Miles away from nowhere

A year ago I visited for the first time my second spiritual home, the island of San Miguel in the Azores. I knew I belonged from the moment stepping foot on this piece of paradise. I dreamed of coming here since I was a kid of 15 after my mom turned me on to Edgar Casey who spoke of the Azores as being the missing part of the lost continent of Atlantis. So for 50 years I dreamed of this place and when I first landed here I felt the strongest sense that I was “ home”. Placed almost in the mid Atlantic, this particular volcanic island has power. The sea surrounds it, and protects it from all the troubles the rest of the world suffers. I came here a year ago to prepare for my 2 months of radiation treatment for cancer. The energy here I believe gave me the courage to look down the barrel of that gun. So a year later I return to my second home and the people that welcome me, and the ocean which protects me, and I’m miles away, from nowhere.

The cottage and the view from our front porch.

Sete Cidades where the tears of forlorn lovers created these 2 lakes. One blue and one green

The caldeiras das Furnas in the parish of Furnas is an active volcanic complex where the bubbling hot water reaches the surface. Restaurants in town as well as locals cook a special dish in the hot earth. Just one more amazing thing about this magical island.

The fauna changes dramatically up in the interior of Furnas.

The beauty of the island is relentless. These images were taken as we were headed to A Sete Cidades.

The streets of Provacao on San Miguel

Cafe Louvre Michaelense Duerte Cardozo has great espresso and pastries

Ponta Delgado, San Miguel.

Spent the day at Termas Ferraria outdoor hot spring pool and wellness center. 6 bucks gets you in the pool all day.

At the wellness center where this little cove in the North Atlantic is actually a hot spring !

The village of Mosteiros

The town square of Mosteiros

The amazing village of Sete Cidades

Ponta Delgada

View of North Atlantic to left and Lagoa do Fogo to right.

Hot springs and waterfall up at Caldeira Velha

Taverna Acor today’s lunch

The Romeiros (pilgrims) of Sao Miguel
They walk the island roads for 8 days during February and March.

The cliffs of Ribeira Grande San Miguel

This large family restaurant in Ribeira Grande built in the 1930s was packed on Sunday and the food was amazing. Definitely not a tourist place. O Esgalha

Looking in at Ribeira Grande town square

Ribeira Grande

One more of Sete Citades. It never ceases to mystify. The power and the energy from this Volcanic Lake.

Houses in Mosteiros, Sao Miguel, Azores

Surfing in the village of Mosteiros is no secret. Great waves all year.

Azore Epilogue

Well it was hard leaving the Azores but leaving means we’re closer to returning to this beautiful peaceful place on Earth. The people are gracious and would set a great example for the rest of us earthlings.