Exploration of the Americas c.1500

  • Period: May 1, 1534 to Oct 31, 1534

    Exploration of the Americas in 1534

  • May 6, 1534

    First Day at Sea

    First Day at Sea
    Today we set sail from England. Our goal is to reach the newly discovered "Americas" and claim a vast area of land for Her Majesty. We will also be on the lookout for new treasures and jewels along the way.
  • May 31, 1534

    Maggots!

    Maggots!
    We have only been at sea three weeks, and our food is already spoiling. There are maggots and weevils in the hardtack, and rats galore in the galley. Luckily, we still have plenty of salted pork and rum to live off of.
  • Jun 8, 1534

    Low Morale

    We have been at sea in our Caravel for a month now, and the crew is getting restless. They try to keep occupied by singing shanties and playing flutes, but that isn't enough. Hopefully we will reach the Americas soon, before anything bad happens.
  • Jul 2, 1534

    Land Ho!

    Land Ho!
    After almost 2 long months at sea, we have finally spotted land. The forests here are unlike forests back in England, with dense foliage and water dripping from above. The climate here is very humid and muggy, miserable, even.
  • Jul 19, 1534

    Port of Cartegena

    Port of Cartegena
    We are moored today in the Spanish port of Cartegena. The Spanish have been kind enough to lend a helping hand to a crew that has been at sea for a good 2 months. They won't, however, tell us where they have stashed their found golden treasure, so I guess we will look for gold next.
  • Aug 4, 1534

    Port Sucre

    Port Sucre
    Today we have moored in the port of Sucre. It is a home for Franciscan Monks, who served us a delicious drink they call "coffee". The monks took us out into the rainforest and showed us the plant from which coffee is harvested. Peculiar enough, coffee beans growing on a plant look nothing like the finished product.
  • Aug 28, 1534

    Port of Rio Grande

    Port of Rio Grande
    We sailed up the Rio Grande River, into the Port of Rio Grande, today. The native people here are dressed humorously, with feathers on their heads and animals skins on their backs. They gave us a Jaguar pelt as a gift of peace, and wished us good travels.
  • Sep 10, 1534

    At Sea

    Well, after these first few months exploring, all of us are glad we came along on the voyage. We have found new gems and gold, foods and drinks. I can't imagine how Her Majesty will respond when we return back home with all of our found treasures.
  • Sep 23, 1534

    Port of Buenos Aires

    Port of Buenos Aires
    Today we sailed into the port of Buenos Aires. The first thing you notice when you sail into this port is the enormous Spanish fort guarding the perimeter. The locals here shared a bittersweet treat with us, something made from cocao beans they call chocolate.
  • Oct 17, 1534

    Arica

    Arica
    Once again, we found ourselves sailing into a Spanish port. The Spainards really have complete control over this newly found land. This time, they were not so friendly, and sent us packing with a few stray cannonballs. We were, however, able to capture a creature that looks like a long, wiggly stick, but bright green.