Angra do Heroismo
Spot WJ3 in this busy marina |
Late next morning we checked in. Again it was a very pleasant experience, so different to some of our Caribbean receptions. The port was a picture; no wonder it's UNESCO heritage listed. We started with an “about town” self-guided walking tour but somehow got lost in picturesque terraced gardens, still watered by watering can. From the fragrant gardens we wound through ancient back alleys trying to find the Convent of Sao Francisco.
This is where Vasco da Gama (1499 no less) buried his brother Paulo on return from his voyage toIndia . If nothing else, this demonstrates how strategically significant the Azores were and indeed continue to be today - the US has an airbase here, lucky them! The Convent now houses an interesting Museum with an extensive collection of historical items. We especially liked the dramatic props (sculptures really) used to display various equestrian items.
This is where Vasco da Gama (1499 no less) buried his brother Paulo on return from his voyage to
Next we hired a car – a little black Panda - and did an anti-clockwise whip around the island. High points were seeing nothing from the high point, (Santa Barbara was clouded in), walking through sulphur-fuming fumeroles then finding the underground caves closed. We did see lots of colourful shrines (so very Nepal ) and wondered, for a short time only, about religious similarities. As you might!
Our Hero |
Bull Handlers hoping to stop him running amok |
From:
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To:
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Lat/Long:
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38:32.0090N 28:37.5160W
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Lat/Long:
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36:50.67N 76:17.92W
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Date/Time:
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5/9/11: 1345
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Date/Time:
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6/9/11: 0230
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Time Taken:
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69nm (12.5hrs)
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Distance:
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3832nm (671.5hrs) (this year)
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Dist Total
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9204nm (since 2008)
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Weather:
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SE - E ; 15-20kts; 3’ seas; variable between the islands
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Fastest Speed:
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8kts on leaving
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