WJ3 at the Ponta Delgada Marina |
Weather in truth, has held us in Ponto Delgada. Firstly Hurricane Katia smashed against UK ’s west coasts and that turned easterly winds upon us. Not good for heading east. So to appease nautical gods we went on a pilgrimage to the spa resort of Funas (by bus, we’re not into tramping).
Furnas Valley is the remains of an enormous steep-sided volcanic crater and at its centre sits a small, very neat village. We arrived early (Is this really the centre of the village?) and had a coffee waiting for it to waken. Still nothing, so we walked down to the terraces of smoking hot springs (caldeiras) accompanied by our appointed village guide dog. Mud galouped, water boiled and steam hissed – it was quite a spectacular performance. If you could stand the sulphurous smell, you could quickly boil an egg or two for lunch.
Furnas Caldeiras |
We walked back down the main street (still nothing much open) to find the Turismo (for the turisticos) to get directions to the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens.
These gardens date from 1780 when an inspired American, Thomas Hickling, built himself a summer residence, “Yankee Hall” and planted 2 ha of trees native to North America . The house has since been rebuilt and renamed (1848), a nice hotel added (1930’s) and grounds extended by the owners, Praia (a Viscount) and then Bensaude families. The park itself is a marvel, inspired by turn of the century British “grand” garden design and its owners have remained faithful to that concept. What made it all the more interesting was the use of plants so familiar to us in Sydney ’s temperate climate. There's even a little Wollemi Pine!
Volcanic Lake at Terra Nostra Gardens |
Washing away many sins too... |
From:
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To:
Sao Miguel, Ponta Delgada
Lat/Long:
36:50.67N 76:17.92W
Lat/Long:
37:44.3100N 25:39.8230W
Date/Time:
9/9/11: 1045
Date/Time:
10/9/11: 0800
Time Taken:
92nm (21hrs)
Distance:
3924nm (692.5hrs) (this year)
Dist Total
9296nm (since 2008)
Weather:
NW; 20kts G25; turning SE o’nite; 12-15’ seas;
Fastest Speed:
4.5 to 6.5kts depending upon winds; a rolly run downhill
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