#5482 Investigating Steamy Cauldrons in Furnas, Azores Islands

The steam seems to create a perpetual ceiling over the volcanic town of Furnas. On the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, Furnas is surrounded by mountains and lush green foliage; flowers in bright blues and pinks and large ferns. Growing conditions must be ideal in this humid climate. The sound of boiling, bubbling mud follows you as you walk along winding paths. Here and there, large spooky-looking holes in the ground bring to mind a black cauldron. They look ready to burst. Mouths of caves look intriguing as they eject steam. I almost expect to see eerie, exciting aliens emerge from the mist and have to fight an irresistible urge to peek inside a cave. Nearby is the garden of Terra Nostra with its geothermal pool. The pleasant warm, yellow water is purported to make you 20 years younger.