Azores: A Driving Adventure Across the Atlantic Island (A Hike in the Rain)

A Hike in the Rain

The following morning, we both awoke slightly hungover and very hungry. We decided to opt for room service that morning--pacing our day before we continued our adventure in the Azores. Since we had been eating and drinking significantly, we both decided that our bodies needed some physical activity.

We hopped in the car and followed the winding road up the mountain. As we began to climb, we both discovered that the sun had started to move behind the clouds and the sky started to get dark. Suddenly, the sky dropped and large pieces of hail started to clammer down upon us. Within five minutes, it was sunny again. As we approached the top of the mountain, and also our hiking trail, we were amazed at how nature smiled upon us. I was personally thankful since I had left my rain jacket back at the hotel. Mid-way through our hike, nature had the last laugh. It began to pour. At that juncture, there was nothing more that I could do other than allow myself to be drenched, muddy, and cold. My only reconciliation was the view. It was stunning. With each step I witnessed the blue and green lakes, purple covered mountains, and lush vegetation. I felt as if I were Frodo Baggins on a quest with the Fellowship of the Ring. My sister, moving at her traditional rapid pace, looked behind her and witnessed me--a complete wet mess. She bursted out laughing and insisted that she video this natural occasion. I felt like it was blackmail, but I allowed her to do so--completely surrendered to my current state. As we returned to our car, the rain ceased and the sun returned. At that moment, I realized what the islanders meant when they said that the Azores experienced all seasons in one day. We truly did. As we warmed up in the car and squeezed out the dampness that invaded our bodies, we recalled the unexpected surprise that the day had brought and smiled.

Today was truly an Azorean adventure.