Faial, Azores
Back in the central group of the Azores, our destination for today was Horta, the main town on the island of Faial. The island gets its name from a common shrubby plant, although recently it has also become known as the “blue island” for the abundant hydrangeas that form boundary hedges.
Our morning excursion reminded us once again of the geologically unstable nature of these islands on the mid-Atlantic ridge. The peninsula of Capelhinos has two lighthouses; the newer of the two was built after a volcanic eruption in 1957-58 partially buried the old one. Many of the houses in the area are also new for those not destroyed by the volcano had suffered damage by a major earthquake in 1997.
We were also reminded of the ocean crossroads that these islands sit upon. Historically, Horta was an important destination for American whaling fleets who came here to re-provision, offload whale oil, and recruit crews. Horta has also been a hub for transatlantic submarine cable networks and seaplane crossings of the Atlantic. Today, Horta remains the port of choice for sailors crossing the Atlantic, and the marina walls opposite our berth are covered with murals painted by the crews of visiting yachts (pictured), of which there are more than 1,000 each year. As a regular visitor to Horta, the Endeavour has contributed to this work of art in progress and decorated her own section of harbor wall, marking our passage in the wake of many before us who have passed through this historic port.
Back in the central group of the Azores, our destination for today was Horta, the main town on the island of Faial. The island gets its name from a common shrubby plant, although recently it has also become known as the “blue island” for the abundant hydrangeas that form boundary hedges.
Our morning excursion reminded us once again of the geologically unstable nature of these islands on the mid-Atlantic ridge. The peninsula of Capelhinos has two lighthouses; the newer of the two was built after a volcanic eruption in 1957-58 partially buried the old one. Many of the houses in the area are also new for those not destroyed by the volcano had suffered damage by a major earthquake in 1997.
We were also reminded of the ocean crossroads that these islands sit upon. Historically, Horta was an important destination for American whaling fleets who came here to re-provision, offload whale oil, and recruit crews. Horta has also been a hub for transatlantic submarine cable networks and seaplane crossings of the Atlantic. Today, Horta remains the port of choice for sailors crossing the Atlantic, and the marina walls opposite our berth are covered with murals painted by the crews of visiting yachts (pictured), of which there are more than 1,000 each year. As a regular visitor to Horta, the Endeavour has contributed to this work of art in progress and decorated her own section of harbor wall, marking our passage in the wake of many before us who have passed through this historic port.
