Velas, Sao Jorge.

I took advice from everyone! Had a fizzy Vitamin C drink for breakfast, Stugeron (25mg) and the wrist bands! The passage was calm and enjoyable no rolly wave motion and I felt fine throughout ! (note to remind myself to try the same again ) We both had lunch and dinner while en route and also a couple of hour kip. Yes we were rewarded with more dolpins and rather a sea full of Jelly fish. The wind died completely towards dawn and when we checked with the Marina ‘Jose’ told us that he was expecting 26 yachts from the Horta to Velas race later in the day. (Some hope with no wind I thought) anyway we anchored and unloaded ‘Cresendo’ so that we could get ashore. Needless to say the harbour was packed! After checking in with the police we has a look round and found various stages and booths set up ready for the weekends entertainment. Since they has changed the dates and not the publicity it was the end of the Fiesta. However, we had plenty to fill our first weekend.
We waited until eleven o’clock for the procession to begin and had a few beers…..

On Sunday it was sizzling so I had a day on washing the deck. Malcolm meanwhile went to see the “Tourada à Corda” the street bullfighting. This one was on the harbour wall with containers to provide safe viewing for the public. It also meant any easy exit to the sea if the bull got too close, except one bull fancied a swim and jumped in !
Meanwhile, the Marina which had emptied during the day had started to fill again.
On Monday I went to sign in for the week and so did many more arrivals! Amongst whom were another British boat “Freedom To…” It was great to exchange stories on deck in the heat of the evening.
Tuesday we took a taxi to Serra do Topo for the start of a 10km downhill hike. The top was covered with low cloud but we had soon walked down out if it - into a pleasantly cool day. The views of the valleys below from this height were amazing! We couldn’t see much of the island coastline though. Images are in Picasa as always and the flora are in the other folder. After this epic 4 hour hike we had a couple of cool beers while waiting for our taxi driver. The final 3km were along the coast at sea level. The only track into the very small village is only passable with a 4 wheel dune buggy. We were passed by some walkers with their guide as it started to rain and no sooner than I had thought how nice a ride would be an Islander stopped and offered us a lift.
Thursday we hired a car and had a trip to the Western end and then the Cheese Factory where we had a guided tour. Next the church at Santa Barbara and along to the Eastern end to a town called Topo.
Images are on Picasa.

Angra Do Heroismo

18th Took the bus to Angra do Heroísmo and climbed Monte Brazil, then had a picnic at the top. Returned to the city which has World Heritage Status and followed the tourist route around to see the sights. It was a tiring day but well worth the effort. The buildings are renovated to a high standard and have fresh paint, which adds to the beauty. Pictures on Picasa will have any explanation necessary.
19th we hired a car and followed the costal route to Angra for the start of the Feira (Festival) How amazing that Otto & Esther had arrived while we had been sightseeing yesterday and we were able to catch up with them and see the Carnival procession—after a local meal of “alcatra” a meat stew. After the procession the music began at the marina. By this time we had begun to tire so finished up aboard Roakeldais for coffee and then wended our way back up to the car for the drive home. A very late night (2.30 am again!)
20th took the gentle walking route (TER 8) Interesting for its volcanic items. The first are Oxen cart tracks in the larva. ‘V’ shaped tracks were made 200 years ago and ‘U’ shaped ones slightly later as wheel technology improved. The path is a goldmine of flora and fauna and is sooo green! The water table is just below the surface which means that Japanese Red Cedars, Australian Blackwood, Eucalyptus and Eastern Cottonwood are able to grow. At ground level (where it is more humid there are carpets of moss, ferns, Sweet pittosporum, heather, and ginger.
Volcanic larva flowed over this land over 3,000 years ago and the very fluid basaltic larva from the Guilherme Moniz Caldera produced the landscape over which we have just walked. A large outcrop of larva attracted our attention which had cavities left by volcanic ‘bombs’ and a small larva tunnel. When knocked the rock sounded hollow! Back at the picnic area we see how the larva flowed over the existing sub soil at a public viewing area. This was the same flow which formed the Biscoito das Fontinhas (the area made into a sea bathing are we visited the other day)
21st, As forecast Monday began overcast with 79% humidity and deteriorated to Cornish ‘Mizzle’ ! Plenty to keep us occupied aboard routine checks etc plus preparation for the next passage to Sao Jorge.