Flores & Corvo
A lush verdant green landscape with a smattering of large volcanic rocks welcomed us onto the Island of Flores. As the coaches followed the contours of the mountainous ridges we had spectacular views of the green hills above and the blue of the ocean below. We stopped and explored Faja Grande—the “westernmost point in Europe.” This area was created by a massive land slide which in turn created a perfect landscape for homes, farms and businesses. Some of us sampled the local coffee, beer and juices while others explored along the seashore. Black volcanic rocks ring the island and buffer this small seaside town from the mighty waves of the North Atlantic.
Next we started for the main town of Santa Cruz das Flores. Along the way we planned to visit a few caldera lakes, but the fog got a head start and beat us to our destination. Our local guides quickly pulled together a new plan and persuaded us to try for one more lake and sure enough we were able to get a lovely view of one of Flores’ mountain jewels. We then continued to the east side of the island to the town of Santa Cruz das Flores. The main attraction here is the scrimshaw museum. Scrimshaw is one of whaling’s most beautiful legacies. Sperm whale teeth were carved with detailed scenes of sailing ships, whales, mermaids and sea monsters. Using a knife or a sail needle, a design was scratched into the surface of the tooth. Then soot or ink was rubbed into the design to make the scratched lines black.
In the afternoon we crossed over to the smallest island in the archipelago, Corvo; this was the first time that a cruise ship had ever visited the island. Enthusiastic locals transported us to the island summit in a variety of vehicles to see the caldera lake. From the summit many chose to walk back down to the dock, a walk of several kilometers, but with fine views and gravity on our side. A spectacular end to an exciting day.
A lush verdant green landscape with a smattering of large volcanic rocks welcomed us onto the Island of Flores. As the coaches followed the contours of the mountainous ridges we had spectacular views of the green hills above and the blue of the ocean below. We stopped and explored Faja Grande—the “westernmost point in Europe.” This area was created by a massive land slide which in turn created a perfect landscape for homes, farms and businesses. Some of us sampled the local coffee, beer and juices while others explored along the seashore. Black volcanic rocks ring the island and buffer this small seaside town from the mighty waves of the North Atlantic.
Next we started for the main town of Santa Cruz das Flores. Along the way we planned to visit a few caldera lakes, but the fog got a head start and beat us to our destination. Our local guides quickly pulled together a new plan and persuaded us to try for one more lake and sure enough we were able to get a lovely view of one of Flores’ mountain jewels. We then continued to the east side of the island to the town of Santa Cruz das Flores. The main attraction here is the scrimshaw museum. Scrimshaw is one of whaling’s most beautiful legacies. Sperm whale teeth were carved with detailed scenes of sailing ships, whales, mermaids and sea monsters. Using a knife or a sail needle, a design was scratched into the surface of the tooth. Then soot or ink was rubbed into the design to make the scratched lines black.
In the afternoon we crossed over to the smallest island in the archipelago, Corvo; this was the first time that a cruise ship had ever visited the island. Enthusiastic locals transported us to the island summit in a variety of vehicles to see the caldera lake. From the summit many chose to walk back down to the dock, a walk of several kilometers, but with fine views and gravity on our side. A spectacular end to an exciting day.
