Azores

It's going to be an easy day, soak in the spa, relax, no hiking today. The hostel has breakfast and today I get to enjoy it with Dieter, a German man about my age, who gets 7-8 weeks away from his wife every year. He mostly spends it traveling on the Camino, so we had a lot to talk about.

Furnas is probably my favorite town on this island, it's small and it has great hot baths and restaurants. Poça da Dona Beija is the best, strong water, an hour and a half is all you need here. Today I go to Terra Nostra, a large oval bath, set in a botanical garden. The gardens blow me away for a good two hour stroll through calm forests despite the public.

I soak for a few hours after that and realize when I get out that my hair has an orange tone to it, I hope that comes out. With enough time I jump in the car to take a drive up to Salto do Cavalo, a high point lookout nearby. The rental car is a Peugeot 2008, great handling and smooth powerful engine, a pleasure to drive and after enjoying the view I take the car around to East side of the island. Go through Nordeste and find a cape jutting out northwards for the sunset. Turns out it is a fantastic Miradouro and there is a full gale blowing. Awesome moments here.

It's too early for the sunset and as I search for another coastal spot I end up back at Cavalo from where I see lots of clouds at sea level. This might be the best spot. A quick dash down to Furnas and a burger at La Queicheria. The line is long at Beija but I want to go so I wait. Totally worth it. The next day I would notice that the shin splint appears to be gone. Amazing.Read more