A house in the Azores

   We have found a house on the island of Terceria, in the village of Porto Judeu, which we have decided to buy. It sits by itself below the high road, half way between the main city of Angra de Heroisimo to the west and Praia Da Victoria to the east, at the dead end of Canada Do Morte (translates to road of death).  While standing at the front southerly corner a view of approximately 280 degrees, uninterrupted by phone or electric wires, can be had of pastures, the sea and off lying islands. It has been in the family we are buying it from for over 80 years and is over 100 years old. Built of lava rock, the main walls are over 2 feet thick. Three small pastures are included and were used to grow potatoes and grape vines whose grapes were used to produce wine for the family. Because of the incredable views, we shall call it: O Ninho de Corvo (Portugues for The Crow's Nest), for the non mariner the crow's nest is where a watch was posted just below the top of a tall ships mast.

 In the top center of this picture, just below the coast line is the house. It is blue with an orange terracotta tile roof. It sits by itself with a long stone wall to the right in the picture. You will probably have to zoom in to see it as this picture was taken from about 3 kilometers away.

Here is a pic taken from the next road to the east

This is the front with the shutters open, standing at the end of the street 

Another view from the north side looking toward the sea

A panoramic view standing in the front doorway

 A panoramic view from the end of the terrace looking south

 View of Goat Islands from the end of the terrace. The for ground is a slab which we will someday tile after removing all the weeds. The pasture just below it is also ours and we plan to let a local farmer cultivate it

 Another view south with the afore mentioned pasture, one of the 3 pastures which are included. Another one is just below that stone wall.

 The driveway. The property includes everything up to that black stone wall ahead of our car. The white building was once the winery and with a new roof would make a nice little guest house.  That's our little 1.1 L (66 roaring horsepower) car is the drive.

The house is in good condition with new windows, shutters and roof.  Some paint and landscaping is all that is really needed.  It is in completely livable condition.  Granny just moved out two months ago.  It has three bedrooms, kitchen, laundry and bathroom with a bidet, and, most importantly, a pig sty out back.

We are excited about the house and living here six months a year.  The Terceirean people are beyond nice.  We have been invited to numerous dinners and festivals.  Many speak english but our portuguese is getting better by the day.  The weather has been spectacular with great sailing days.  

We'll be heading home in October.  Stay tuned for the before and after photos.

Dec. 8th, 9th &10th

After leaving Death Valley we headed to the Grand Canyon for our mule ride down to the Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon on the Colorado River. The pictures don’t really show it but the trail down was as narrow as 2 feet in places and the drop offs shear for hundreds of feet in places. Fortunately, the mules were very sure footed and we made it down safely after a 6 hour ride.

 These 1st 2 are a view from the rim

At the start of the descent, brrrrrr!

 Snow from the night before

Looking up from Indian Village, half way down 

 The Colorado River

 Taking a break

 The Muleskinners

 Half way rest stop

Half way

the preceding 2 are our Wrangler guiding us down

 Looking down the Colorado River

 Wrangler taking us across

Finally down and crossing with a sore ass

 Another view about 2/3 of the way up

That is where the Ford Truck was set for a NFL Superbowl commercial