A Pretty Place Loaded with Bull

 Last week we said farewell to Sao Jorge and we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the cliffs on the south shore as we sailed east 65 miles to Terceira.  This end of the island has lots of bulls and cows on the top, and you can just see the run-off waterfall at the gorge.

 The marina at Angra Do Heroismo was quite full: we found a spot on the pontoon at the harbor entrance.

 Angra is a small city with beautiful architecture.

 

 

 

 

 We arrived just before the week-long festival Feira de Sao Joao, and the central streets were already decorated with lights and banners.

 We had dinner at Marcelino's Steak House on the opening night of the festival, at his best table next to the balcony overlooking Rua do Sao Joao

 



 Here is chef Marcelino preparing his specialty for us: steak flambé with orange and ham sauce.

 

 That was a wonderful meal!

 

 The whole island thronged the streets...

 

 ....and here comes the band,

 

 followed by the dancing sailors...

 

 ....and the prom queen and princess.

 

 

 

 This is a "Bull Run" in the streets of Sao Mateus. The boys goad the bull, and in case you are wondering, the six guys at the back are sitting and standing on a wall with a 20ft drop down behind it. Maybe they are the really brave (stupid?) ones.

 

 The bull is being steadied by a rope with six amadores holding the end: Nancy is getting ready to jump onto the bull's back.......

 

 

 

 After Nancy rode around the village on the bull, we walked to the harbor and had dinner at Beira Mar: this was the view from our table on the terrace.

Of course we had to eat fish after watching Nancy torment the poor bull.....

 



And afterwards we posed for an Apres Bull picture: the bull is standing just to Bob's left....

 

 A Portuguese Navy corvette Jacinto Candido docked to reinforce the local police: these bulls can get so easily out of hand; mind you, there were more sailors than bulls in the town jail this morning.

 

 The Azoreans love flowers and put public gardens all over.

 

 

 

Tomorrow we plan to sail to Praia DaVitoria, on the Eastern side of Terceira.

Best to all,
Nancy and John, with Bob and Dave

Velas on Sao Jorge Island: Perfectly Charming.

We thought it couldn't get better and then we sailed to Sao Jorge. This island is the best yet.  The marina, the beautiful town of Velas with its wonderful architecture, restaurants and parks....and the dramatic, rugged cliffs of Sao Jorge, all are a treat.

Several parks in Velas add to its charm

This park had an aviary

I had to visit every day.  It reminded me of my dear "Tweety-pie" when I was growing up.

 

John is enjoying a Portuguese treat....grilled sardines!

John is receiving his Azorian hair cut!

 Velas from the high cliffs above.  You can see the marina in the foreground.  Three days later there were twice as many boats.

 

 Now you see Adventuress in the marina: the cream-colored yacht, second from the top right.  We were one of the larger yachts so we occupied two slips.

 

Quaint country Villa.

 A small white cottage set among dramatic scenery.

 

 This is a swirling natural pool where people swim.

 

 We were privileged to be on the island during the Festival of the Holy Spirit.  Many villages have a feast and all are invited.  Hundreds of people lined up for fresh fried tuna, potato salad, beans, bread, cheese and wine.

 Here I am enjoying the feast!

 

 The misty fog did not diminish the fun...Oxen lead the parade and villagers play their musical instruments.

 

 This 220 pound tuna was one of six that were sold this morning at the Dutch Auction at the wholesale fish market at the harbour.

 

 Velas...pristine and very charming!

 

 

 Looking down the street to the marina...and below, looking up a path from the marina.

 

Our very best to you,

John and Nancy, with Bob and Dave

 

 

 

 

 

Exploring the Lesser Known Islands of the Azores





We bid farewell to Horta on Tuesday the 10^th of June and sailed 17 miles to Sao Roque, Pico.  We had been living in the shadow of the magnificent Pico volcano while we were in Horta so were excited about seeing the island first hand.  When we arrived and anchored in Sao Roque the weather was beautiful and we toasted the scenery before us.

 



Adventuress and Meerlust at anchor in the harbor at Sao Roque

Our crazy friends, Annehei and Willem, go for a swim in the 65 degree water.

 

 

The swirling clouds around the top of the volcano were a changing picture...

....and the quaint village beckoned us to explore.

 Launching the dinghy is easy with three crew.

 

 



Alas when evening came so came the bad weather.  The wind screeched through the rigging and our ship sailed back and forth on its anchor making terrible noise as the chain scraped against the rocks fifty feet below.  The Captain slept peacefully but the Admiral and the crew tossed and turned all night.  Wednesday morning yielded higher winds (gusts to 40 kt) and rain.  When the winds diminished late in the day, we went ashore and met our friends, Annehei  and Willem for dinner at a local restaurant. That night the boat rocked side to side with an annoying squeak, so crew did not sleep well.

 

Thursday brought more rain showers. 

The forecast for weather is more wind tomorrow, so today we are heading 11 miles to Sao Jorge for a night or two in their marina, and some restful sleep. But before leaving Pico we stopped for provisions at an excellent local grocery store where we waited while the butcher ground the local beef; and we found fresh bread, and local Pico cheese and wine! 

Best to all,

Nancy and John, with Bob and Dave