Angra Do Heroismo

18th Took the bus to Angra do Heroísmo and climbed Monte Brazil, then had a picnic at the top. Returned to the city which has World Heritage Status and followed the tourist route around to see the sights. It was a tiring day but well worth the effort. The buildings are renovated to a high standard and have fresh paint, which adds to the beauty. Pictures on Picasa will have any explanation necessary.
19th we hired a car and followed the costal route to Angra for the start of the Feira (Festival) How amazing that Otto & Esther had arrived while we had been sightseeing yesterday and we were able to catch up with them and see the Carnival procession—after a local meal of “alcatra” a meat stew. After the procession the music began at the marina. By this time we had begun to tire so finished up aboard Roakeldais for coffee and then wended our way back up to the car for the drive home. A very late night (2.30 am again!)
20th took the gentle walking route (TER 8) Interesting for its volcanic items. The first are Oxen cart tracks in the larva. ‘V’ shaped tracks were made 200 years ago and ‘U’ shaped ones slightly later as wheel technology improved. The path is a goldmine of flora and fauna and is sooo green! The water table is just below the surface which means that Japanese Red Cedars, Australian Blackwood, Eucalyptus and Eastern Cottonwood are able to grow. At ground level (where it is more humid there are carpets of moss, ferns, Sweet pittosporum, heather, and ginger.
Volcanic larva flowed over this land over 3,000 years ago and the very fluid basaltic larva from the Guilherme Moniz Caldera produced the landscape over which we have just walked. A large outcrop of larva attracted our attention which had cavities left by volcanic ‘bombs’ and a small larva tunnel. When knocked the rock sounded hollow! Back at the picnic area we see how the larva flowed over the existing sub soil at a public viewing area. This was the same flow which formed the Biscoito das Fontinhas (the area made into a sea bathing are we visited the other day)
21st, As forecast Monday began overcast with 79% humidity and deteriorated to Cornish ‘Mizzle’ ! Plenty to keep us occupied aboard routine checks etc plus preparation for the next passage to Sao Jorge.