We took a bus tour of part of the island, organised by the ARC organisation.  There was low cloud cover so visibility at the higher levels was a little obscured, but what we could see was very green and lush, with some spectacular alpine like views over the higher land.

The lower fields were full of very healthy looking cattle.  We were told that the dairy industry was important to São Miguel, with there being around 2.5 cattle for every person who lives on the island. The animals spend their entire lives outdoors, eating only grass and they are miked in situ by mobile milking stations.  Very different from the intensive agriculture that is prevalent in so much of Europe and N America.  

As our path climbed we came across a flood volcanic crater that presented some quite amazing views:

The lake in the foreground is shallower than that in the background and takes on a different colour.

We’ll have to go back when there is more sunshine.