The Horta Marina, where we have been staying for the last couple of weeks, is a popular one among sailors. It is a very typical stopover for people sailing from the Caribbean to Europe. Indeed, while we have been here, we have discovered that most of the other boats passing through started in the Caribbean and are bound for the Mediterranean for the summer. We are here ahead of high season when hundreds of boats will be here, having left before hurricane season hits the Caribbean around June 1st.
Without a doubt, we have found Horta and the island of Faial to be a lovely resting place. We have thoroughly enjoyed our exploration, hikes, driving and walking tours of this island and our day on Pico, a short ferry ride away. The views from the caldera were spectacular and the history represented in the various museums is quite interesting.
Part of what makes this marina special, though, are the thousands of paintings on the jetties and sidewalks. Listed in one of the tourist brochures as a must-see attraction, it is a bit like an open air gallery. I am told that the tradition began with the Portuguese naval ships whose crews left the first paintings in the 50s. Now, the crew of each boats leaves their colorful mark for all to see until the wind and the weather wear it off and the next boat paints over top.
We have spent hours wandering up and down the jetties, admiring the different designs and looking for the murals left by some of our cruising friends who have been here before us. Sailors are a superstitious lot and believe that painting a mural on the breakwater is essential in order to attain divine protection for the rest of the trip.
We, too, have left our mark in the Horta Marina. Tomorrow, we will leave this delightful place, bound for Ireland and the next chapter of our adventure. Thanks for coming along with us! - Molly
The Rabbit took a bunch of pictures of some of the murals to give you a sense of what the marina is like:
The Rabbit took a bunch of pictures of some of the murals to give you a sense of what the marina is like:
We just have not been able to figure this one out...
The code flags are S-I-L-A
I just finished reading about Horta Marina and thoroughly enjoyed your experience. It has been said that words have emotional codes attached to them so often they contain immense power. Thank you for writing and sending words about your trip. I hope my daughter and granddaughter are following you too. Best wishes to all and especially Molly a Red Wing fan. Salud!
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