SAN MIGUEL IN THE AZORES

Thursday, 5 May. We were up at 6:30 and watched as the ship approached Sao Miguel, the largest of the Azores nine volcanic islands. The Azores are part of Portugal. We docked at 7:45 at Punta Delgada on the south coast. We had been here on our cruise in 2009 and had taken an excursion to the west end of the island. This time we took one to the central area, including a visit to the city of Ribiera Grande and a stop at Fire Lake (Lagoa do Fogo) in the mountains. 

Approaching Sao Miguel Island

The Hermitage in Ponta Delgada

Facing downtown Ponta Delgada

Our bus left at 8:30 and crossed over to Ribiera Grande on the north coast. The day was mostly sunny but still a bit cool. We were dropped off at a park near the City Hall and close to the shore. After half an hour we boarded the bus and headed south into the mountains.

Ribiera Grande City Hall

Us in Ribiera Grande

We head for these mountains

The winding road gave us several great views back toward the north coast. We stopped on the road above Fire Lake and had half an hour to look around. There was also a great view back to Ribiera Grande from the opposite side of the road. There was a trail down to the lake, but we didn't have the time nor the inclination to hike it. The lake is in a crater formed by a volcanic eruption in 1543. The water is trapped rain water and is not hot.  

Our buses above Fire Lake

Jane at Fire Lake

Looking back at Ribiera Grande

Clouds descend on Fire Lake

The mountain side was dotted with many small mounds formed by minor lava eruptions over the centuries. There was one spot on the road down where, looking west, we could see both the north and south coasts of Sao Miguel at the same time. We came out of the mountains near the city of Lagoa and continued on to Ponta Delgada where we visited a pineapple plantation similar to the one we'd seen in 2009. We were back to the ship at 11:30.

Volcanic cones

North coast toward Ponta Delgada

Pineapples grow in greenhouses

After lunch Jane rested while I walked into Ponta Delgada to explore. We hadn't seen much of it in 2009 because we'd taken a much longer excursion then. I passed Sao Pedro Church, just off the pier, and continued west to the main square (Praca Goncalo Velho Cabral). This is where the City Gates (18th century), City Hall, Sao Sebastiao Church (16th century) are located, all constructed of the dark brown volcanic rock, stuccoed in white except for the corners, in the prevalent local style. I'd been here in 2009 but hadn't had much time.

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Sao Bras Fort & the Noordam Memorial along Fort Bras wall

From there I walked over to the Sao Bras Fort (16th century), built on the harbor to deter pirates. I could see the Noordam just past the northeast corner of the fort. I started to walk in but was surprised to find that it was still being used by the Portuguese Army. A World War I Memorial has been added on the outside of the landward wall.

Our Lady of Hope Convent Christ of the Miracles

Next I headed inland and found the Governor's Palace, a two-story, fairly modern, deep blue building with white trim and shutters. Across the street was a beautiful park. A couple blocks further on I came to the Fonte Bela Palace, looking somewhat run down. It also had a large park in front of it, filled with teenagers. I learned later that this palace had been converted to a high school. 

Governor's Palace from park

Former Fonte Bela Palace

Street leading back to harbor

I continued along the inland streets for a few more blocks before heading back toward the waterfront and returning to the Noordam. I got back about 3:00, having spent two hours exploring. The ship sailed at 5:00. The only live show that evening was at 11:00, too late for us, but we went to a movie in the Vista Lounge at 8:00.