We spent the day exploring São Jorge Island, which is roughly 34 miles long and four miles wide. Today, guests had the choice of two morning activities: a panoramic tour of the island or a strenuous hike.
Guests on the panoramic tour enjoyed a cheese tasting with three different varieties. The tour stopped at a variety of viewpoints including Calheta, Ouvidor, and Velas, where we had a nice view of the ship despite the cloudy day. Guests also visited the old church tower of Urzelina, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1808.
The adventurous hikers trekked Serra do Topo to Fajã dos Cubres, which descends Caldeira de Cima. After lunch, we had a talk on geology from naturalist Serguey, followed by afternoon tea. Then, our guest speakers, Dr. Douglas Nowacek, Randolph K. Repass, and Sally-Christine Rodgers, University Distinguished Professor of Conservation Technology in Environment and Engineering at Duke University, gave a presentation about marine mammals.
Our action-packed afternoon continued with a local gin tasting with special guest Ali Bullock, co-owner of The Gin Library. Bullock is dedicated to supporting marine conservation in partnership with The Ocean Azores Foundation.
