Outdoor activity in the Azores, especially on Sao Miguel Island, is abundant. We located a hike which offers amazing views of Sete Cidades. Because the weather is an ever changing character we were not concerned that it was drizzling and gray as we began our gentle hike. Welp…Mother Nature had her way and although we tried, there were no views of the emerald and blue lakes…or any view at all.
Not giving up, we drove on many bumpy farm roads which then led us on a windy narrow path up the side of a mountain with a stone wall on one side and a cliff face on the other all the time curious if we were driving on a hiking path. When we saw another car ahead of us, we sighed.
Looking for the trailhead, we came upon the abandoned Lombadas mineral water factory. We learned the water running through the volcanic soil here is so heavily enriched with carbon dioxide that it emerges from the old pipelines as sparkling water. Fortunately, we met up with a bunch of scouts from mainland Portugal who were on a camping and hiking adventure. The group pointed us to the trailhead for the waterfall Cascata das Lombadas. Okay, it was an unmarked trail with muddy and slippery patches between roots and rocks. Consulting the All Trails app, we were definitely going the correct way…I got nervous and turned around about a third of the way down the mountain. So far: Nature 2-me-0.
Moving on. We headed to a small pineapple plantation, Santo Antonio. Azorean pineapples are smaller and sweeter than the ones exported from the rest of the world;even the core is edible and not stringy. Our guide took us through a few of the green houses and filled us with pineapple fun facts. Sadly, we learned that the growing schedule does not produce enough pineapples to export.
We had some pineapple ice cream and decided to head back to the beach before dinner on a farm. No pinapple drinks allowed on the beach!
Quinta Dos Sabores is a small farm that offers a dinner tasting menu of food exclusively from the farm and fish from locals. Wine pairing was an accepted option! We took a self guided tour of the farm before our meal.
Our table was set for a romantic special occasion, we were all for it!
Every bite and sip was enjoyed and savored. At the end of the day, Mother Nature provided another fabulous day in the Azores.
Where is Wendy 
I love the smiles best, although the dark chocolate looks tempting.
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