The Volcanic Morning Walk

And wonder if these remote islands are what is left of Atlantis?

Have you ever thought of travelling outside of the mainstream destinations to a new and different place? Think about the Azores. You may have never heard of them. These are nine islands located in the middle of the Atlantic ocean just a few hours by plane from Lisbon, Portugal. Within minutes of distance, you can experience vast changes in scenery from cultured orchards and vineyards to wild, winding trails, a temperate climate, hundreds of years of history, festivals, inviting and friendly residents, and still vacation with all the amenities of home if you want them.

Our Cottage in the seaside area of Arcos in the village of Santa Luzia, Pico.

We built our cottage five years ago on the island of Pico in the Azores arquipelago. One of my favourite pastimes is getting up before my family awakens and taking a brisk walk along the coastline to the neighbouring seaside villages. Accompany me today on my daily walk.

Pico Montanha (2,350m-3rd largest volcano in the Atlantic) — in its omnipotence — a constant favorite amongst visitors is to climb to the top of Pico. It is magnificent hike with breathtaking views once you reach the top. We have done it a number of times. Hiking boots are recommended. The view fills every inch of your mind. Catch the sun coming up and you will remember it for a lifetime.

The beauty of the sun glistening on the water. The sunshine is my companion along my walk. Walking early in the morning or in early evening is preferable in the summer because of the heat and humidity.

Looking up at the mountain from the roadside. Close to the coastline you will find vineyards or brushland, mid-island the fields of potatoes and corn and orchards. As you move higher up the mountain, you find the pastures.

The coastline with its back lava rock zig-zags around the island. You will meet up with people rock fishing along the shore.

The jagged black coastline formed from lava rock. The islands are volcanic. While there have been the occasional earthquakes over the last fifty years, a volcanic eruption on our island has not occurred for hundreds of years.

The blue, blue ocean is so clear that you can see right to the bottom along the shore. A diver’s delight and great place for spotting dolphins.

A traditional rustic seaside cottage (me in the shadows).

Made a UNESCO world heritage site, local government and communities are working to maintain the traditional look of the seaside dwellings on the island. Villagers spent the summers in these seaside homes and stored wine in cellars here called “adegas” where it was cooler and easier to prepare for shipping.

Cactus Flowers — this is just one example the many varieties on the island.

Archway hewed by hand from Lava Rock. Wood on the island grown and used for building include pine, eucalyptus and acacia.

There are many lovely varieties of wild flowers, cactus, and trees on the island despite the rocky soil.

The abundant lava rock formed the building blocks for everything; homes, fences, gateways, and stairs. (Basaltic volcanic rock)

Peering out at the ocean. If the walk gets too warm, you can stop for a swim.

The lava rock as if rolling towards the ocean.

Every picture you take is striking.

The ocean is stunningly blue and it goes on forever interrupted only by the other beautiful green islands of the arquipelago. It sounds like a thousand birds are singing along the path in the morning.

Whale watching is a popular attraction for visitors to the island. There are a number of businesses on the island that offer excursions to view the whales by boat.

You never know what you might see out in that ocean.

A typical site. Hydrangea flowers line the roadsides.

Entrance to a home. The willow tree seen here is one of the few trees that can grow right to the shoreline and survive the misty brine of the sea.

What I imagine a lunar landscape to look like.

Bananas anyone?

Ermida do Cabrito built in the XVII century. Patron Saint is Sao Mateus da Costa. Stand in front of this church and you will feel the history and the struggle.

Every seaside area has a patron saint and a chapel where masses were held in the summer and religious festivals.

The air is so clean and fresh as you walk that you want to breathe deeply into your lungs and keep it there.

Wind picking up better head home.

Here is our street sign.

Azulejos are painted blue and white ceramic tiles used commonly throughout Portugal to mark the local roadways and decorate homes and buildings.

A beautiful walk comes to an end before anyone awakens.

Back home.

If you have been to the Azores before and loved it, hit the recommend button below so more people can discover these islands. Pictures taken by Mary Da Rosa and Joao Rosa.