We debated renting a car a second time. The rental rates are inexpensive, although gas is over $6 a gallon. Thankfully the cars are only slightly bigger than a golf cart and don't require much gas. In the end we decided not to rent a second time.
There were a couple of places along the coast we wanted to revisit and the local buses are efficient and economical (around $4 per person each way) ways of getting around. Angra is the hub of the bus system and the town square is where they all arrive and depart. Service is frequent (about hourly) Monday-Saturday and less frequent on Sunday. It took about an hour to reach either of the two destinations. The buses were clean and comfortable. Depending on the time of year and time of day they may be carrying a number of school children.
On Friday of last week we took the #2 bus to Praia Da Victoria on the eastern side of the island. It is the second largest city on the island with a population of around 20,000. It is home to the largest sand beach and the main port. Terceira doesn't get a lot of cruise ships during the year (around 10-15) but when they do visit the island they dock in Praia. In addition to the waterfront promenade there is a really nice park and volcano rim with some great overlooks of the city and harbor.
Yesterday we took the #1 bus which runs westward from Angra. Our destination was the village of Biscoitos. From the bus drop off it was a short downhill hike through the vineyards to the city's waterfront park. There are some very interesting tidal pools formed by lava rocks that are large enough for swimming, however the water is still too cold, especially for me! At the risk of sounding redundant, the shoreline is a thing of beauty. Lush green fields full of either small herds of happy cows or grapevines, separated by stone fences that have been put together like a jigsaw puzzle behind us. In front, large waves of clear, cold blue water crashing against huge lava rocks. Except for an occasional passing car or us occasionally saying "this is really nice" was the sound of wind, water and happily singing birds.
If there is something on this island we're not supposed to like we haven't found it!
 |
| The harbor at Praia Da Vitoria |
 |
| Praia Harbor |
 |
| The wall along the harbor was decorated with tile artwork........here is an example |
 |
| A busy Friday afternoon in Praia along the main cobblestone street |
 |
| Vineyards in Biscoitos. Here the grapes are grown on the ground inside these handmade stone enclosures to protect them from the weather |
 |
 |
| A beautiful walking trail (2+ miles) along the coast with numerous picnic tables and benches along the way |
