Atlantic Crossing Part 2: Azores

I haven’t dropped off the map!! I’ve just been enjoying the slow pace of life on these beautiful Portuguese islands. Nevertheless, it’s time to get back to work and finish the crossing. Since I last wrote, we’ve had a few crew changes: after thoroughly enjoying their time in Horta, Megan Monroe and Matt Christopherson left for home to reunite with their loved ones. Last week, Sarah Miller and Pallavi Sekhri (two Midnight Voyageur veteran crew members) arrived in Horta. To commemorate our passage, Sarah took the time to create a work of art on the harbor wall.

On July 6, we departed for Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel; the largest and most populous island in the Azores and about 150 miles away from Horta. It was a bit of a rough overnight passage, but it turns out it was well worth the effort! We didn’t think Sao Miguel could be any better than Faial, but I must say, it is nothing short of spectacular: very friendly people, 5-star hotels, amazing cuisine (local wine and cheese, fresh fish), breathtaking scenery, wild flowers, fesIvals, volcanic lakes, natural hot springs, shopping, etc. To top it all off, Angelika and Evelina arrived on July 8 to fully partake in all that this magical place has to offer.

We depart for a week-long passage to Lisbon (890 miles) tomorrow morning, July 13. Our weather router says we should have fair winds all the way. Once at sea, I will send a daily update to our satellite locaIon to my brother, Brian. He will then forward it on to this email list.

Cheers to all and thanks again for the good wishes!

Mike