In and around Horta
The Travels of Running Tide
Mick Norman
Thu 10 Jul 2014 08:08
We have been in Horta now for a a few days. Originally at anchor but now we
have moved alongside on the harbour wall. We have explored the town and then
hired a car for a couple of days allowing us to range far and wide. I have been
diving once, my first not tropical dive. I have been spoilt. Faial is different
from Flores more mellow, less dramatic, fewer flowers but the effect is stilling
impressive and very beautiful. Were the flowers on Flores are ‘in your face’ the
displays on Faial and less plentiful and more subtle.
The island has a population of about 15,000, three times that of Flores
about the same land area. It is very rural with endless fields of pasture for
diary cattle. The island comprises primarily a single ancient volcanic peak
referred to as the Calderia (approx 1000m) centrally located with sides sloping
gently to the sea and to sea cliffs. On the most western tip is the cone of the
most recent volcano Capelinhos which rose out of the sea in 1957 with
spectacular effect. No one was killed but it prompted a mass exodus from Faial
and from the other islands. The USA and Canada opened their doors to the
Azoreans and approximately 150,000 left for a new life.
Horta itself is very peaceful place as is the whole island. Lots of
attractive buildings, cobbled streets and decorative pavements.
Main Square Horta
Street Scene, Horta
One of the Many Local Churches
Harbour Scene
Harbour Art and RT at Anchor
Harbour Art Works by Passing Yachties
Edge of Town Horta
Pavement Mosaic
Street Scene Horta
Edge of Horta
Impressive ‘Pineapple’ Tree
Pineapple Tree Arty
And More
More Pavements
Porto Pim, Horta
Getting Ready to Flip over and in |