We are at anchor opposite the entrance of Ilheu da Vila,a sunken volcano with a lagoon, creating a natural swimming pool of crystal clear water. Now really pleased to be back in nature after 3 nights at the marina with all its manmade seductions and luxuries.

Photos of our ocean trip and Ponta Delgada will follow soon. We did receive all e-mails from friends and family and were really touched by  the birthday wishes, the encouragement and interest in our adventure. To choose, resize and collate photos has proven a little long, so bare with us...as our main interest having been to explore the town, meet fellow sailors and do maintenance work on Kahia.

The most important focus was repair work on the engine, which died on us on our approach to the Azores, just 8 nm from Ponta Delgada and 15 min later fortunately started again. There was no wind yesterday, so we decided to motor out here to test the engine performance. (which has improved!!!)

Last night, after a lovely swim in the lagoon and delicious fish dish in the cockpit, we were amazed by the most peculiar sound of seabirds. (Still trying to identify the bird).

We were and still are the only boat here and are grateful for the privacy and peace.

Our next plan is to go into Vila da Franca (on the mainland here) and then prepare for a night passage to Terceira, the next island 100nm north west from here.