Azorean journey, part two

The circular hike along the shoreline of the crater lake of Furnas must be one of the most charming in Azores. The flat trail circumvents the whole volcanic crater, amidst a bucolic landscape of neo-gothic chapels, expensive residences of rich aristocratic landlords, conifers, wet meadows, hot springs and gentle mountain streams, in a lenght of about eight kilometers.

On the trail, besides the occasional tourist, you'll find plenty of locals, whole families or solo individuals, walking the route. Sometimes starting the walk on the town of Furnas, distant a couple of kilometers, on the valley below, and returning by the same way, on a usual afternoon stroll.

Picture taken with Nikon D610 and Nikkor 50mm f1.4 AI. Surui T005 travel tripod.

Azorean journey, part one

Something intangible attracts seafarers to lighthouses. Granted, these are, normally, conspicuous points on the landscapes. So they are usual sightseeing spots. Normally a stopping point on everyone's periplus, most of the times just for the sake of a good vista over the ocean below.

To me, however, the feeling is deeper. It always has a calming effect, made complete with the rotating optics switching-on in the evening twilights.

In those moments my mind returns to my former self, in one of those many stormy nights at sea, surrounded by pitch black sky and ocean. And, suddenly, the entire hull of the vessel being touched by that warm beam of light. Making us instantly feel that we are not alone in the world. That on the distant shoreline someone is on watch for us. To keep us safe.

For us, at sea, a lighthouse is not just a building. It's a living thing. Each one with a personality of its own.

On the photo above:

Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse, in São Miguel island, Açores, facing calm seas, on a January evening.