We had a few, very small projects to complete after our passage to the Azores but for the first time in our cruising history one of these projects was actually FUN! The walls and sidewalks that encircle the harbor of Horta, Faial are decorated from top to bottom by the thousands of sailors who pass…
We’d watched the many phases of Pico Alto (clouded/clear/rainy/clouded) from our slip at Horta; the highest volcanic peak in the Azores at 2351m (7713ft). We’d pondered whether to hike Pico Alto. The trek requires an early start because the mountain only allows a certain number of people per day. Without a great anchorage for…
I wouldn’t have imagined that a caldeira hike would really be entertaining, ’round a circular trail keeping the same view for the entirety, but the caldeira at Faial proved me wrong. The view was not only stunning, but it did change as we moved ’round the caldeira; shapes morphed as if we were flipping through…
We began our Faial excursions on foot, venturing into the local marketplace in the city of Horta. We found a small exhibition in the lobby of the tourist information center and admired the work of several local painters. We browsed two shops specializing in Azores products from the “triangle” islands group of Pico, Faial, and…
Our first steps on solid ground at Horta, Faial led us instinctively to Peter’s Cafe Sport; the world renown sailors’ bar. This year celebrates 100 YEARS during which Peter’s Cafe Sport has been serving sailors, not only the most delicious gin-with-a-hint-of-passion-fruit & tonics, but also assisting sailors with money exchange, receiving/sending mail, general information, and weather forecasting. …
Brian and I said, “Farewell, Maine!” and set sail one evening from Portland. The forecast looked uneventful, and we headed east. There were only hints of a breeze as we crossed the Gulf of Maine; this being our third time through this area of ocean, each trip having had incredibly settled weather and glassy seas.…