To the West- ocean views, craters and lakes.

Yesterday we set out soon after breakfast and went to the west side of the island.  We took the road on the south up to the west end stopping at various places along the way.  Very pretty of course as everything is here.

Our first stop on the west was Ponta Da Ferraria.  It is on the west side.  First we stopped at the lighthouse and then onto the point.  We were able to drive all the way down to the point where there was a restaurant and a hot springs pool.  But we did not go swimming there.  We then walked out to the point along a black gravel road.  Everything around is black rock from the volcano.  At the point at the ocean there was a little pool that people were swimming in.  There were several of these along the way.  I thought about going in but it was really rough and I heard cold so opted out.

​After that we continued along the west side to Mosteiros.  That is a small village on the coast.  Being Sunday it was quiet.  A little square with a church.  Every little village has a small square around the church.  We were hungry and so had a quick bit at a local cafe- more like a food truck. 

Then we drove to Sete Cidades- Known as the Seven Cities.  Here is the heart of the seven craters that developed due to the volcanos.  There are 7 lakes or Lagoa.  We spent most of the afternoon exploring the different lakes.  Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde are near each other.  There are roads and trails around the entire craters but we didn't hike them.  But we did find two lookouts.  One was a small hike up to the most amazing view I have ever seen.  See pictures below.  The other was off the road near an old hotel that was build years ago but didn't survive long.  The entire area is so picturesque you just cannot believe or stop looking.  

We got back to the hotel and had a quick break before going out to dinner.  There is a town near us- Caloura.  It has a restaurant that was recommended highly.  It is Bar Caloura and know for its fish.  Its only a 10 minute drive from our hotel.  So we went there.  Great place, great atmosphere.  Again we drank a bottle of local wine, ate grilled Limpets- those are great and fish.  The waiter took us back to look at the fish and had us pick 2 types for grilling that we would share.  We should have only picked one since it was too much food.  We had tuna and Barracuda.  Really good but we could only finish a little more than half.  Drank all the wine though.  

This morning we are having a rest and will go out later.  We are hoping to explore the north and east again.  A week isn't long enough to be here as it is nice to have some quiet rest by the pool.  I am off soon to swim in the ocean right next door as I haven't yet been in the ocean.  More tomorrow.