São Miguel Island is the poster child for the Azores. When you see brochures for the Azores, you see a picture of a caldera on San Miguel Island. A caldera is a large, bowl-shaped depression formed by the inner collapse of a volcano’s summit. It’s distinct from a crater, which is a much smaller, depression typically formed by outward explosion of material during an eruption.
For this discovery adventure with OAT, we were divided into small groups, and rode over rough terrain in jeeps to the western part of the island to see this caldera. Although it was overcast, we enjoyed seeing the stunning landscapes along the way.
Also, on this island we went to a botanical garden (Mata Jardim José do Canto) with a thermal pool. The hot springs look muddy, but its minerals in the water that make it look that way.
We were told to bring an old swimsuit since they would get stained from the water. It felt good to be in the hot pools.
We visited a tea plantation (Henrique -our tour guide- worked there when he was younger), and we visited a pineapple plantation.
We stopped at Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park, with beautiful waterfalls and more lush, green plants…São Miguel…aptly nicknamed the green island… Ihla Verde.
On this island we experienced a local dairy farm, milking about 25 cows. It is run by a Gena and João, a couple dedicated to a small, self-sufficent, organic farming operation.
As we stood out in the field with the dairy cows, one cow in particular kept nudging everyone. Later, back in the barn (which was connected to electricity just last year) we gathered around the milking stalls and took turns milking a cow by hand.
Back in the soon-to-be remodeled stone outbuilding, a wonderful dinner was set for us and we ate their home-grown food. This type of farming reminded Gary of his grandparent’s farm…with their old-fashioned ways of doing things.
Earlier that morning Henrique divided us into groups and gave us some Euros and a short shopping list, in Portuguese, to buy a few items to bring to dinner at the farm later that day.
He showed us which store to shop for local fare, and asked us to try and not speak English. That was a fun outing. We succeeded in finding the food…not sure about the not speaking English.
On our last night on this island there was an opening ceremony for a huge annual religious festival. We were leaving the island the next day, but were able to walk to the main plaza after dinner to watch the lighting ceremony. It was a festive atmosphere and a pretty sight to see.
As I was walking in the cobblestone plaza, I tripped and fell into two women in the crowd. They kept me from falling…I said “Obrigada (thank you)”, and they replied, “that’s what we’re here for – to hold each other up!” Another fun interaction with strangers!
We enjoyed the natural wonders and beauty of São Miguel.
So much fun seeing pictures from places we will never go to. It feels like we were there.
Thanks Connie. I’m glad you enjoy the pictures!
This is so interesting, your photos and stories. What a lush and welcoming land. I love that quote from the women who caught you, something we all need to remember and practice.
I bet Gary felt right at home among those cows.
Thank you Audrey. The countryside is beautiful, along with ocean views always close by.
We sent a picture to Gary’s siblings of him milking the cow…they were giving him a hard time!
Such beautiful territory.
Amazing beauty was everywhere on these islands. It was awesome.
I am really enjoying your stories and pictures, Valerie! Thanks for taking the time to put them all together.
Thank you Vic. It is a good exercise for me to do…recap events and go through photos.
There are so many more pictures of beauty to share…but alas…I can’t post hundreds! 😉
Caldera – inner collapse
Volcano – outer explosion
Beautiful pictures and stories…
and an education!
That’s fun. Thanks!