Geoff Brock & Bruce Gamble
         
     
   
 
 
 
Sal:
 
São Vicente:
 
Santo Antão:
 
São Nicolau:
 
Brava:
 
Fogo:
 
Maio:
 
Santiago:
 

Brava: Exploring Porto Furna and an excursion to Nova Sintra & Faja d'Agua
Friday 18th November 2022
 
We awoke to find ourselves in the tiny port of Furna. There was some doubt beforehand that we would actually fit into the port and looking out we could see that it had been a tight squeeze, but somehow we had made it in!
 
 
Overnight, we had sailed 110 nautical miles from Tarrafal, São Nicolau to this small island which is somewhat dwarfed by its bigger neighbour, Fogo.
 
 
 
This is the route that was planned for us today.
 
 
Geoff decided that he wanted a break from minibuses and precipitous mountain drives today, but he had his camera at the ready to see Bruce getting on the little yellow minibus with the white roof...
...and follow him up the hill. (Well alright, Bruce took the photo on the right).
 
With Bruce off on the excursion, Geoff set about exploring the little port town of Furna.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In the meantime, Bruce was heading uphill to the charming town of Nova Sintra.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From Nova Sintra we headed further up and over the mountains to the other side of the island.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We caught sight of the little village of Faja d'Agua, where we would later have refreshments.
 
 
An abandoned airport. This is the second one we have seen!
 
The natural pools are a highlight of the island. Because of a strong wind, however, it was not possible to swim.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Another view of the old airport as we went into the village.
 
The little restaurant on the right is where we stopped for refreshments. I didn't get a photo of it on the day, so this is one I found.
 
 
 
 
We drove back to the port the same way we had come. There was a bit of a competition on the bus to see who could spot a kingfisher. There were quite a few, but they weren't easy to photograph. I was very happy to capture this one in flight.
 
The eastern entrance to the town of Vila Nova Sintra is guarded by the stone replica of the Columbus ship Santa Maria.
 
The approach to the port of Furna. We could now see how small it was in relation to our ship.
 
Back on board and everybody was on deck to "help" the Captain navigate his way out of the port!
 
 
A last look back at the island of Brava...
 
...and a look forward to the port of São Filipe on the nearby island of Fogo.
 
We were informed that no ship of our size had attemped to dock here, but we were going to try anyway!
 
 
 
Of course, we all had to stay on deck once again to help the Captain get in!
 
 
Slowly, carefully and with absolute precision, he made it and we all cheered!
 
 
Our joy at being alongside in the port was short-lived. The port could not provide adequate protection from the swell and although the Captain tried very hard to secure the ship, he eventually had to admit defeat after breaking several ropes. Over dinner, we left the port again and dropped anchor outside. The swell was high, but we didn't feel it. The downside was that tomorrow's excursion would have to begin with a transfer ashore via Zodiac. Bruce was excited by the prospect; Geoff, less so...
 
 
 
 
©Geoff Brock and Bruce Gamble