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.
 
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Main Square Horta
 
 
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Street Scene, Horta
 
 
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One of the Many Local Churches
 
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Harbour Scene
 
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Harbour Art and RT at Anchor
 
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Harbour Art Works by Passing Yachties
 
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Edge of Town Horta
 
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Pavement Mosaic
 
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Street Scene Horta
 
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Edge of Horta
 
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Impressive ‘Pineapple’ Tree
 
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Pineapple Tree Arty
 
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And More
 
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More Pavements
 
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Porto Pim, Horta
 
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Getting Ready to Flip over and in