Final passage

Pearl of Persia
Andrew Lock
Sun 11 May 2014 10:50
We are about to untie from the dock and leave the marina in Sao Miguel in
the Azores. It has been a time of unwinding and relaxing before our last
passage back to mainland Europe. The weather has been fine and we have
enjoyed looking around this very beautiful island. Sao Migeul is the largest
island in the Azores and is known as the Green Island because of the dense
natural woodland in the interior and acres of pastureland. The main tourist
attractions on this island are natural features on a grand scale. The
thermal springs on the edge of a large attractive lake were amazing. The
interior of the island is full of the most fantastic lakes, and the road
sides are all planted out with Hydrangea which were not quite all out in
full bloom whilst we were here. You can imagine the colour when they are
all out. Viewpoints all along the road side allow you to stop and admire
the natural wonders.
The photographs show the volcano on Pico Island which we sailed past on our
way from Horta. The others show the beautiful coast line and the interior
lakes on Sao Miguel. It reminded us a little of England as the island was
so green and lush. The hot springs are where Oliver is standing by the side
of a steaming hole. They actually cook meals sealed in some of these holes
and serve them in the local restaurants. We did not sample any but were
told you needed a very acquired taste as the food was strongly flavoured
with sulphur. The local recipe starts with 'Take one Volcano'.... We
passed on that one.

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