SY Hullu Poro – Page 53 – Boating & Biking Adventures

☝️…truth & temptation…☝️

On June 29, 2023

This time the weather did not arrive as requested, what a surprise! The routing softwares do offer solutions, which look manageable, in principle, but the low/high pressure system arrangements are up-side-down compared with traditional pilot charts. Climate change!?!

At this time of the year the low pressure system shall normally move north of the high pressure system and not vice versa.🧐

The truth is, that changes happen rapidly with significant impacts to a sailor out there. It could change quickly on the upcoming passage to Ireland, in favour or against us, who knows. The truth is, nobody is leaving these days. The truth is also, temptations are high to throw the lines and hope for the better.

This morning was last call for a potential leaving window right now, which still has major uncertainties included. Not taking this window means wait and watch but little chance for the next 4-6 days to throw the lines and move on.

My gut feeling tells me to wait and overrule the temptations. It has proofed to be a good final safeguard up to now.

Therefore we will enjoy PDL and São Miguel a bit longer.

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Caldeira Velha…☝️

By Bernd

On June 24, 2023

In B(H)iking, Portugal

Today’s morning swim was not in the 20℃ cold seawater we currently have in PDL’s public piscina next to the marina but rather at the hot springs of the Caldeira Velha.

My bike ride back via Lagoa do Fogo was as spectacular as last year and so was the downhill back into town.

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Freguesia de Relva…👌

By Bernd

On June 23, 2023

In B(H)iking, Portugal

I’m not sure, what to comment on today’s bike ride, which took me into the neighbouring parish of Relva. I am still a bit puzzled.

The nature is mind blowing and so are the cobbles on some parts of the track. For sure, cyclocross is involved with special attention to care & carry. These were the worst cobbles ever, its arrangement simply does not allow any road bike cycling on part of the track.

However, the reward comes instantly with each mile spent in this extraordinary environment. The altitude profile throws you down the steep cliff coast into this exceptional village.

Freguesia de Relva has passed its peak and looks a bit abandoned although some of the houses remain inhabited. What comes next is my question?

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Santo António again…

By Bernd

On June 22, 2023

In B(H)iking, Portugal

Santo António seems to be everywhere on this island but it’s pure coincident that my ride today took me to a parish named after the ananas or vice versa. Neither nor obviously. The strong influence of Saint António dates back to the 12th century and ended in one of the most important public holidays in Portugal.

Leaving history behind, the ride itself also offered magnificent landscape.

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️ 🎥…Rabo de Peixe…🎥 🚴‍♂️

By Bernd

On June 21, 2023

In B(H)iking, Portugal

I have been to Rabo de Peixe last year and clearly remember how special and different this village was from the rest. It took me up to the point, that I felt uncomfortable spotting junkie needles lying on the road.

Netflix has taken the opportunity to produce a drama in this village based on true facts. Since today I have a Netflix account to watch the first series of seven episodes. As the movie got very popular in Portugal, it was decided a few days back to produce series two in continuation.

Not many film requisites needed, the village fits perfectly into the frame of the movie content. For me, a bizarre coincident.

Need to watch first episode now.

Fair winds…

☝️…Ananás dos Açores…🍍

By Bernd

On June 20, 2023

In Portugal

At Santo António you will get to know everything about pineapple farming. Farming is on a low scale and dates back to 1911 but the fruit produced is of highest quality mainly consumed on the island itself.

The show room is stylish but simple and I learned that it takes 2.5 years to produce one pineapple of this quality. One pineapple per plant. Then you start from scratch. With 8-10 Euro per kilo it comes with a price tag.

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Reserva Florestal…👍

By Bernd

On June 19, 2023

In B(H)iking, Portugal

After finally getting some crackers, I was set to go to the Reserva Florestal National Park, long time on my list. Not approaching via the main road, there was a bit of cyclocross involved on a 1.5km stretch to get to the entrance of the park. Although this stretch is more suitable for mountain bike and hiking it is brilliant from a nature point of view but impossible to ride with a road bike, even a Roubaix.

The park itself captivated me from the first moment and besides lush green all over I got positively irritated by the sheer variety of plants, bushes and trees, not to forget the colourful flowers sticking out here and there. Fantastic.

Fair winds…

☝️…Boating & Biking 2.1

By Bernd

On June 19, 2023

In Portugal

With the upcoming arrival and boarding of Sutje Jan here in PDL, a new chapter will be opened. Boating & Biking 2.1! How it all unfolded:

Sometimes there are too many attractive options around and it needs a deep and thorough evaluation to come up with a plan. From keeping the lady in Azores, Madeira or Canaries again, Galicia came up or even Algarve as new alternatives for the upcoming winter. The Orca situation and last but not least the question again and again, what do I really want, drove the decision to sail back into the Baltic Sea and take a rest. I also strongly believe that a journey should have a proper start and a proper end to keep memories in a defined framework. I need time to digest.

Once that was decided, it became clear, that our return has to go via Ireland & Scotland. The lady wants to dance on the Eddies.

As our journey so far has been closely accompanied by Petra & Jan from SY Sutje, I am happy, that Jan and myself now have the chance to share some adventures together on the way back to Kappeln.

We are planning to pass through the Caledonian Channel and visit the Open Yard in Ellös late August. Let’s see. First we need to get to THE ROCK – Fastnet Rock!

Looking forward to welcome Jan onboard shortly!

Fair winds…

☝️…one off beauty…👌

By Bernd

On June 18, 2023

In Portugal

SY Mah Jong from Vineyard Haven arrived here in town last night. While taking a look, I had a chat with the crew and found out what exceptional boat she is. A pleasure to look at.

Designed by S&S and built in 1957 in Hongkong, she was rescued and got restored in 2014.

No doubt, an exceptional sailing boat!

Where beauty hits the ocean!

Fair winds…

…plans @ half tide…

By Bernd

On June 16, 2023

In Portugal

The plan made on 9th October 2022 in Puerto Calero got half realized today. The downside is that Cornelia, Volker and Ulrike are missing while the upside is, more Champagne for us, glad it is Friday. Elke and Ulli arrived with beautiful SY Christina today in PDL!

A lot has happened since we made the plan. It will take hours and days to catch up on the latest…

Have a great weekend, if you get there?!?

Fair winds…