Sao Jorge Island
Soaring over the waves, Cory’s shearwaters escorted the ship into the waters off the Island of Sao Jorge. The coast is very steep but for centuries people have managed to build small communities all over the island. As we sailed, we could see the patterns of walls, pastures, and cattle. Local folks joke that on the island cattle easily out-number people. With all that great bovine energy its no wonder the island is widely known for it’s delicious cheese.
During the morning we had the opportunity to visit the small community of Calheta. As the fleet of Zodiacs motored into the small boat harbor, people from town came out to the breakwater to greet us. Some of us let the winding streets guide us through town, while others enjoyed the outside cafe and partook of local sweets and beverages.
In the afternoon the ship sailed further along the south side of the island for the town of Velas. Historically the town was founded and developed because of wool, lichen (used for dye), wheat, and grape exports. However, these days nine cheese factories and the numerous cattle ranches fuel the economy. Those of us who ventured into town visited the small shops, church, and a little square surrounded by a beautiful floral garden. For those of us who wanted a more wet and wild adventure, Zodiacs took us out along the shore where steep cliffs of volcanic origin towered over us (see photo above). Flocks of doves perched along the ledges and terns noisily searched for schooling fish near the waters surface. Unexpectedly a large heron squawked and flew off it’s rocky perch. A spectacular end to a wonderful day.
Soaring over the waves, Cory’s shearwaters escorted the ship into the waters off the Island of Sao Jorge. The coast is very steep but for centuries people have managed to build small communities all over the island. As we sailed, we could see the patterns of walls, pastures, and cattle. Local folks joke that on the island cattle easily out-number people. With all that great bovine energy its no wonder the island is widely known for it’s delicious cheese.
During the morning we had the opportunity to visit the small community of Calheta. As the fleet of Zodiacs motored into the small boat harbor, people from town came out to the breakwater to greet us. Some of us let the winding streets guide us through town, while others enjoyed the outside cafe and partook of local sweets and beverages.
In the afternoon the ship sailed further along the south side of the island for the town of Velas. Historically the town was founded and developed because of wool, lichen (used for dye), wheat, and grape exports. However, these days nine cheese factories and the numerous cattle ranches fuel the economy. Those of us who ventured into town visited the small shops, church, and a little square surrounded by a beautiful floral garden. For those of us who wanted a more wet and wild adventure, Zodiacs took us out along the shore where steep cliffs of volcanic origin towered over us (see photo above). Flocks of doves perched along the ledges and terns noisily searched for schooling fish near the waters surface. Unexpectedly a large heron squawked and flew off it’s rocky perch. A spectacular end to a wonderful day.
