Sunday 19thApril Ponta Delgada, The Azores This is our last port before we return to the U.K. The morning started cloudy and cool but by the time we went ashore it was soon warm enough to take off my jacket. The town here is full of lovely buildings in black and white. Also the roads and pavements are in black and white mosaic. On the front near the city gates we saw lots of runners waiting to start their race. We watched the start of the race before walking up...

Monday 12th January Funchal, Madeira After leaving Southampton on Thursday we have been sailing south. We crossed the Bay of Biscay where there was quite a swell but were in calmer waters by Saturday. Today we have arrived at our first port, Funchal in Madeira. It's a lovely warm, sunny day here and we have spent it walking around the town. There is a new promenade since we were here last. We strolled along it and then stopped at a cafe to have a coffee. I want...