Bermuda to the Azores

Time waits for no man so on 14th June we weighed anchor and headed out through the gap to St George's Harbour and turned NE towards the Azores.  Harry phones early in the morning of 15th June to say that geoff's mum had passed away peacefully in her sleep - worst news ever.  We had so hoped that she would hold out until we could get home.  Love and miss you mum x x

The island of Flores is the westernmost point of the Azores Archipelago and our first Port of call.  Flores has area of around 55 square miles (143 Km2), and about 4000 inhabitants. The main Flores municipalities include Santa Cruz and Lajes. After a very wet and windy (40knt+) ride we arrived to find the new marine in Lajes open but not commissioned which meant we were able to use the facilities for free (no water or electricity on pontoon) - a bonus.  We quickly found a berth alongside the wall as the pontoons seemed very short and went exploring.

Flores has deep valleys and high peaks, lagoons bordered by hydrangeas, cliffs carved by grottoes, hot springs and the remains of old volcanoes.

Flores (Flowers) takes is names due to a great profusion of wild flowers especially hydrangeas and small size botanical species, many of which are indigenous and part of the original flora. Pastures, farms and vineyards complete the make-up of the landscape.

On the opposite pontoon were Joan and Ez on Pazant.  We arranged to hire a car and explore further afield.  Along the way we managed to find the gas refill station and got Ez's bottles filled and in Santa Cruz found a supermarket to restock the boats. 

Unfortunately in the afternoon the mist came down so cut the day short, but it was well worth the 35euro car hire charge.

We managed to have another day out with Mo and Paul on Tigitu  and the weather was very kind to us so managed to see most of the island - absolutely fabulous.  One could easily stay awhile as did Terri and Keith "Yachties" who visited some 8 years ago, fell in love with the island, swallowed the anchor and bought a derelict property.  Over the years they have managed to created a lovely small hideaway and integrate into local society. Thanks go to them for their local help and advice.

We were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our friends Branko, Maggie and their apprentice ocean sailor Anne on Water Hobo.  The subsequent BBQ consisting of many nationalities was a great success and we also managed to made use of the more nimble Anne to climb our mast to repair our mast-head light

Thanks go to Anne for painting our logo on the marina wall in Lajes for us - very artistic.

10th July - It is now time to leave Flores heading for Horta to repaint our original logo painted in 2002

Back to Europe and adventures new

After 7 years enjoying the hospitality of more than 20 countries/islands around the Caribbean, Central America and the USA we have decided to seek adventures new in Europe.

We have had a great time in the USA travelling from Key West up to Cape Cod and back down to Florida, over to the Bahamas, back to Key West, the Dry Tortoguas and over to Cuba and back again.

I remembered to collect my pot of sand before we departed - I have sand from each place that we have visited over the years.

We left from Fort Pierce, Florida at 06:20 on 23rd May 2011 heading for Bermuda along with our good friends Branko and Maggie aboard Water Hobo. 

Unfortunately we lost contact with them as happens at sea, we tend to go at a more leisurely pace than other boats

After a long slow sail we arrived safely in St George's Harbour at 18:40 on 3rd June to find Water Hobo already at anchor.  Whilst we had tried to make as much easting as possible they had headed more northerly and had found more favourable winds - that's the way it goes.

 

We were last in Bermuda in 2002 so we spent a wonderful time exploring the islands once again, doing much more hiking along the old Bermuda Railway Trail this time. 

  

Enjoyed a day out in Hamilton to watch the weekly entertainment laid on for the cruise liners.