nowhere.
They are volcanic, so steep sided, lush and with few
beaches. They are stunning. Flowers grow all along the roadside, bright blue
hydrangeas and agapanthus at this time of year. The people are very friendly
and most speak good English. The islands themselves are Portugese. The food is
cheap and plentiful and a welcome change from the Caribbean. Russell and I both
bought loaves of bread on the same day and it was no problem at 70 cents, had
it been in Bermuda it would have been $5 per loaf.
The ARC Europe Rally makes Horta in Faial the first port of
call. This means you miss Flores and Corvo which are 150 miles away. Many who
do not do the rally chose to stop here as it is closer. The pictures look
lovely and had we not been doing the rally we would have visited.
Horta is a bustling and busy harbour. It boasts the biggest
Muriel in the guiness book of records. Myth has it that it is bad luck to leave
without painting a picture on the wall. Ethan, our artist came up with a new
design for the wall and was very specific in how it should be painted.
Horta is also famous in yachting circles for the Sports Bar
run by Peter. There are a number of Peter replica bars and merchandise shops
throughout the Azores and mainland Portugal. They are in no way the same as the
original, which is small and very personal and was the meeting place for ARC
sundowners, and lunch and late night drinks…etc…
We enjoyed a few days in Horta, recuperating from our long
trip. We enjoyed a meal out at a restaurant where you cook your food on a
volcanic piece of rock. Ironically, I said I wanted a night off cooking and we
ended up there. I guess I only had to cook my own dinner and not everyone
elses. The kids thought it was excellent and Oli spent ages cooking his pieces
of steak, just how he likes them.
We enjoyed visiting the continent supermarket and seeing
food prices plumet. This was the same as the marina price which drops to €12
including water and electric. A shower costs €2 and you get a piece of soap and
towel. I decided to wash clothes using the wonderwash as the walk to the washing
machines was a lengthy one and also expensive at €8.
We said goodbye to Shaun our crew on Thursday morning. Such
a shame he didn’t get more time to explore.
The prize giving was on the 1st of June. We enjoyed a half
day coach tour of the island before ending up a the volcano centre. The Kailani
surfers wished they had a skateboard to ride down the hill on and then as if by
magic two lads came down the hill on them. They got chatting and were offered
the chance to ride down the steep and winding road to the shore. The lads said
it was too steep and after a couple of tries, the kailani boys admitted defeat
and handed back the boards. We headed into the centre to enjoy local wine and
canapés, which turned out to be a fantastic spread of meats, cheese and bread
that served as dinner. The icing on the cake was us winning the leg.
Sailing in an old whaling boat. Well more paddling as there was no wind.
The Beautiful and breath taking view into a caldera. Obviously if it is not cold and misty.
We might not beable to see it, but we know how far it is....
Just shows the difference a few feet up can make. This is the same day. Sun is shining and the agapanthus are stunning.
Our new Hawaiian friends from Kailani. Showing off their dry land surfing skills. Taylor and Wyatt.
Winning the Leg from Bermuda to the Azores. Spot the contrasting reactions. I guess Ethan and i were a little more enthusiastic than Russell and Oli. Nick from Johannem, another Moody owner, celebrating with us.
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