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Gozwoz - In Terceira and on to Sao Miguel



The over-riding memory of Terceira is the bumpy and noisy marina mooring, just inside the marina entrance and full in the face of the southerly swell. It couldn't be helped because the marina was so busy but several boat crews had very disturbed nights tightening and re-tightening lines. At one point we pulled a cleat off that was between Unconditional and ourselves but a speedy repair by the Navigator and OGL rectified the situation.

A walking tour of the city was a great success. The guide was pleasant, articulate and humorous and took us to a number of sites of real interest together with some spectacular viewpoints. It is always good to see someone who thoroughly enjoys their work!

The crew went on a taxi tour of the local volcano - complete with lava tubes, stalactites and stalagmites. All enjoyed the experience although the weather was less than clement. Indeed we have been slightly disappointed with the Azorean weather - overcast, with some rain but the sun, when it did make an appearance was hot and reminded you of your latitude.

One thing that has been a great success is the local wine. We have sampled a bottle or two whilst out in the evening (and dare I say lunchtime?) and found it delightful, both the red and the white. Is this a feature of volcanic environments? Both the Navigator and OGL reminisced about the similarity to Lacrima Christi, fermented from a grape grown on the side of Vesuvius.

Our departure from Angra was without incident and we set off for a night sail south east to the island of Sao Miguel. What a great sail! We took 15 hours fr a 90NM sail with the wind initially in the north east backing to the NNW overnight. Arriving at Ponta Delgada the berthing was trouble free and we found ourselves in a new marina in relative calm. Arriving on Portugal's National Day we found customs closed but the immigration and port authorities could not have been more efficient or welcoming. Some sleep catch-up was required during the day but at night we found a great family run restaurant with good food and had an early night.

Today is the half-day bus tour of the island and getting ready for a day sail tomorrow to Santa Maria, the final island before our leap towards Portugal mainland.

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