The Highlands of Sao Miquel

Path to Caldeira Velha

As I was fretting over when the engine would arrive, Emanual the mechanic said "Have you seen the Island yet?"  Well no we hadn't - all thoughts were on when the engine would arrive.  He proceeded to show me all his favorite places in the highlands of the Island on the computer.  So... we decided to jump on a Yellow Bus and go check out the highlands.  The Yellow Tour Bus is a hop on/hop off bus - we got a two day ticket - a day on each side of the Island.  The first day took us to the eastern side of the Island.  

Caldeira Velha

 We got off the bus at Caldeira Velha - an area of natural hot springs.  All of the Azores are volcanic islands, the Fogo Volcano heats up these springs.  The whole area is lush and has the largest ferns I have ever seen.

Natural Hot Springs at Caldeira Velha

 There is a waterfall flowing into the hot spring.  The iron in the water gives it an orange hue - not great on the clothes, but these kids don't seem to mind.  

Boiling Spring

 This spring is very near the bathing spring but here the water is actually boiling.  You can see the steam coming up from the spring.

Steam from the Spring

We did not actually get in the water so I can't say how warm it actually was but it looked pretty warm.

Lagoa do Fogo - "Fire Lake"

 Our next stop was at Lagoa do Fogo or "Fire Lake".  Stunningly beautiful!  This lake is actually in the volcanic crater.  If you look thru the V you can see the Atlantic Ocean.  The same Atlantic Ocean that we just sailed across! 

 From the highlands we had good view of the towns and patchwork fields down below.  Just beautiful - a nature lovers paradise.  A trip to the Azores should be on everyone's bucket list - it is not to be missed.