Day 12: Waterfall and Thermal Pools on Sao Miguel

July 16, 2020

After breakfast, we drive to the neighboring village for the local livestock and farmers market called 'Feira de Santana', where fresh vegetables, fruits, bread, cheese, etc. are sold along with animals.

Unfortunately, I didn't bring a camera with me, so no photos.

There are lots of animals for sale, from calves and cows to goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, pigeons, canaries, and lots of rabbits in all colors and sizes.

However, our visit is cut short as soon as my son sees the rabbits and other animals in the small cages, which are obviously not meant to be sold as pets. His mood instantly changes.

We also feel quite uncomfortable because there are many people here, most of them without masks and not practicing social distancing. It's crowded, so we quickly make our way through the masses, take a quick look at everything, and leave.

It wasn't exactly what we hoped for, but it's okay. At least we got to experience an Azorean 'market'.

We spend the time until 11:30 on our terrace, overlooking the cloud-covered mountains.

Then, three of us go for the second Covid test.

We drive to the town of Ribeira Grande and look for the health center, Centro de Saúde.

At the entrance, they can already tell we're tourists and directly guide us to the Covid Test Center at the back of the building.

We are greeted by a nurse who doesn't speak English but knows exactly why we are there.

The test is quick and uncomplicated. We are the only ones. The swab in the throat and nasal cavity is uncomfortable but not painful and quickly done.

We are suspicious about how the local staff will interpret our test since they only ask for our first names!? I also write my last name on the form, but the sticker on my test only has my first name. No comment!

The weather is still not great, the temperatures barely reach 20 degrees, and we are considering what else to do with the rest of the day.

Nobody feels like going on a long hike, so we decide to go for a short hike to the waterfall called 'Salto do Cabrito'.

The regular trail is over 8km long, but we don't plan on doing that today. We first drive to the Miradouro Caldeiras de Ribeira Grande, where we find smelly mud pools and bubbling hot water coming from the ground.

Afterwards, we continue driving and park our car on a dirt road near the Barragem Dams, where the trail to the waterfall passes by. From here, we only need half an hour downhill to reach the waterfall.

The path to the hydroelectric power plant is pleasant to walk. It only goes downhill (which also means uphill on the way back...).

From this point on, the condition of the trail changes abruptly. It now goes across metal grids over the water pipes through the ravine.

Oh god, just perfect for my fear of heights!

And just when I think I've survived crossing the grids, the trail continues behind the curve.

After finally reaching the end of the ravine via the metal bridges, we go down a steep staircase. We can already catch a glimpse of the waterfall.

It's truly impressive!

And if you look closely, there are actually three waterfalls!

Unfortunately, I forgot my water shoes and spontaneously don't feel capable of climbing over the many rocks and stones into the cold water.

Especially since it's not really warm right now and I can only imagine how cold the water under the waterfall must be.

Nevertheless, my husband dares to do it and, armed with swim trunks, climbs to the other side and jumps into the cold water.

Quickly take a proof photo and get out again - it's quite cold!

By the way, what he didn't tell us:

You can also drive directly to the waterfall's parking lot with your car....

We then move on to the Caldeira Velha, the thermal pools.

Unfortunately, they are still closed for bathing, but we can still visit and pay the full entrance fee!

Usually, during the high season, it's very crowded here. We already see bus parking lots and a souvenir shop on the road.

The parking lot for cars is located slightly below the entrance, which can be reached via a staircase.

The park is great - it looks like a jungle.

Bathing is not allowed, but you can look at the pools and dip your finger in.

The thermal water flows through different pools, each having a different temperature.

At the end of the path, there is a pool with a waterfall, but the water is no longer hot here since the source ran dry a few years ago.

(That would have been more my thing *g*)

Back at the resort, we jump into the pool again - who needs hot thermal water ;-)