Wrong turn

Yesterday, we were supposed to visit the Algar do Carvão volcanic cave, but after getting soaked to the bone, we lost our enthusiasm. Therefore, it’s on the agenda for today along with a short 5 km hike. Originally, we wanted to do the 8 km hike, but it’s too warm for that.

But before we head towards Algar do Carvão, we’ll drive up to Monte Brasil. The crater opposite our hotel.

Facts: Monte Brasil was formed about 20,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption and is the largest tuff cone on the Azores. It has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Since today is Sunday, the whole hill smells of delicious grilled food. There are tables, benches, and grills everywhere that the locals use to sit with their families. The smell of grilled food takes me back to my childhood – the memory of pork chops on Calla Radjada in the mid-70s.

We would love to snatch something from the grill. After taking a few photos and letting our gaze wander for a few minutes, we set off towards the lava cave.

Since the cave is currently only open from 14:00 to 17:00 due to ongoing construction at the new visitor center, we do the hike beforehand.

Unfortunately, we didn’t look at the map and simply followed the already known yellow/red markings, which resulted in us suddenly being on the 8 km hiking route. A lovely hiking trail. Thank goodness we hiked against the actual direction, so the challenging part of the route was out of the way first.

The first 5 km pass by in a flash, but the last kilometers drag on like an old chewing gum. My right foot hurts and those wretched natural steps, which are not standard, become a torture for me. While Shaahatz, my little elf, seemingly glides down the steps, I feel more like an elephant.

But eventually, we reach the cave, the Algar do Carvão.

Facts: The Algar do Carvão is a 90-meter deep volcanic chimney. It was formed about 3,200 years ago through several eruptions. The cave formed after the magma escaped from the vent and flowed back into the chamber. There are a total of 338 steps that connect the various balconies. At the foot of the 90-meter deep chimney lies a lake with crystal-clear water. The lake is mostly filled with rainwater, so its depth varies by season. It can reach up to 15 meters deep and have a diameter of 400 square meters. In years with little rain, the lake can be nearly dry.

Even more non-standard stairs 🤪. It's getting colder – good thing I grabbed my rain jacket. One more passage through a tunnel

and then it’s there - in all its beauty.

Breathtakingly beautiful, cold, and humid.

Eventually, we struggle our way back up the steps and drive to the Furnas do Enxofre -

an area with multiple vents of aggressive volcanic gases at different temperatures, some quite high (around 95º C at the surface and about 130º C half a meter deep).

We can manage the smaller, nicely laid out circular path, but then it’s off to cool down by the pool.

Darn it - today we still have to pack, because tomorrow we continue to the second island of São Jorge.