Bermuda

A maritime calamity began modern Bermudian history.  In 1609, the British vessel Sea Venture, caring English colonists to Jamestown, Virginia settlement, grounded near Bermuda. The survivors were stranded, but with some ingenuity the unwilling new residents established the first permanent settlement. It took a year to build new ships and by the time they were ready to sail, some of them decided to remain.  Three years later, Bermuda colonization began in earnest, and by the end of the century, the island was a Crown Colony.  Bermuda, Britain’s Atlantic Star, is one of the world’s best known resorts – so well known many visitors are surprised to learn that the total land area is only about 20 square miles!

The archipelago is 600 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Hatteras, North Carolina in the direct path of the warming Gulf Stream current.  A protective undersea coral wall rings the chain. The climate is semi-tropical, so the islands are richly blessed with colorful marine life and magnificent flowering plants.  Bermuda is famous for its beautiful scenery, and its proud residents are determined to keep it that way. There are no high rises, no parking meters, no neon signs, no smoke stacks or pollution, and no income tax. Bermuda is a holiday destination, but it is also a major financial center. Visitors are welcomed as guests and while Bermudians see themselves as self-reliant.  Politeness and courtesy are treasured here.

The weather was about 75 degrees with the sun shining brightly.  We took a glass bottom boat ride to see the sights.  We saw a sunken ship that was being carried out to deeper water but it broke in two and there it stayed. But it was good for fishing around.  We fed bread over the side to the fish and they came swarming. This island is really a wonderful island to visit.

                                    

There is a bridge far out there 

AZORES

We traveled to the archipelago of Azores and arrived at the city of Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel.  What was established as a fishing village in the mid-15^th century was later elevated to city status in 1545 after the island’s original capital was devastated by an earthquake.  Architecture enthusiasts will want to make sure to visit the city’s three major churches: Matriz de Sao Sebastio (St Sebastian’s), Sao Pedro (St Peter’s) and Sao Jose (St Joseph), all dating from the 17^th and 18^th centuries. 

We saw the Sete Cidades “Seven Cities” region. It is dominated by an impressive five-mile wide caldera from a volcano.  Within the crater lie two volcanic lakes, one green and the other blue. There has not been a volcanic eruption since the early 1800’s. There is a settlement of about 800 people that live around the lake. They primarily are farmers. They do not own the land because the original people who owned it pass it down and never sell it. This Region is on the western end of the island and it is at the island’s highest elevation. This settlement is very isolated.

KEY WEST

Travel almost 130 miles southwest of Miami to the island of Key West. Known for its popularity with cruisers, the area is also an important naval station and vacation destination for thousands of visitors every year.  The island’s tropical savannah climate offers pleasant conditions, with year-round temperatures hovering in the 80s with frequent thunderstorms.  Ernest Hemingway called Key West his home in the early 20^th Century. Today visitors can look at where the famous writer kicked up his shoes with a trip to 1301 Whitehead Street.  Another famous writer, Tennessee Williams, made Key West his home around the same time.  

                                       Famous Pub we looked up

                                       Tom and Sandy

                              House in Truman Annex Neighborhood

On the Move Again!

Here we go on our next big adventure. We leave on April 15, 2018 (yes, we have done our Income Tax) on our favorite cruise line, Holland America, leaving from Tampa to go to Europe for 27 days. We hope the weather will be warmer in Key West and Bermuda and during the five day crossing over to the Azores than it has been in the Pan Handle so far. We look forward to France, Germany, St Petersburg, Russia and then the Baltic countries. I will be blogging about how I survive the cold, I'm sure. I hope you enjoy the journey with us.