Faial

Up at 5:30am for the early ferry from Velas to Horta on Faial Island, via Pico. Views of Pico’s volcano, dolphins in the distance, nice calm sea. 

Too early for the hotel room so free time to explore the town - a popular stopping port for transatlantic sailors. 

Optional walk this afternoon but legs still weary from yesterday so G did the walk (and said I would not have enjoyed it … steps up then down in the full sun) while I went whale-watching on a RIB and it was fantastic. Saw 6 sperm whales close by, a few more in the distance, 2 rare Sowerby beaked whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, all very close to our little boat. Unforgettable.