Wednesday 10th January 2018
The Azores are a remote Portuguese volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, consisting of nine islands divided into three groups. Sao Miguel island’s rugged coastline is a mixture of headlands jutting out into the ocean, sheer cliffs dropping into the sea and sheltered coves. Mountains and valleys covered in lush vegetation are reflected in beautiful lakes within the craters of extinct volcanoes. Ponta Delgada is the largest city on Sao Miguel, an old town of characteristic narrow roads and winding black and white cobbled streets.
Last night still quite rough, lots of creaks and bangs, much improved today.
This morning Captain Hashmi announced that he and Commodore Rynd, on Queen Victoria, had consulted and decided we will be diverting to Ponte Delgada in the Azores, cancelling the call to Bermuda. Apparently due to bad weather, looks very nice outside today! Queen Victoria also diverting to a different island in the Azores. Bermuda would have been Queen Elizabeth’s maiden call to the island and the Prime Minister was going to visit in celebration.
Early this afternoon berthed at Ponta Delgada. Nice bright day, looking good for our visit. Quite a few folk going on last minute arranged excursions. Nothing took our fancy, we have been here before, so we went ashore for a walk along the harbour front and then through the town. Took advantage and made a call at the Spa supermarket for essential supplies, today a couple of bottles of Coke and a couple of the famous Portuguese custard tarts, the name of which escapes us, but they are very tasty and just so traditional in Portuguese areas.
Local Flora - Bird of Paradise
Nice walk through the town, all black and white pavements and facades, and leisurely stroll back to our ship nicely in time for afternoon tea.
Not much else happening today, sailaway being after dark so not much to see either.
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