The Cruise of Her Majesty's Ship "Challenger." Voyages Over Many Seas, Scenes in Many Lands (Volume 13); Voyages Over Many Seas, Scenes in Many Lands (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1877. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... ANCHOR IN VIGO BAY. 381 CHAPTER XX. Homeward Bound. Leave St. Vincent--Head-winds aDd disagreeable weather--Sight the coast of Spain--Anchor in Vigo Bay--The city--Channel fleet-- Leave for England--Off Cape Finisterre--Favourable run across the Bay of Biscay--The English Channel--The coast of England --Anchor at Spithead (Portsmouth)--Arrive at Sheerness--lfetrospect--Pay off at Chatham--Parting--At home--The end. On the 26th April we left under sail, homeward bound. When well clear from the land, we picked up the trades, and ran on merrily through the Tropics towards the Azores, full of the hope of speedily seeing the coast of England. But we were too sanguine; for after meeting with strong and adverse winds, our coal was soon consumed, and we were compelled eventually to run into Vigo for a fresh supply. The coast of Spain was sighted on the morning of the 20th May, and soon after we had exchanged the rolling, turbulent sea for the quiet and placid waters of the Bay of Vigo, which sweeps inland for more than 20 miles. We anchored off the prettily situated town, which is built on the side of a hill overlooking the broad expanse of water, where at the time of our visit some half-dozen ironclads belonging to the Channel squadron were at anchor, forming the centre of a scene Oriental in its wealth of palms, orange groves, flowers, and orchards. Just time enough was allowed for a scamper on shore, through the narrow, steep, and winding streets of the town, and only a glimpse could be had of its old walls and gates, its churches and quaint-looking houses, of all shapes, sizes, and colours, in white, red, or green, according to the taste of the owners. All this, with a charming bright and sunny sky, and the pretty and picturesque dress of the peasants, made...