Location: Horta, Azores
Ola!
This morning, the sun rose over the quaint and peaceful village of Horta, casting a warm glow on the scattered clouds blanketing Pico Island. From our marina, where Velas has been docked the past week, we enjoyed a stunning view of the ancient volcano Pico Island, a majestic centerpiece of this picturesque coastal town in the Azores. The village is characterized by vibrant green rolling hills dotted with white and colorful houses, their bright orange adobe roofs contrasting against the lush landscape and the serene ocean.
Horta feels like a place frozen in time, where life moves at a leisurely pace, and the hustle and bustle of the modern world seem far away. Our day began with Joey, Jonathan, and Emma preparing a delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit sourced from the island. After our hearty meal, we turned our attention to prepping the boat for our upcoming passage to Gibraltar, scheduled for early the next morning.
Preparing the boat involved the entire team: we removed sail covers, set up the halyards, secured the dinghies and lines on deck, and completed various other tasks to ensure everything was shipshape. Below deck, we performed a thorough 40/40 cleaning of the galley and cabins (if you’ve been following our blog, you know what that entails!).
Later in the morning, Emma returned with provisions, and we all pitched in to store them away. Once our tasks were completed, we indulged in some terrestrial amenities like gelato, dock showers, and cold drinks. We also stocked up on snacks for our departure. Lunch consisted of delicious pesto pasta, while dinner was a satisfying meal of chicken and vegetables.
One of the most charming aspects of Horta Marina is its colorful dock, adorned with individual paintings left by the numerous vessels that have passed through over the centuries. This tradition has turned the dock into a vibrant, ever-changing canvas that tells the story of countless journeys. Today, Zoe added to this legacy by designing and painting a beautiful picture for Vela on the dock.
In the afternoon, we enjoyed some recreational time, with Nate leading a spirited game of basketball in an open parking lot. His enthusiasm was infectious and a fantastic way for the team to unwind and bond.
As we look forward to our next passage to Gibraltar, we can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Time seems to be flying by, and we already said goodbye to one of our students, Arabella. We miss her very much already. Soon, we’ll part with a few more in Gibraltar. Despite these farewells, we’re determined to make the most of our remaining time together, cherishing each moment filled with smiles and laughter.
Obrigada
PS. All my love to my family and friends scattered around the world. I miss you all so much. Mom, yolo mino, I hope you’re having a blast at the Wave. Dad, BBNNLYPD. Tom, I look forward to throwing some frisbee this year. Grandma, I can’t wait for cheesecake and coffee later this year. Uncle Steve, Aunt Nancy, Bobby, and Danny, I’m thinking of you all and sending you love. Vika and Kat, we’re going to play so many board games and drink sooo much tea in PNW!