Volcanoes, earthquakes and thermal activity

Today we should have experienced fantastic views into the craters of three volcanoes.

The first, Sete Cidades (seven cities) is one of the most famous views on Sao Miguel and a World Heritage site. We went up - fog.
We went down to the lakes - saw a bit through the fog.
We went back up - still fog.

The second terrific view we had hoped for, Lagoa do Fogo. We went up - fog.

We visited the beautiful city of Ribeira Grande and sampled local liqueurs. We visited the churches.

And then headed up the third volcano. What did we find - fog.

However, on the route there are several geothermal stations, and in the amazing Caldeira Velha, there are thermal pools, fumeroles and thermal waterfalls. These are amid incredible rain forest vegetation and sulphurous smells. Amazing.

Lots of locals were taking to the waters. Cars were parked nose to tail, nearly as tightly packed as the bodies you can see in the water. Our guide has suggested we try it tomorrow so we're taking our swimsuits and towels :-)