Angra do Heroismo, Azores (Portugal)

After a nice sleep in the Mid Atlantic Lodge, I ate breakfast at the Base Exchange (0900).  I was then able to get a rental car from Lajes Lodging (1045) and, with the entire crew aboard, drove around the island to see places we normally don't have time to visit. First, we drove down towards Praia and then found a back road up to the top of a hill overlooking the harbor. When we fly in, we have always noticed the statue on the hill (you can also see it lit at night from the town). We discovered that it was a statue of Mary and that it was supposed to bring blessings to the sailors from Praia. It was very windy and we later went down to the seashore to see the five foot waves and huge breakers. It was misty and a little rainy (not cold, though). Finally got back on the road and headed over to the town of Angra (opposite side of the island). We walked around there - it is bigger and more urban than Praia. It was a nice experience and we had some good food for lunch. Lots of history over there, too. Later, the sun started to shine on the west side of the island and we had time to enjoy an area with no wind (the mountain really cuts it down, I guess). We bravely drove up to the top of this mountain - it was like driving in the clouds! Too bad we couldn't see anything (except for a lot of antennas - useful to pilots!). At the end of the day we drove down towards Praia, having made a complete circle of the island. We saw an nice golf course on the way - Kevin got excited... Dinner was at the Top of the Rock Club (ordered at 2050). We leave tomorrow.