One old man (actually by far the youngest on this boat) decided he wanted to spend his birthday somewhere unusual so we decided to leave Madeira and head for the deserted islands – a nature reserve where monk seals, some rare birds and a couple of resident wardens are the only inhabitants. So on 26^th September we took some last pictures of the marina in Madeira with its fantastic volcanic rock backdrop and had an early birthday meal.

 

 

The marina at Quinta do Lorde – Madeira – Pat just visible on Peejay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spectacular volcanic rock formations around the marina

 

 

Skipper’s one day early birthday meal

 

 

September 27^th – the big day - and we left Madeira early. The weather forecast was promising – better than the breakfast.

 

 

Early start – breakfast on the go

 

 

The deserted islands rapidly appeared.

 

Unusual flat topped island – the northern one of the 3 islands

 

 

There is only one permitted anchorage in the islands and the backdrop is stunning.

 

You can just make out a small yacht in the anchorage

 

The warden’s house on the only low flat bit of land on the island

 

They had already had to move the house once after falling rocks made it too dangerous in it’s previous position.

 

We soon dropped a hook in an amazing anchorage. It doesn’t come much better.

 

Wow !

 

Time for the main event !

 

Happy birthday skipper

 

 

 

I’ll huff and I’ll puff

 

 

We went ashore and Pedro the warden showed us around and explained what they were doing to protect various endangered species.

 

Pat and Pedro

 

 

Margery on the island

 

 

 

 

 

Geologist’s Heaven

 

 

 

 

Birthday boy – Islas Desertas – aged 59

 

Barrie on the island

 

 

Exploring in the dinghy is always fun and there were sea caves nearby. The warden said we could explore the nearest one but not the others as they were where the monk seals breed.

 

Paul at the first cave – look at the water colour

 

 

 

 

One of the monk seal breeding caves

 

 

 

The other yacht soon left and that night we had the place to ourselves. What a perfect place to enjoy your birthday,

 

Remote anchorage all to ourselves – good friends - Birthday Heaven

 

Being remote has added bonuses. There is zero light pollution and watching the stars is wonderful. Perfect end to a perfect day.

 

Two old codgers settle down to watch the night sky.