Arrived in Portugal

I know it has been a while, but I have not had easy access to wifi since leaving the Azores.

We overnighted from Sao Jorge to Terciera where we spent a fer days before continuing our Atlantic crossing to Portugal. More on Terciera as I am able.

We were aiming for Lisbon and were trying to make as much north as possible to be prepared for the south current as we neared Portugal. The first day was beautiful sailing; close hauled with winds about 12 knots, we were able to make northeast. Over the next few days the wind gradually clocked around more and more east of north pushing us farther and farther south until we were more likely to make Africa than Portugal. We finally ended up motoring due north for about 7 hours while the wind was down. Then the wind came up strong gradually increasing to 25-30 and we were sailing with a rail in the water most of the time even with the mizzen put away and a double reef in the main. At least the wind was more north maybe even a little west of north and we were making a good course for Lisbon, sometimes maybe a little south of Lisbon, but still Portugal. The seas were big and we were constantly getting doused. the water also managed to find its way into the cabin in a few spots making for wet bedding.

Finally the winds and seas began to die down and we neared the coast. Unfortunately the wind died down to nothing and as we neared the coast we could not see it for the thick fog. Fortunately we have radar and were able to see on the radar screen the ships we could not see with our eyes. (Josie is blowing the fog horn in the picture)

By the time we entered the channel the fog was thin enough that we had about two miles visibility and improved as we continued to make our way to port. We stayed in Oeiras just outside Lisbon for the next few days. Unfortunately there was no free wifi there for me to update the blog. (It's not in our budget to pay the 20 euros per day that was charged there.

We left Oeiras on Wednesday, August 3 and anchored off Portimao yesterday. we will continue on today. I will update blaog when we are in an area where I am able to do so, but wanted to let everyone know we are safe and in Europe.