We started the day with brunch at Porto Pim. The quiche was ok, but more importantly it was loaded with vegetables, which I was craving (the Portuguese like their meat and seafood, not so much the vegetables). The bacalhau fritter on the side was outstanding.
We spent the afternoon out at the Capelinhos Volcano. The Capelinhos volcano eruption started as an underwater eruption in 1957 that created a new island. Within months, by 1958 the continued eruptions and lava flows caused the island to join Faial. The spread of volcanic ash on the island destroyed farmland, and led to the immigration of thousands of families to the US. The land around the volcano is still barren and resembles a moonscape, in comparison to the lush fields elsewhere on the island.
The information center at the lighthouse that survived was remarkable. The videos that showed the progressive explosions that created this part of the island came to life, and then you stepped outside to witness the aftermath in person.
We walked down to yet another local swimming hole from Capelinhos, but determined that the swell was a bit too much that day. We watched one intrepid swimmer, and a bunch of locals sitting sunbathing who would call out if they saw a portuguese-man-o-war. Minda showed me the hook left at the beach where good samaritans pull the jellyfish out of the water and leave them to dry on the rocks, well away from swimmers.
The night was finished off by a fabulous meal back in Porto Pim at Taberna do Pim.
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