Funchal from the Sea

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We booked a chartered catamaran to spend time on the water, view any wildlife that might pass by and cast loving eyes upon the fascinating landscape that is Madeira.

There wasn´t enough wind to sail, so we were motored along at a pleasing pace and reveled in the sea and sun until the crewman with binoculars shouted out. The captain sped up the boat and we were soon surrounded by about a dozen cavorting dolphins. What fun to watch and try to get photos as they rolled out of the water and before they dove back down.

We were soon joined by the ancient looking sailing vessel we´d noticed a few days ago from the shore. After the dolphins had moved on, I asked a crewman about the boat. He said it is an exact replica of the caravel that Joao Goncalves Zarco was sailing when he discovered Madeira in 1420. At first we thought we´d like to take a charter on that boat another day of our stay here. But after watching the top-heavy ship swaying and lurching through the sea we decided againt it. Our little catamaran was wonderfully stable, much more to our liking.

A little later another cry came up from the fellow with the binoculars and we raced off to observe a whale passing by. Somewhere I have the name of the whale, but it´s not with me now and it isn´t one I recognize. He/she never breached so that we could get a good look, but she/he would roll over just under the surface of the water so that we could see a long, white underbelly. It is so exciting to see these sea creatures at play (or work?--maybe they were feeding) and really reminds one of how important it is to maintain the health of our oceans.

Viewing sea life seemed to be over for the morning, so the captain headed for the base of the highest cliff in Europe, just west of Funchal. At the water´s edge were terraced farm plots that supply Funchal´s market with fresh produce. A very elaborate lift system gets the produce to the top of the cliff so that it can be transported to market.

This island is all mountains and valleys. There are very few places that are flat. As we cruised just off the coast back to Funchal, it was fascinating to see how people over the centuries have built houses, hotels, shops, factories, schools, churches and everything else you need in a society on spots you wouldn´t imagine they could build. Most of the buildings are white with red tile roofs and are set off dramatically against the green mountain sides and blue skies. Funchal, the capitol city, is celebrating its 500th birthday this year!

More later...............

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Photos

Replica of discovery ship
The original discovered Madeira in 1420

Playing Dolphins
Several were racing next to the boat pontoon

Dolphin
A good close-up

Cabo Girao
The largest cliff in Europe

Farms at base of cliff
Produce is taken to market by series of lifts

Comments

[Julie Davidson]

Thanks!
We are enjoying your news. Keep it up. Plus, it is pretty cool for the computer savvy kids to have a "blogging grandma!"