Marina da Horta

English version of post dated on July 16th, by Pablo

Hello Everyone;
As you may already know Marta and Luis are getting off in Horta, Faial Island, Azores, just as planned, but they will still follow us through the blog as well as the Spot locator. Marta will make sure everything is running fine and will enhance the blog by uploading pictures from our adventure. Luis will be on-call 24-7 to make sure that the cooking is well kept and maintained by his substitute Juan, whom Pablo will assist.
Jose and Pablo Morales will embark the Badum to substitute Marta and Luis.
After our evening arrival to Horta on Tuesday, where we were received by a marvelous and warm welcoming crowd, more numerous than we expected with flags and horns even from the Monte da Guia, the crew is getting some good rest. Much of this was due to the filling and tasteful dinner at the Pousada Forte de Sta. Cruz, along with the cold crisp beer which we had all been wishing for.
During the day, most of the crew is reparing several problems throughout the Badum that were encounter during the trip to Horta. Marta unfortunately will be flying back to London this noon due to her tight scheduele. Jose y Amor have been laying on the dock all day sketching and painting our graffiti which was designed by Jose. We hope that you can all see it attached on the blog.
Faial is a beautiful island and Horta has an excellent sailing atmosphere, with its marina packed with sailboats from every corner of the planet, some still in good shape capable of sailing the seven seas and some well worn out from doing just that. The walkways are crowed with sailors with many storms under their long beards. It is very fulfilling to share our voyage and adventures with these experienced sailors. It is truly astonishing to walk up and down the docks completely covered in graffitis from the countless and fearless sailors that have been through this historic harbor in the past. Even better is the atmosphere at Peter's Sport Cafe where this time we were in no rush to finish our rum.
Today we will try to finish all the needed repairs and restock the boat with fresh food for the last part of the crossing. If all goes well, we will be able to tour around this beautiful island.
Finally, on Friday we will begin our sailing towards Mazagon! We plan to arrive there Thursday the 24th. Marta has informed Pepe and I (Pablo) how to manage the blog through the Iridium connection which we hope will continue to function properly.
On the meantime, know that all your posts are very welcomed and they keep us running.
Thank you everyone!
Pablo.

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