Sun Jun 21, Horta, Faial - Azore Island Group
Today's entry sponsored by Timeless Art Portraits
Note: We have been informed that our tracker is back online check it out!
Well, no exciting sailing stories to tell since we are still in port waiting for a part to come in. So, I'll share a little about our day. Today we had a leisurely breakfast sandwich and a cafe con lecheat a café in town. We then walked twenty minutes to a beautiful and quiet beach made of black volcanic sand. Because it's black, its very hot to walk on with no shoes. There were less than a dozen other people on the beach. The water temperature is around 66 degrees; perfect for a daily swim and some rest in the hot sun.
After our visit to the beach, we went and got some great cappuccinos at one of the cafés and then came back to the boat where I whipped up a nice batch of Dixie Chile. After our night time strolls along the quay and down the streets, it will be time for our nightly movie and then bed!
I love the way I feel living in the salt and sun, it reminds me of my youth growing up in Cape Neddick. We would spend a good portion of every day in the sun and went swimming in the ocean at least once a day, which is exactly what I'm doing now. All of us are losing weight and feeling good. I feel very fortunate to be able to take the time for this adventure and would like to thank my lovely wife Lisa and all of those that have prayed for our safe passage. That's all for now Adeus!
Brain Tumor Fact: Today, 9 families across America will learn that their child has a brain or spinal cord tumor.
Sat Jun 20, Horta, Faial - Azore Island Group
Today's Blog Sponsored by Timeless Art Portraits
So here we are in Horta waiting for Fed Ex to deliver a part for the autopilot. We wait reflect and try to relax. With so much time on our hands it is difficult for me to adjust. The fast paced life in America is behind us and has been for almost 3 weeks. Island time combined with the European lifestyle is prevalent here and nothing moves quicker than at a relaxed pace.
In life we all anticipate certain events. As sailors we try to anticipate our next passage. We prepare the boat and mentally prepare ourselves for what we might face when we return to sea. In port a sailor is in limbo, waiting and working for the future. When the ship is ready and the weather is right we will return to sea where we are at home, at peace, and feel our best. Once at sea we will anticipate our next landfall.
So here in Horta we wait to sail on to Grand Canaria. Three weeks ago we were at home waiting to go to the Azores. In two weeks we will be at home reminiscing and missing the relaxed pace of life in the Azores. All we have is NOW! So for now we wait patiently even though we cant help but anticipate what life has in store for us in the future and miss our wives and families.
So now it is a beautiful day. The crew is relaxed and in the groove of island time. We tend to ships chores and prepare for the next leg of our journey. We are grateful to have such beautiful weather. Horta is a beautiful port with a luscious array of world class blue water sailing vessels. As sailors we couldn't ask for a better crowd.
Today Stan and I went out to breakfast. The rest of the crew slept in. Stan went out to buy some more fishing lures. He must figure the more hooks he has the better chance he will have of catching the big one. After rall 'more is better'. The Capitan had his general briefing at 1100 and we were all given our marching orders and chores for the day. One of the tasks was to inspect the rig. Stan and I hauled Dana up the rig. When he was at the top 7 stories high we secured the halyards and kept him there just a bit longer than he wanted to be despite his request to be lowered. Jason was instructed to tune the hydro-vane in between his Oprah and Vanity Fair articles.
Our afternoon entailed a walk through town. Dana and I did some window shopping for the Lisa's back home. I was surprised what an eye Dana has for womens fashions. We came upon one of the beaches here in Horta. It was covered with a course black volcanic sand which was very hot on the feet. The water was a mild 65 degrees perfectly warm if you can swim down Maine. We soon found ourselves in the ocean enjoying a wonderfully refreshing swim. The 'man from Vienna' we met inquired as to the water we said it was warm he thought we were crazy.
Siesta is always a good way to unwind from this stressful period of waiting we must endure. Tonight once again we will dine in the cockpit to some beef stew. We will retire after dinner to the salon and commence with the movie for the evening. Another day of life in the slow lane, island time. We wait wander and wonder what lies ahead. Hopefully we can just be, in the now and enjoy this little taste of paradise. Without our wives and families here we anticipate our return home to them and pass the time until we are on our way once again. Home is where the hull is.
Brain Tumor Fact: "Cancer is the white squall of life; overwhelming and dangerous.
Fri Jun 19, Horta, Faial - Azore Island Group
This entry sponsored by The Modern Mural Company
Life in Horta
The city of Horta is located on the Island of Faial and is one of many Islands which are part of the Arquipelago Dos Acores. They were formed by volcanic lava flow and are part of the country of Portugal.The buildings are usually painted white with some painted pink and others aqua blue and most have orange colored roofs. The streets and sidewalks are made with cobble stone blocks made from the lava. The hillsides are lush green pastures with the plots marked by hedgerows. The residents along with the world travelers offer a very rich diversity of culture. Horta is very colorful.
My day usually starts at 0700 when Bert and I make our way to the Cafe Volga. We order the same breakfast every morning... 2 espresso's and an omelet with cheeseand toast . We order the same breakfast because this is the only Portuguese Bert knows. This morning the Captain joined us which was a pleasant surprise as he generally is up at the crack of noon. After breakfast we return to the boat for the morning brief and orders from the Captain (more boat repairs).
The definition of Cruising is "Fixing your boat in strange places". Generally we finish our chores by noon and are ready for a nice rewarding nap. The afternoon is free leaving us the opportunity to check out the town and the local people and some more espresso at Cafe Volga. Dinner time happens between 1500 and 1800. Last night I cooked Black Bean soup (8 servings), rice (6 servings) and Hot Italian sausage (2 each). Jason has been very good at eating all the leftovers. Tonight Bert is grilling up some Steak Tips. After dinner another walk in town and a nice call home to the wife. We have been ending our day watching the first episode of the HBO special "Deadwood". I am sorry to say the 3 way communication idea has failed but after only 4 episodes of Deadwood everyone is swearing like the characters who visit the GEM bar..... Just kidding of course we are making every effort leave a good impression with our hosts.
Stan
PS: Update: Dana has broken the language barrier. He speaks English very slowly and with a very good French accent. To my surprise the locals seem to understand. As for me I use sign language.... ' it is all Greek to me'!
Brain Tumor Fac: The last major international breakthrough came in 2000 when researchers identified the usefulness of the chemotherapy temozolomide, when administered conjointly with radiation therapy and for a period afterwards. That was hailed as the first breakthrough in thirty years.
Thu Jun 18, Horta, Faial - Azore Island Group
This entry sponsored by The Goldenrod Restaurant
An Update from Dana: We had a busy day today going to the market, doing laundry, and fixing our wind vane. Going to the market is not as easy as it is back home for several reasons the biggest of which is you have to walk to the store and walk back with all the groceries...can't just 'throw 'em in the trunk!' Nothing in the store is in English and it is sometimes hard to figure out what you are buying but we got through it OK. It seems that the French are not into Metalica and Kid Rock, but we are working on them. Now it's time for Jason's manifesto...
Jason's Blog:
Well, it is official. We are on "Island Time!"
Island Time spans all time zones, 24/7, if you are on an island. Mud dwellers typically measure time according to the universally accepted 24 time zones. A few very remote islands in the Pacific insist on being "different" and shift their clocks 15 or 30 minutes from the formalized rules established by the civilized nations. And, then there is the wacko running Venezuela, he insists that his citizens disregard all U.S.A. time zones, so their clocks are officially set half way between Atlantic and Eastern Standard time. No wonder his country is so dysfunctional.
According to the 8 Atomic Clocks located around the world and the "first world" nations on earth, Vision Quest and her crew are using UT (Universal Time). This island has decided to set their clocks forward one hour to be in step with Universal Time, the official time of England and Western Europe. UT is critical to sailors. In fact, we insist on knowing Universal Time to the precise second! For example, Stan was using his sextant during our voyage. By sighting the sun, moon, stars, or planets, AND knowing the exact time, we can figure out our precise location. If Stan's watch is off one or two seconds, our assumed position would be off 12 to 20 miles. Around islands there are numerous rocks and reefs in a 15 mile stretch. Knowing what time it is, is critical! When at sea, sailors make sure they have good watches, accurate clocks, or use radio signals to measure the seconds. (Jason is going a little 'overboard' here...we use the GPS to navigate and we don't really care what time it is!)
When sailors leave the sea and enter the land-of-the-working, the accuracy of time quickly shifts to the other end of the spectrum. Especially if drop your hook near a remote island. Island people openly reject the trappings of their Continental brothers and sisters. For example, some islands nations have over 20 government holidays per year! The Blog Master was recently on such an island during one of their numerous days off. Everything was closed...banks...schools...stores...gas stations...markets...everything. During the day I asked six different locals what holiday was being celebrated? None of them knew the name of the holiday, or the general gist of the celebration. "It's a day off work," was their common reply. I just might move to Trinidad and Tobago.
In the Horta marina we are surrounded by over 300 European yachts. There are only four U.S.A. yachts. Most European work standards also warp time, similar to the bending that goes on in the Caribbean. For example, most employers give NEW employees at least 4 to 6 weeks of vacation time off, basically Europe shuts down for the month of August, the work week is measured on a 32 hour yardstick (in France it is 28 hours long), and young parents get several years off with pay to ease into parenthood and bond with their gifts from God. It is very common to meet European cruisers who are taking advantage of a two year sabbatical while sailing. Their jobs are guaranteed and held for them while they absorb the watery treasures of the world.
Here in Horta we are definitely on Island Time. Most local businesses open at 1000, close from noon to 1400 for a two hour lunch, and then open for another 4 hours at the end of the day. Little is open during the weekend. The locals don't use the Carib phrase, "Jus' now," but it is implied by the stretched time schedule everyone operates under. "Jus' now" in the Windward Islands has nothing to do with "just now," as in "immediately." And JIT (just-in-time) manufacturing methods certainly don't reside in the islands. "Jus' now" in island talk means some time in the future. Maybe an hour from now, four hours from now, or maybe tomorrow morning after the bar closes at 0400! We are living in the Starship Enterprise time warp, known as "Horta." Our critical part sent next day delivery from the U.S.A., has not reached our island six days in to its "Jus' Now" delivery. And, the computers at the local Fed-X office have been down for three days, so our tracking number means nothing to their shipping clerk. The machine shop which was working on our bent wind vane shaft missed their estimated delivery time of 4 hours, by 22 hours. Our PROPANE bottles got filled in less than one day, with BUTANE. We will be cooking with hotter gas from now on. Good news, today we were able to get a jump on time by slipping the laundry girl a big tip, pushing our soiled items to the front of the clothes line so to speak. Our clothes are now fresh while other sailors watch the hands of their clocks stand still, or in some cases they move slowly back-wards.
So, the Vision Quest crew is all dressed up and we have an important place to go (the Canaries). Chill'n on an island, we wait for "the plane" to bring us an autopilot part from "the Americas." The land were highly productive people work an average of 2,080 hours per year to make ends meet.
Island time...if we really work at it, maybe we can work our way in to the local routine. If not now...maybe some time in the future like Jus' now!
Brain Tumor Fact Brain Tumors can strike anyone
Wed Jun 17, Horta, Faial - Azore Island Group
This entry sponsored by ReMax Realty One - Team Wunder
LAND HO!
Hello Friends... we arrived in Horta Tuesday morning and have been busy settling in and making repairs. Sorry it's been so long since the last entry...no excuses, just tired and moving a little slow. We came up around 20 miles from shore on Monday evening and slowly sailed toward the harbor. At sunrise, we were about 5 miles out and proceeded to motor in under the security of daylight.
The harbor is crowded with boats making their way back to Europe after wintering in the Caribbean. We first docked 3 deep at the customs dock, checked in with the officials and refilled our diesel tanks. Then we proceeded into the main harbor where we are rafted against the quay with four other boats. American's are not well liked out here and there are very few of us. We have been very polite and friendly and we think that the others (mostly French) have accepted us. They did tell us that since we have a peace sign on the boat that we must not be like the others and that they are impressed. They have also not seen a boat like ours and they like it alot. The end result is that we are all long distance voyagers and despite national differences we have a lot in common. An Apogee 55 came in this morning from America...we were delighted to see each other.
We had a good dinner ashore last night. It was sooo nice! We find ourselves grateful for simple things like running water and laundry facilities. We have mended the main sail in two spots, fixed the boom vang line which parted on our last night at sea, and removed the bent wind vane shaft. Jason has been walking all around the island dropping off propane tanks, bringing the shaft to a machine shop, and tracking a package arriving from the states that has our autopilot part. Thanks Jason!
Speaking of Jason, we have heard that some of his fans have noticed he has not been included in any of the blog pictures. I would like to extend my apologies but please understand that it is not our fault. For some reason he has not been showing up in the pictures...kind of like a ghost, I guess. If you look closely at the picture above, you will see that he is starting to appear...it's the strangest thing. I predict that within the next few days he will be fully visible for you all to see!
OK, that's all for now...I'll do my best to have another update for you tomorrow.
Brain Tumor Fact: In 2006, scientists in the USA were asked to give priority to finding treatments for Glioblastoma brain tumors.
