Funchal, Madeira
Rain, walking, & wine pulled us into life on Madeira today.
The sunrise this morning was painted reds and pinks outlining the island of Madeira. Pre-dawn light was a gift for early rising photographers. Rain showers awoke many of the rest of us on the ship and gave our digital images a misty foreground subject. Walking to the colorful botanical gardens on the green slopes above Funchal, to the small whaling museum in Canical, and to the highest points on the island where the levada carries water along a path with spectacular views were options today.
Our coaches wound up the narrow streets with picturesque views of the city, taking us to small cafes for lunch. When the sunshine warmed the countryside, we asked our drivers to make a “photo stop.” We were treated to warm fresh baked bread, potato soup, beef on a stick, and fish garnished with banana, all local style. This was an opportunity to break bread among residents of this unique and beautiful island.
When we returned to the ship in the early afternoon, we shared stories and images from the different scenic views we had visited, while underway to the Isla Desertas Group. We planned to Zodiac cruise, but as we approached, Expedition Leader Tom Ritchie announced that “the islands were currently unavailable for viewing.” A squall had followed us from Madeira and shrouded the islands from view. We watched shearwaters forage, the rare Zino’s or Fea’s petral in flight, which are very difficult in the field to tell the difference, and scanned for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The rain passed and the light beamed through the clouds, golden as the sun set, with no green flash.
Port wine tasting in the lounge, with our resident expert, Vern Penner followed a very elegant dinner. Vern discussed production, selection, and consumption of port wine. We toasted new friendships and a wonderful day in Madeira, Portugal, while sailing on to the Canary Islands.
Rain, walking, & wine pulled us into life on Madeira today.
The sunrise this morning was painted reds and pinks outlining the island of Madeira. Pre-dawn light was a gift for early rising photographers. Rain showers awoke many of the rest of us on the ship and gave our digital images a misty foreground subject. Walking to the colorful botanical gardens on the green slopes above Funchal, to the small whaling museum in Canical, and to the highest points on the island where the levada carries water along a path with spectacular views were options today.
Our coaches wound up the narrow streets with picturesque views of the city, taking us to small cafes for lunch. When the sunshine warmed the countryside, we asked our drivers to make a “photo stop.” We were treated to warm fresh baked bread, potato soup, beef on a stick, and fish garnished with banana, all local style. This was an opportunity to break bread among residents of this unique and beautiful island.
When we returned to the ship in the early afternoon, we shared stories and images from the different scenic views we had visited, while underway to the Isla Desertas Group. We planned to Zodiac cruise, but as we approached, Expedition Leader Tom Ritchie announced that “the islands were currently unavailable for viewing.” A squall had followed us from Madeira and shrouded the islands from view. We watched shearwaters forage, the rare Zino’s or Fea’s petral in flight, which are very difficult in the field to tell the difference, and scanned for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The rain passed and the light beamed through the clouds, golden as the sun set, with no green flash.
Port wine tasting in the lounge, with our resident expert, Vern Penner followed a very elegant dinner. Vern discussed production, selection, and consumption of port wine. We toasted new friendships and a wonderful day in Madeira, Portugal, while sailing on to the Canary Islands.
