Oosterdam European Adventure, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal...

I was out in the wee hours this morning to take photos as we sailed into the Azores…  I was met with a dismal look as I looked toward the island, it looked like a nasty day ahead for us.  The captain had mentioned that it would be a little hazy in the morning but this looked like rain showers ahead…  As it turned out, as we got ever so closer to Ponta Delgada, the weather showed much greater promise of better weather for our visit.  Ann, Cathy and I were off the ship as soon as we arrived and met our driver Rui at the entrance to the cruise terminal. This was the second time we have toured with Rui, so off we went on our new adventure around the island. We have been to Ponta Delgada many times and we never tire of the beautiful island…The landscapes of São Miguel Island are famously breathtaking: There are ancient volcanic craters that are now filled by lakes with wildflowers and lush woodland on their shores.  We departed from Ponta Delgada via the city of Lagoa. Here we crossed the narrowest part of the island to the North Coast headed for Ribeira Grande the second largest city on Sao Miguel Island. We made a quick stop, in Ribeira Grande. Downtown Ribeira Grande has a theatre overlooking the gardens, the town square, a small waterfall and eight arches bridge…what a really picturesque and charming town!  Our next stop was at Santa Iria Viewpoint on the North Coast and the highest point on the island. Continuing on the northern route, we drove through the Gorreana Tea Factory and Tea Plantations, one of the only two plantations left on the island. Entering the Nordeste region of the island we stopped at the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park to see the Waterfalls. We stopped at the quaint village of Nordeste and walked around the village to see the town square and St. George Catholic church. Just outside of Nordeste we stopped at the stunning Arnel Lighthouse…great stop! Next, we stopped at the Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint with its spectacular view of cliffs and black sand beaches on the Sao Miguel’s northeast coast. Leaving the northeast, we headed south to Povoacao where we stopped at Pico Longo a viewpoint overlooking the caldera. Descending into the caldera, we stopped at the town of Povoaca where the first inhabitants of the island settled. São Miguel is noted for its outstanding natural beauty, surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation and no tour is complete without a visit to the Furnas Valley. Making our way down into the caldera we stopped in Furnas as the area is known for its volcanic activity. The town of Furnas has built a lovely park setting to explore the sulphur pots steaming from under the ground. We walked along pathways within a few inches of hot sulphur springs and steaming stretches of water…another great spot. Our last stop was Vila Franca do Campo (first capital of the island) with its famous a lava crater rock formation. The town has a nice marina and a delicious bakery. Rui returned us back to ship early and we did not take the time to visit downtown Ponta Delgado on this stop as we have been invited to cut the ribbon at the Morimoto restaurant grand opening for the Oosterdam this evening. Our tour today was a wonderful start to this adventure, perfect weather, fabulous Guide and a breathtakingly beautiful island…