Madeira
November 3rd, 2008
Madeira is part of an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, 300m off the north western coast of Africa and about 600m from Europe. It was discovered by the Portuguese in 1418 and like all things Portuguese, in our opinion, it is a jewel. The island is small, 35m long and 13m wide, but mighty in its strength of character, lush vegetation and majestic scenery. The steep mountainous relief is stunning as the patch work plots of terraced land clings and drops directly into the sea. During our time here we have been graced with daily showers which have given rise to countless rainbows shinning thru the mist hovering over the top of the mountains.
The island is referred to as The Garden Island; a better description could not be bestowed upon this lovely place. In addition to the abundance of tropical plants and flowers flowing naturally all over the island there are gorgeous parks and fountains springing up all over the city. If you have been to Victoria, BC than you have an idea of the abundance of beauty and charm which can be found here. One of the most unique and charming characteristic of Portugal are the patterned inlaid stone mosaic sidewalks found everywhere, not just in the old city areas. My favorite ones are of the oldest style and found extensively in the multitude of parks and gardens where they take on the appearance of pathways rather than sidewalks. Each smooth stone is carefully and artistically placed on its side, not flat, bumpered up against its neighboring stone, in intricate patterns which are only discernable by close inspection and appreciation.
We have been here much longer than expected but I have loved every minute of it. We are anchored in a lovely harbor with easy access to a dinghy dock and many shopping areas within walking distance. There is a beach for the dogs, and many fresh water fountains for them to rinse the salt water off along our regularly walked paths. The Portuguese are wonderful people. I know I have said that many times before. We cannot be in a better place to have Michael’s ankle fracture repaired and adequate time for healing. They are loving, tolerant and welcoming. Michael is extremely pleased with the medical care he has received, with few if any of the common complexities and cost characteristic in the US. We rented a car for 2 days so we could see more of the island without putting undue stress on Michael’s leg.
Now, for a “doggy” update:
Costa is everything Brisa is not. He is calm, undemanding, content and generally a big ole bundle of love with soft fluffy hair. Brisa is still Brisa, incredibly smart, bossy and in need of nearly constant challenge, either physically or intellectually. I have a few really funny Brisa stories. One day I left both dogs in the kennel for a few hours to go visit Michael in the hospital. When I got back to the boat I let the dogs out of the kennel but continued doing the laundry instead of paying attention to the dogs. Brisa wanted to go to the beach. When she didn’t feel like waiting any longer she jumped into the floating dinghy and started barking at me. I thought she was barking because the dinghy had drifted a little too far from the boat preventing her from leaping back onto the boat, but no, she wanted to go for a boat ride, to the beach! I continued with the laundry and a few minutes later when I was finishing up I looked back and Costa had joined her in the dinghy but she dove into the water and was swimming around, just letting me know that she was indeed ready to go play!
Another time I purposely put both of them outside and closed the sliding glass door. Usually Brisa hops up onto the bench under the window and lays her front paws thru the opening barking at me. I closed the window. A few minutes later she found the lanyard of the ship’s bell and started ringing the bell!
Yesterday I was rewarding Costa with hugs and attention after he trotted up to the trampolines to go potty all by himself, without being directed to do so. Well, Brisa felt left out. She can be a really spiteful bitch at times. A few minutes later I found 2 perfectly laid turds just inside the door!
The stories go on and on. I am shocked at how much I love having both onboard. Costa has been a terrific addition and as soon as he is old enough to really chase Brisa around on the beach and compete with retrieving the ball in the water I think we will have a much better way to manage the exercise demands of Number 1.
Today is Sunday, Nov. 2. We will be departing for the Canary Islands as soon as we post this update and take one last look at the weather prediction. This passage should only take 40 hours. We will meet Mike and Margi within the next week or so. They will join us to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Most likely we will sail from the Canary Islands, after Nov. 15th, to the Cape Verde Islands which will give us a more favorable jumping off place to find the trade winds. Landfall is planned for St. Lucia about 10 days following our departure from Cape Verde. We should be back on your side of the Atlantic Ocean early in December.
