Boating & Biking Adventures

Category: Portugal Page 11 of 24

🎭…Weather arts…🧐

Currently weather has turned from science to arts. The mid term predictions for the North Atlantic are constantly changing and different weather models are not aligned. Good art is timeless and the same applies now for these weather forecasts in the opposite sense. Anything can happen beyond 3-4 days prediction, which is demonstrated by the changing artificial pictures painted over the forecasted area we are looking at.

Tomorrow is a reasonable window to throw the lines and proceed to Funchal. Quite a few fellow sailors intend to jump-start tomorrow from here. The jump comes from the actual weather forecast as the next passage window might only come through in a weeks time or so. I have decided to stay on, right or wrong, let’s see. We are not in a rush and berth at Funchal is only available after the 11th September due to an ongoing regatta.

If this pattern kicks in, which is a big question mark at the moment based on the comments above, we are in the safest and very well protected Marina within the Azores – Vila do Porto. The early morning wake up call here comes from the shrieking seagulls and not from noisy mooring lines. What a gift!

The only question is, if and when art turns back into science?!? Big debate, we don’t know. Patience and fair winds are indispensable for comfortable and safe passages. Let’s hope for another more stable weather window in a weeks time or so.

Fair winds…

Back in Vila do Porto

On 2nd July I arrived first time in Vila do Porto on Santa Maria in the Azores. Today, exactly after two month, I am happy to be back to spend a few more days on this “slow paced picturesque island”.

Besides watching the weather forecasts to find an easy going window for the next passage, there are two more bike trips on my planned list. Time to get back into the saddle.

But first I needed a beer at the local marina pub after this relaxed passage.

Stay tuned & Fair winds…

Interesting to see some of the familiar faces again from previous marinas. The sailing caravan moves on - from here, either towards mainland or Canary Islands.

👌…sugar sailing…👌

What started with heavy clouds, a bit of drizzle and breathing wind only, developed into a pleasant sail. After two hours of motor sailing the engine noise stopped and we are since then cruising along at 5kn speed. Half of the distance is covered and my berth in Vila do Porto confirmed by Lloyd over the phone, the young and dynamic harbour master with roots from Hanover! Yes, we talk in German together.

Fair winds…

⛵️…Bye-bye Sáo Miguel…🙋‍♂️

It is high time to move South. Although the temperature is still very pleasant here in the Azores, the low pressure systems have started to follow lower lines of latitude and the first hurricane of the season 2022 has been named yesterday – Danielle. Water temperature is high and recorded at 24ºC, which supports storm and hurricane developments. They start to scratch Azores with their lower quadrants very soon.

We are now under motor-sail to Vila do Porto on Santa Maria to get into pool position for our return passage to Funchal/Madeira at the next suitable weather window.

Time for breakfast!

Fair winds…

☝️…Lapas grelhadas…😋

The culinary adventure continuous. I went to the market hall today and my objective was to get a fresh Veja fish filet again before heading South. Besides Tuna and Cavala I like this Veja fish, fresh from the ocean, very much. Hm…no Veja catch last night…plan B had to come into play. Instead they had limpets, fresh from Pico, the neighbouring island.

Got half a kilo of slugs and a pack of Bolo do Caco with a decent bottle of rosé wine from Alentejo to go with it.

My goodness! The food world is endless…full time job to explore!😂

Fair winds…

Hike – São Miguel…🚶‍♀️🚶🏼‍♂️

😋…Culinary fortnight…😋

Quality days in Ponta Delgada exploring new fish, meat, cheese, etc. dishes. Culinary adventures.

😋…PDL Food Supply…😋

I think the fresh food supply here in Ponta Delgada is one of the best among the Atlantic Islands I have visited so far. The market hall – although under refurbishment – has got impressive choice of fruits and vegetables at very local prices and excellent quality. The same applies for the fish area, where you can only get local fresh fish.

After a series of tuna sessions, I opted today for a Parrot Fish. Got two filets cut out of the whole fish and threw in my limited cooking skills to prepare the dish. I was hungry after the bike ride.

Besides some seasonal mixed vegetables, I fried the fish filet in olive oil and Teriyaki sauce while adding some sesame seeds.

😋 Yummy. Not the last time.

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Canário…🚴‍♂️

🚴‍♂️🍷…Manuel Rainha…🍸🚴‍♂️

It was a pleasant ride today along the eastern coastline with a clear target destination. I was up to taste the “Liquor de Mel Real” produced by Manuel Rainha and his team.
Well known hospitality of the Azores came into play and I ended up with an order of four different products, which will be delivered to the marina tomorrow! No doubt, it was worth the trip!
Fair winds…

Page 11 of 24

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