Flores 39:22.7N 31:10.1W Miles from Newport 1869 and miles to Terceira 196
Ellatrout3
Mon 21 Jul 2014 19:51
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The wind gods certainly helped me yesterday. When I
look back at the log it was 0245 hours when I took down my goose winged genoa
and set course for Lajes harbour in Flores which was 100 miles away and I had 16
hours to get there. It was a bit of a long shot really, the most likely
scenario was arrive sometime in the dark hours and then mooch about till dawn;
not a pleasant thought!
We crammed on all sai and rode the waves for many hours
with everything straining under the power of the wind. The strong wind
held well into the afternoon when it slowly started to die down. That was
when I sent yesterdays blog and I was starting to get anxious. At 1800 I
was still an hour away so I put the engine on and motor sailed.
On the approach I had to get the sails down without losing time and with no
electric tiller pilot (Remenber it packed up leaving Plymouth harbour) it was
not easy. I turned into the harbour and in the fading light searched for
the entrance to the marina, I had no charts showing it's position.
Fortunately a lad in a dinghy from one of the yachts moored outside showed
me the way and kindly held my boat for me as I got along side. I just
made it with half an hour to spare! phew!!!
The same lad told me to drop everything and come to the
Fiesta. I didn't, of course, and tidied the boat and made myself a
meal. After I'd eaten I thought I'll stretch my legs and go for a walk. I
tolied up hill for a while, It seems everything in Flores is either steeply up
or steeply down. I was just about to turn around when I saw lights ahead
and continued on to invesigate. It was the main street at the top of the
hill all lit up with bars and stalls on each side of the road and the people
dressed in traditional costume many with musical instruments which they were
playing for the general entertainment of those around. Fantastic; and I hadn't
even got a camera with me I just had to drink it in and cast it to memory.
I have since learned it is the Emigrants Festival when all those who have
emigrated come home for a visit, it is the third weekend in July and lasts
from Friday to Monday inclusive so I shall go back tonight, with my camera and
hope the best wasn't all on Sunday.
The police came and checked me out today but customs and
the marina are shut till tomorrow when I can get customs clearance and pay my
dues.
As it has poured with rain all day today I will probably
leave early Wednesday morninig and be a tourist on Tuesday. As long as I'm
not becalmed it shold be ok for my arrival in Terceira.
I'll let you know.
Love Poppa/Dad/Roger
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