We had docked by 8.30. Porto Santo loomed stark and bare in contrast to Madeira's green and lush landscape. First breakfast - uneventful, except that I sampled a chocolate doughnut which proved to be cinnamon flavoured and not very exciting!
The coaches had arrived before 9 and we were boarding early ready for a 9.15 start. Our Guide was very pleasant with a sense of humour. It seemed at first that there would be little of interest to see but it turned out to be quite fascinating. Because the early settlers used all the trees for building houses, boats and for fuel the island had been almost totally deforested. Because of this the rainfall ceased and the land was no longer suitable for cultivation. Now, thousands of trees are being planted in an attempt to improve the climate. There are only 4,501 inhabitants but there is no unemployment. The only export appears to be wine though there are few vineyards. There is virtually no other farming because of the lack of rain. Most of the water supply comes from desalination.
Our tour took us into the main town and through several adjoining villages as we journeyed south west to the southernmost part of the island. All that was there was a bar which was closed! A rocky island was prominently just offshore. Most of Porto Santo is rocky and mountainous.
We doubled back to the town where we spent about 45 minutes. We visited the Columbus Museum. He had visited Porto Santo in his younger days and married the Governor's daughter. There was an interesting mosaic in the garden in the typical black and white, of a Galleon.
The church was unfortunately closed, but the exterior was of interest. Its steeple, short and stubby, was decorated with tiles. There was a Templar cross on the end of the building and an interesting tile picture of the Pieta on the south wall.
The town centre was very attractive with gardens and plenty of palm trees. The entrance to the toilets, which were underground, was the most attractive I have seen!
In the garden next to where the bus stopped was a statue of Columbus but I could only get the back view! This was while we were waiting for some late comers when we were ready to leave. Also whilst there we saw a horse and cart used for transporting visitors around.
Now we were to drive around the northern part of the island which is quite mountainous with the highest peak being over 500 metres. We stopped at various viewpoints in order to take photos. The three highest mountain peaks can be seen on the left below.
Our last stop overlooked the harbour and there was Black Prince waiting for us! There were fine views from there in both directions along the coast, which you will see below. The weather today was warm but windy as well. It was quite cool when we were up in the mountains.
Now we return to the ship and have lunch.
At 1.30 there was a deck party to say goodbye to Porto Santo. Two of the kitchen staff showed their skills at sculpture. One transformed a block of ice into an angel fish whilst another turned fruit and vegetables into all kinds of table decorations.
Goodbye Porto Santo
As we sailed away the Black Prince Orchestra played and Irena sang (better than we had heard her before! Her performances in the Neptune have been rather insipid.) The Deja Vu girls together with Josie and Nicky danced and a few cruisers joined in. It was quite a festive occasion. Actually it was rather sad that this was the last land we would see before we reach Cornwall. We have two days plain (we hope) sailing first!
Just time for J to have a kip before tea time whilst I started my write-up, and then another one before getting ready for dinner!!! Dinner - J had rolled herrings with pickles, mixed grill and chocolate mouse with rum. I had diced chicken with pasta and lettuce, battered cod with sweet and sour sauce and rice, followed by green fruit salad (apple, melon, grapes, kiwi sauce topped with a sprig of fresh mint. I wonder how they produce fresh mint? Maybe they have plants in the kitchen (galley)!
The first entertainment was "Mr. & Mrs.". The contestants had been married for 60, 52 and 46 years, and they all did very well. Then we had a triple bill of Leo Andrew, Philip Hitchcock and Ron Dale. All superb. Tonight was an opportunity for the men to be photographed with two of the Deja Vu girls! J didn't bother!
The sea is getting quite rough. The boat is rolling well. I hope I shall be able to sleep!