Atlantic Crossing Hitchhiking
4 Oct 2024 - 06:17
Tenerife Horse Rescue - the place I currently volunteer and live together with 500 animals and 50 volunteers
Shangri-la Community And Mountain Walk
A retreat, workshop or visit at Shangri-la is definitely worth a try. Nestled near san isidro in the desert with a beautiful mountain view.
Rabbit hole - Community And Raves
Ever wondered where those wild desert cave raves take place? Look no further! Step into this hidden gem, and you're in for an unforgettable adventure. The Rabbit Hole is a rave cave hosted by a vibrant community living sustainably in the heart of deserted land. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Exploring "El Barranco" - Caving
I recently ventured on a cave exploration hike near the Tajao bus station, and it was an unexpectedly thrilling experience. Despite the dry conditions on the island, this area still has small pockets of water, adding a surreal contrast to the rugged, volcanic landscape. The caves here are abundant, carved over time by natural forces, offering opportunities for both climbing and hiking. Each cave had its own character, with some large enough to walk through, while others demanded crawling and climbing, making the hike more of an adventure than a simple trek.
What made the experience even more captivating was the blend of arid terrain with hidden water pools in certain spots, creating a unique atmosphere. The climbable rock formations and narrow passageways kept me on my toes, offering unexpected challenges and rewards at every turn. It’s a perfect place for anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, full of exploration and discovery in a stunning, remote part of the island.
The JACA Walk - Run
La Jaca is a hidden gem in the south of Tenerife—a small coastal village where time seems to slow down. I had a beautiful walk through its quiet streets, met a beautiful cat, taking in the colorful houses and ocean views that peek out here and there. But the real highlight was reaching the cliffs. Running along the rugged edge, with waves crashing below and the Atlantic stretching endlessly ahead, felt both invigorating and peaceful.
Abades - The Most Beautiful Sunsets
Catch the ultimate sunset session at Playa de las Américas, Tenerife’s go-to surf spot! With multiple surf breaks offering waves for every skill level.....from beginners testing the waters to advanced surfers chasing thrills—this beach truly has it all....I got my surf board at "surf point". 15€ with all gear for 3 hours. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky fills with stunning colors, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable ride. 🏄♂️✨
Port of Las Palmas
The port of Las Palmas isn’t just a stopover—it’s a vibe. Golden beaches like Las Canteras are just a stroll away (great for surfing ...all levels) and the nearby restaurants serve up food so good you’ll forget you came for the view. Relax, eat, repeat!!
Laginha Beach - Must Go
You’ve got to check out Laginha Beach if you’re in Mindelo—it’s such a cool spot! Trust me, the best time to go is early in the morning. From 5–7 am, the vibe is awesome. Locals are out using this super simple outdoor gym right on the beach, getting their workouts in as the sun rises over the water. And then, like clockwork, everyone dives into the clear blue ocean for a quick swim on the right side of the beach. It’s such a great way to start the day.
But the beach isn’t just great in the morning. Even in the evening, it’s got this relaxed, chill atmosphere that feels really special. It’s never too crowded, although a city beach.
Oh, and if you’re into snorkeling, there’s an underwater trail that’s amazing. You’ll find loads of cool fish and vibrant corals.
Floating Bar - The Bar To Be As A Sailor
Great seafood and always lots of sailors - grest community flair. Especially on the weekends lots of locals as well.
Rumbo A Brasil
We left Cabo Verde with lots of wind. Up to 9knots. Seeing dolphins.
And drove with full moon into the night. At some point around 2am the wind calmed down.
Back on the water and fulfilling the dream of crossing the Atlantic.
Fair Winds - And Seasickness
Laying between shifts is the best option with these waves and first days adapting to sea again. 4/5 meter waves. Crew is still working and functioning despite the conditions, however it costs some energy.
Chilling On The Boat - Day Three
The water is blue and beautiful. We found the rhythm, puking stopped mostly and we are reading and learning Portuguese on board while others are cooking or cleaning. 5-6 knots which is good speed. But it became again very shaky....and fast wind and big waves around at night. Ups and downs
3 Sails Open
After 4 rougher days it seems to be more calm today. We opened the major, genova, and one smaller sail to still catch a nice wind.
Crew Spirit Is coming out of "survival mode"
Had lots of fog tonight with the moon shining through here and there which was beautiful.
Foggy Night Shift Ahead
No stars....just fog everywhere. We are two in the cockpit navigating the boat to Brasil right now.
Bon Dia! Fog Is Gone And 🌞 Is Back
Just finished my night shift of 1:45h (that's how we operate) with one night shift observer (that the steering person doesn’t fall asleep) and one night guard (which is on alert (but sleeping) if something extraordinary happens such as wind gets tough, waves big, other boats dangerously closer.
Feel good enough today the first day to ordenate all the film footage from this trip as I am working on a YouTube series and shortfilm..
Washing Day And Beautiful Sunset
Still having fair winds but not roo shaky so we had a little shower in our "garden" and opened sails all the long ! Shower felt goooood after sweaty 6 days on sea. Crew Spirit still high but boredom from here and there...:p
Cloudy Sunday
Waking up. Having one shift at 10am at the steering wheel. I prepared some lunch today 😋hummus with cuscus and vegetables. Did some learning of Portuguese and reading 📚 now as we are getting closer to the equator, possibilities of more rain and less wind or a lightning is higher. We sail today with 4-5 nudos.
Lightning 🌩 And Another Sailing Vessel
Night shifts with some action
1. Week Sailing ⛵️ So Far So Good
One week over, and we had our ups and downs as a crew but also each one individually if for the weather, lack of sleep, sea sickness or lack of space. Today, we came out of a crazy night with lightning, rain, and a calm sea, then heavy wind up to 9 nudos.
The kitchen is preparing some potatoes. Others hanging in the cockpit. Bit of rain and wind. In 2 days, we should hit the equator and have a first little party. I personally feel very good today. Seasickness gets less and less with every day. However, yesterday I felt very homesick as it's Christmas time, and I know my family sits together eating waffles in a not moving nicely decorated house 😜 but I choose adventure and here we are in the middle of the Atlantic! 😀
No Wind - Motor On
As we are nearing us the equator the wind is dropping. As er entered a big zone of calm water, we put the motor on at night so the boat doesn’t get too much shaped up by the waves and we still can have a 4knots speed. Of course this comes along with a roaring motor sounds which won't let most crew members sleep (i did sleep relatively good as I am used to it from our first Atlantic tour from cadiz to Gran Canaria. Right now I am night shift guard from 3:30am and will be steering the boat until 7am.
Crazy Christmas At Sea
Crazy Christmas as at sea. First, I woke up for a day shift at 8am-11am with fair wind sailing. Then, by our mistake, the main sail broke by being twisted under pressure and had now a huge hole! Feliz navidad at this point. So we started fixing with needles and patches.
The french had in plan a Christmas menu with 4 startes like "caviar the pobres" (lentels) but also some real specialties which we had saved for that day. 3 main courses and one postre. Did I mention that the motor broke another time. We entered one of the famous calmas near the equator, So. While four sweating french prepared food for hours me and Tommy obertook boat parts (steering, putting other sails down). The captain was knee-deep in the now openly laying motor in the saloon and kitchen whch made cooking an act of circe.de soleil.....then just before sunset it started raining and the sailors fixing the sails had to stop. But the motor was okayish fixed for.now.but still hot ans needed to cool down. We went onto thw deck for a pause y voila....Delphines nos visotaron a little present amd gave us a show jumping high..amazing. then we started off with putting christmaa dinner plates up (now with fitting Christmas hats and music)
As the motor.was not on ams waves got biggee we were getting through.from.one on the other side big time....impossible to eat. Releave motor.dinally fixed and now we could.eat although some looked already green in their faces and one left befor the desseert to lay down, puke and whatoever. We others.opeend.some bottles of wine (2) and champagne and cider and had some fun until puring rain started and everyone gathered their wetsuits....and we started our shifts. Mine was.a at 2am-5am. Great star full night and moon but felt exhausted.......this was definitely a Christmas I'll never forget
25 Dec 2024 - 15:33
As my night shift ended late i tried to sleep as much as possible but got woken up by a very tasty smell which didn't let me resist....Christmas brunch
Crossing Äquator!! NEPTUN And Dolphins
A day I'll never forget in my life. I woke up around midday as I had a long night shift until 5am. 3 hours later, we crossed the Äquator singing pirate songs and counting down. I bought a neptun costume for the captain and printed out in Gran Canaria some certificates "equator conquerer", we shared a bottle of rum, had lots of fun and started playing a dice game from the pirates of carriben (second movie)...the loser has to take a shitty night shift. We just ended the game, and out of a sudden, hundreds... not talking about some or a dozent, but hundreds of jumping dolphins came from both sides towards our boat, and we couldn't believe it. They jumped and played around for an hour until sunset. It was truly amazing and special. We had dinner, exchanged presents for the captain and skippers (future foto album), and now I am waiting for my two night shifts from 22:15- 1:45 am. Historical day!
Fast Winds To The Island
Fast winds- 6/7knots
....nothing more spectacular happened as we all were resting due to the heavy waves and strong winds + rum and coke the night before. I had a weak moment of sea sickness when I was preparing food in a wild moving boat from the inside 😷 but could hold it back.
When I woke up at am before my night shift I prepared the salon with some birthday day signs for our Skipper....and of course who wakes up to have a piss....the Skipper 😀 well....Feliz cumpleaños then at 5am.
Skippers Birthday 🎂 And One More Day
I had a good night's sleep, although the boat was like hanging leftsided for the whole time bumping up and down.
And then it was birthday time of our Skipper!!! We made a special cake for him but have a look for yourself 😄
The others tried some fishing without success.
We Made It To 🇧🇷
Early this morning, we arrived in Fernando de Noronha, greeted by a breathtaking sunrise as we made our way ashore in the dinghy. After a hearty breakfast, we took some time to shave, clean the boat, and, of course, kiss the ground in gratitude.
Now, it’s time to explore this island!
NYE: Good Sunset Beach And Bar 🍸
Daytime - nighttime anytime a place to visit. Beach vendors. Open BBQ. Good hangout!
Cochorro Beach - Paradise
A nice litte beach and the first of many. You can walk/climb to some natural pools.
Beach With No People - Black Sand
Usually without many people and beautiful. The beach also has no name ...or none I know of.
Next Stop 🏝 Mainland Brazil
It is time for the crew to go on! The island Fernando de noronha was extremely beautiful in nature and people! I liked it more than cabo verde ti be honest. It is close to paradise I'd say 😀...dolphins, sharks, big turtles, lots of fish everywhere...stunning trails. Environmental conscious inhabitants and great culture and nightlife. A bit pricey +20% than on mainland but you can make your way around that as well. I stayed in a cute hostel for some days. But now sea is full of salt again and we will arrive in joao pessoa in about 2-3 days.
Crew ready to disembark on land for sure.
Weather Is Great - Nothing Exciting
One of these days where nothing really happens. Trying to fish. Descent wind and waiting for us to arrive tomorrow.
Port And Promenade - Must Visit
The port and its neighboring promenade seems more like a fairy. Lot of little snack stands everywhere with tapioca and local food of all kinds. Live music and just 100 procent brazilian Flair. Everyone comes together for sunset and even applaude when its over as it's magical.
Bessa Beach
ALL you need in a city beach. Showers. Some beach restaurants. A really good outdoor Gym and family friendly toys for kids to play. Waves are good to surf for beginners (the day I went) but also swimming is no problem.
Bonito Stone
Pedra do Bonito means "Beautiful Stone"—and it truly lives up to its name. From the main park entrance, you hike up through the jungle, where you might spot little monkeys along the way. At the top, you're rewarded with stunning views over Rio. Sometimes, you'll even experience a mysterious, foggy atmosphere as clouds sweep across the mountain.
We spent an entire afternoon there, and it was absolutely amazing. It's easy to get there with an Uber. On your way back, just walk a bit downhill from the main entrance (where you have to sign in), and you'll find signal to call an Uber again. Highly recommended!
SUGARLOAF mountain Hike
To get to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) in Rio, head to Praia Vermelha in Urca, which is about a 10-minute Uber ride or a 30-40 minute walk from Copacabana. Instead of taking the cable car all the way, you can hike up Morro da Urca, the smaller peak next to Sugarloaf, in about 30-40 minutes on a well-marked trail that starts near the beach—expect some steep parts and maybe a few monkeys along the way. From there, you’ll need to take the second cable car to reach the top of Sugarloaf, as there’s no official hiking trail beyond this point, unless you're into rock climbing. The round-trip ticket for both cable cars costs around R$150 (~$30 USD). If you're short on time, you can skip the hike and take the cable car directly from the base, which only takes 3 minutes per section.
Parque Lage -Botanical Garden
There is a beautiful breakfast restaurant and exploring the parcel takes about 2 hours.
Time To Go On - Rio To Iguazu
3 weeks in Rio and now its time to hit nature again!! :) next Pebbl probably Iguazú waterfalls
Christ the Redeemer Statue
The famous statue where we had the perfect weather to visit and not as much as people as usually.
Matadeiro Beach
A fantastic beach for unwinding, enjoying a drink, and catching some waves. It’s especially fun to ride the tide in, wade through the water, and climb the surrounding rocks. With plenty of space, it accommodates surfers of all skill levels.