P0nta Delgado

 

October 30, 2011

Today is our last port before we start crossing the Atlantic.  Today I have arranged a tour with Lisa Ringelberg.

Welcome to Ponta Delgado…

The day started very bad!  Our driver/guide did not do this kind of work normally.  He was very soft spoken and people in the back of the van could not hear him. We were following another van and I think we got lost a few times.  Our first few stops were a complete waste of time as the fog was so thick, we could not see anything!  The fog cleared slightly as we got to Sete Cidades (the blue and green lakes inside of the crater) but without any sun, there was no color to see.

 

About this time, I thought I was going to have a mutiny on my hands.  Some of people on the tour, wanted to cancel the tour and return to the ship.  Our driver was trying to connect with Lisa (tour provider) to find out what to do with us.  We proceeded on the route and finally did meet with Lisa.  Our agreement was to continue until lunch and then any one who wanted to return to the ship would be able to.

Fortunately. by this time, the weather cleared some…not perfect but much better.  Seating was rearranged so the driver could be heard better  and every one seemed fairly happy…mutiny averted!!!!!!  Some of the scenery was truly beautiful.

 

   

Then it was on to lunch at a farm owned by a Portuguese Canadian couple.  The food was delicious and the wine flowed freely.

Last stop of the day was at a supermarket to restock our wine supply for the 6 day crossing.  Just before reboarding the Ruby, we had to stop for a beer at the same place we stopped at in April 2010.

All in all, after the terrible start, this turned in to a very good day that I will remember for a long time.  Our driver was truly a gentleman.  He is some one I would like to have as a friend.  He refused to take a tip from any of us.  He said he was proud to show us his country.

Goodbye to Ponta Delgado…