Sao Miguel, The Azores

Anchorages:

Ponta Delgada Harbor in front of public swimming pools avoiding commercial docks on breakwater. Use "A" dock at marina to go ashore but you need to alert security to open gate access to and from "A" dock.

Marinas:

Marina de Ponta Delgada at www.marina.jappdl.pt; email marinapdl@jappdl.pt

Check In/Out Procedures:

All facilities available at Reception Quay

Cruiser Amenities:

	Internet at Sol-Mar Livraria (Bookstore): 1 euro per half hour; minimum
	Internet at Telecommunications Center at central port: free; may accept laptop connections
	Laundry: through the marina. Wash-dry-fold for pick up at 9 am and delivery by 6 pm for 2 euro/kilo; best service so far in the Azores
	Showers at marina are free and clean; hot water disappears early when the marina self-service coin laundry consumes it; lock the shower door to prevent theft

Restaurants:

	Ponta Delgada: Corisco, the best menu option is their special steak; great little local eatery
	Lagoa: Cafe Restaurante Rosario, Rua Dr. Botelho, 60; great lunch but hard to find; phone 296-960-190

Provisions:

Modelo supermarket near hospital is similar to Wal-Marts: best food selections to date; also carries Quintal dos Acores Candelaria jams

Transportation:

	Taxis are plentiful and reasonable. Would negotiate day trips with a driver before renting a car.
	Rental cars are available but, once again, we had a bad experience when we returned the vehicle. This time the clerk informed us that our rate did not include mileage which we had requested so our 20euro/day auto cost us 60 euro plus 15 euro for gas. Next time we will negotiate for a day's trip with a taxi driver.

Recommendations:

	Ribeira Grande: Cha Porto Formoso Tea Plantation and Factory
	Candelaria: Quintal dos Acores Jam Factory; ask at the Ola cafe when you arrive in Candelaria
	Faja de Baixo: Pineapple Greenhouse Plantations
	Sete Cidades via Covoada and Pico do Carvao: a hiker's paradise

We will return to see:

	Ilheu de Villa Franca: volcanic island where crater is swimming pool
	Furnas: volcanic ovens used to prepare meals
	Nordeste: reportedly the most dense garden city in the world

Misc Information:

All information valid on July, 2003