As Bob and Tania moved on to the other islands in the Azorean chain they enjoyed each special area wherever they went...

•   Many varieties of vegetation have been introduced to the islands in the past few years and some have become very dominant over native varieties and even though they are beautiful like these ginger-lilies, they are becoming a true pest! The "Ponte de sete arcos" (seven arched bridge) of Nordeste built in 1883 is one of the largest and most beautiful on São Miguel.  The view from the Miraduoro do Botes across the eastern part of the island is breathtaking.

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•    The island has many beautiful natural sights to view including the waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeiras which is on one side of the road and the mill house and amazing ferns the size of large trees exist!

• Milk is still delivered to the collection areas via horseback, the "Cha Gorreana" tea plantation (in production since 1883) produces both green (the first or top cut of the plant) and black (the secondary cut) teas.  According to their literature; "due to the climactic conditions of the area, cultivation techniques combat insects and fungi ensuring that no insecticides are present in the final product ." It is free of fungicides, pesticides, and herbicides.

The Cha Gorreana plantation field which produces close to 40 tons of tea annually from its 45 hectares.  Tea leaves drying in wooden bins.  The tea plants up close.  Almost 75% of total production is sold within the region.

• Ponta Delgada harbor viewed from the "Ermida da Mãe de Deus" Chapel and fortifications built in the 19th century.  Bob and Tania can almost see me in the mess of boats there.

• They rented a car one day with dock neighbors John and Margo Almeida from Orr's Island, Maine (and New Zealand).  A drive out to view Sete Cidades (Seven Cities) area was a treat.  The view of the two main lakes in the center of the collapsed caldeira, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde (Blue Lake and Green Lake) from the look-out (known as "Vista do Rei" where King D. Carlos and his Queen D. Amélia named it so in 1901 during a visit) was spectacular.  The whole area is a protected park of  hiking trails and picnic spots.

• A smaller extinct cone inside the caldeira.  The Lagoa Azul from the Túnel area.  This tunnel was constructed in 1937 and is a structure built through the mountain to the sea in order to drain off excess water from the lake.  Of course they had to go see how far they could walk into it.  Without a flashlight it was not a good idea.

• View back towards the lake from the tunnel.  In the town of Sete Cidades, the highlight is the Parochial church dedicated to Saint Nicholas.  You can just barely make out the blue lake from the green lake, separated by a bridge.

• Another view of the lakes from Pico da Cruz.  If there are hydrangeas around Tania has to take a picture of them.  These were a beautiful pure white with tiny blue centers.  The drove to Lagoa to visit the Vieira Ceramics factory (in existence since 1862) to watch the processes of the famous blue and white pottery.  Then it was time to watch the weather to make the final crossing to Portugal.  Adeus São Miguel!