I woke up for morning watch to bright sunlight and hints of land in the distance.  We saw the islands of the Azores for hours before we docked in Faial due to their sharp contrast with the water all around them. My excitement increased as we drew closer.  The wind picked up and I ended up on the helm as we made our way between the islands. 

The island of Pico dramatically guided us in on the port side, her steep peak shrouded in clouds.  Red roofed houses became visible on Pico and Faial.  A few people from a large commercial ship waved at us as we came in (we would later say hello to them when out in town that evening). After two weeks on the ocean we were dockside in one of the most amazing places I have ever seen.  Warmth and palm trees and curious eyes greeted us at the dock.  Someone ashore called for “Mario,” and the pace of a small European town surrounded us.  I was reminded of time spent on an island in Greece.  Small murals left by other sailors decorated the dock we tied up to. Our bow pointed toward a hillside.  The variety of green from the grass and trees and deep brown of the earth delighted my eyes.  I always heard people mention feeling like they were still moving once they stopped sailing.  I never experienced that until I sat down to a lunch of Chili and cornbread after docking in Faial. 
 
After cleaning the boat and having dinner we had a few hours to go ashore. There was not enough time to see much of Faial, but we had a taste and a reminder of yet another place I would like to come back to.  We were in port for less than 24 hours.  B watch was again on as all hands worked to take us out of Faial.  I worked with a student on one of the dock lines back aft and then ended up on bow watch.  Warm air dried the shirt on my back that I had washed that morning.  Faial and Pico disappeared behind us.  We set sail on the way out, the four lowers, jib top and tops’l.  I was sad to leave Faial, since in only a few hours I became enchanted with the island. We ended up in Faial by accident, and were gifted with a chance to visit a remote island that few ever happen upon.  Life often throws obstacles and trials that, when worked with, allow for new opportunities and experiences. 

Comments (0)