Location: Horta
Our day started at 7 am this morning with a delicious breakfast of coffee cake and fresh fruit prepared by our chef, Nicole, and her Sous Chefs, Nick and Mimi. After devouring breakfast, we all quickly got ready to take our first steps on land in 17 days. Many of us wobbled as we hit the ground because we had gotten used to the wake of the ocean while on passage. We then set off with laundry bags full of sheets in hand, to the town center of the Horta. After warming up and regaining our ability to walk in a straight line, we walked through town to the trailhead of Monte Queimado. As we approached the top of the mountain, we got an astonishing view of the island and were able to take in and appreciate the natural beauty of the civilization thriving many miles off the mainland of Europe. After taking what must have been a couple of hundred photos from the mountain peak, we started our descent to a sandy beach where we would partake in the Challenge Course!
The first thing we did when we got to the beach was split up into four teams set to compete against each other in a series of games organized by Nicole. We all created a team name and a chant to introduce ourselves. The teams were The Big Dawgs, the Constitutional Crushers Goon Squad, Sailors that dive, and Kappa Kappa Kappa. In my group, it was Dylan, Rooke, Emily, Alexis, Lizzy, Maya, and I. After a grueling series of challenges, the group calling themselves the Goon Squad came out on top. After exhausting ourselves on the beach, it was time to make our way into the town and find some lunch. With so many options to choose from, it was hard to decide on a single food option.
Ella, Lanie, Alex, Lizzy, Maya, Dylan, Henry, Peyton, and I decided to go to The Peter Sport Cafe to have our meal. As soon as the nine orders of hamburgers hit the table, they were devoured at an impressive rate. But we werent done yet. We hadnt even gotten the dessert menu yet. Soon after, loads of chocolate cake covered in chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream, along with a banana split, arrived at the table. They, too, were decimated in record time. After vacuuming down our meal, we set off to the gift shops and grocery store that were nearby. Many also took the time to reach out to their family and friends, letting them know that they were able to make it across the Atlantic Ocean alive. After buying out the entire stock of Nutella at the grocery store, we started our walk back to Argo. On the way, we made a gelato stop before boarding the boat for the night. After stowing away all of the snacks purchased on land, the group took the Nav.
Master Test was announced by Shane, and quickly, a flurry of charts were scattered around the Salon tables as many tried to cram in some last-minute review. At the same time, the chefs finished up cooking dinner of chicken cooked in jerk seasoning and vegetables. After dinner, we did a quick clean-up as the sun set, casting a glowing array of light on the amazing architecture of Horta. Afterwards, the test takers began the Nav. Master Test. With one more day on land before we set sail on our next passage, many try to sneak in any rest they can. I think were all happy to have one more night of extra sleep before we start up our night watches again when we leave for Gibraltar.
-Brady