8-9 November 2010: From Madeira to Ilhas Selvagens
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 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 2nd highest
cliff in Meanwhile, the Portuguese crewmembers decided to stay
in the 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
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 |