30:08.3N 15:52.2W

We’re back!

Hello readers. It is the Enigma crew writing from our mooring spot just off of Selvagem Grande.

But first: the end of our weekend in Madeira.

The Sunday was spent differently between 2 groups of us. The Spanish Manuels and Boyan rented a car and took a drive through a good part of the island. They drove along the coast to the 2^nd highest cliff in Europe – where many pictures were taken – and then set off to Porto Moniz for lunch. The drive was like no other; with steep uphill ascents through narrow roads, mostly on cliffs overlooking the endless Atlantic, the 3 were very taken aback. After having easily the largest meal of the trip so far (over a kilo of beef Shish kebabs, plenty of Bolo do Caco and cake for dessert), we heavily waddled back to the car for the drive back.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese crewmembers decided to stay in the Marina. Madeira was not unfamiliar to them, so they tended to some other activities. Manuel Sr. was at work fixing a minor issue with the battery charger. Penaforte, when not tidying up the boat or helping Manuel, was deep into his new book. Manel, on the other hand, tended to his creative side and began drawing on a canvas that he will be working on throughout the trip.

So by Monday, following a final visit to the market, we were set to leave. The trip to the Ilhas Selvagens seemed relaxingly familiar. Manu was back on fishing form, catching two Cavalas that were immediately prepared for a delicious fish stew by Manuel Sr. and Penaforte. By the afternoon, the small island was in our sights, and we arrived with plenty of time before sundown. So we took our dinghy to the island to meet its populace: Jacques, Carlos and their dog, Salvagem. The three were responsible for tending to the reserve – home to the Cagarra, a local bird species of about 80,000 which was driven to near extinction some years ago. Manuel Sr. introduced himself personally to one of  them (see photo). We stuck around until sundown, enjoying new company and getting to know more about the island.  This remote stretch of land is in fact closer to Canarias than to Madeira.  The Portuguese crew managed to convince Manolo that it would be a very bad idea to try to plant a Spanish flag on the territory, so a potentially serious diplomatic incident was avoided.

And now we’re all back on the boat, with the blog being written, Manuel Sr. cooking up dinner and the others helping out in one way or another. Tomorrow, we plan on meeting Jacques and Carlos again in the morning to take a tour of the island. Afterwards, we look to have lunch and set sail towards the Canaries. Whether we stop on the way or head straight is still up in the air.

So there you have it, another great couple of days of exploring. To all friends and family reading, you are all on our minds and stay tuned for the next entry!

Take care,

The Enigma Crew