Ponta Delgada - Monday, September 16

As mentioned in yesterday's post, several of us had booked a van to take us to Lagao do Fogos (Lake of Fire) weather permitting.  Alas, the weather did not oblige us.  Although there was periodic blue sky over Ponta Delgada, in the mountains low cloud cover and rain persisted.  

Adapting, we had a leisurely breakfast, supervised the departure of the ferry and the arrival of a freighter and then went for a walk in the city.

Our first stop was the church of Sao Pedro near the hotel.  

From there we found and looked around the local farmers market that at 10:30 was already winding down for the day.

We meandered through side streets stopping again at Igreja Matriz (Main Church) and past the symbolic gate to the city.

We ambled along the waterfront.  

Danish Training Ship

We had coffee at one shop and a bit later lunch at another shop where we saw the University of Rhode Island R/V ENDEAVOR docked on the other side of the terminal.  

We eventually found our way back to the hotel.  

The remainder of the day was even more relaxed, although Pam did get up the energy to go for a swim at the complex across the street from the hotel.  It includes a pool and a cement beach for ocean swimming.

This evening we returned to Restaurante Sao Miguel for dinner.  There was a nice symmetry to eating at the place we enjoyed so much our first day here as we concluded an enjoyable trip to the Azores.  Leaving the restaurant we went to the square with the Igreja Matriz and city gate to see them lit up at night.  

We turned back to the hotel, walking along the waterfront.  

We hope to get a good night's sleep before a reasonably long travel day tomorrow that should get us home about midnight Azores time.