Azores 2025 Pilgrimage - Miracle List compiled by Ellie

• ET, Kimberlee and Laura each realized they had booked tickets for Thursday instead of Tuesdays and were able to make the shift so we could all be together.
• In Newark we were able to be the last on the bus to get to the C terminal since we had very little time.
• Cloudy and cool day in Ponta Delgada for us to walk around. Found a great place to hang out by the water while we waited to get into our hotel. First night everyone slept!!!
• Thursday it rained before we arrived in Pico. We got taken to the wrong place but there was a woman there who let us know. Taxi came back for us and helped us find the right place even though it was not easy. GF pasta at the very tiniest of stores.
• Paul could not FaceTime with Cheryl when we were all drunk – good thing.
• Friday, our first day of hiking was a beautiful clear day and we could easily see Mt. Pico.
• Paul and Kimberlee got far ahead but they found benches in the shade while they waited for the rest of us to catch up.
• ET’s water bottle fell out but Laura found it! Bruce and ET got to swim in the ocean pool.
• Gas station we waited at for our ride had Magnum bars after a long hike. We were able to get a taxi to restaurant
• On the second day of hiking, Kimberlee spotted the turn in the trail, preventing us from walking too far down the road.
• Another sunny day. No one injured on steep descents and loose rocks
• Kimberlee and Ellie got to see the blessing of the boats in town.
• Sunday was another sunny day. Bruce suspected we had missed the trail and quickly found it off the road before we went too far. Ellie fell on a rock but didn’t break anything! Luxury hotel with open restaurant after a long day.
• Monday we had a shorter hike on flatter ground and another beautiful day
• Mind blowing rock creations for the vineyards.
• Café across from the ferry had Sangria and yummy food.
• We were able to take an earlier ferry and all the mix-ups were taken care of with no major problems.
• Tuesday, no rain but heavy winds and no one fell in the caldera! Lots of ups and downs and we all made it to the end where we were met by a peacock.
• All the trail builders that had put in all the steps and supports for the extreme ups and downs.
• Wednesday was cloudy and breezy but no rain during the hike.
• There was a road option, so not so much up and down along the coast. It started raining as we waited for our ride, but we had shelter. Great restaurant for dinner and no rain for walking home.
• Thursday's trip went smoothly. We could ride in the front of the ferry. Rental car was not where we needed but the company moved it for us. Found huge grocery store with lots of GF.
• Friday was a slow day. No rain. Restaurant with eggplant parmigiana by the beach. We were able to watch the Formula 1 movie for free.
• Saturday no rain. Found good parking for Furnas hike. Dinner at a restaurant two doors down from the house.
• Sunday Ellie was smart and stayed home. Others survived steep ups and downs with no injuries. We were able to agree on a TV show to watch that was good for each of us.
• Monday was cloudy and great shade but no rain. Amazing hike. Police officer directed us to a great parking place. Tons of people but didn’t see many on the trail.
• Tuesday was a rainy morning. ET & Paul hiked and came home safe! Others got to the restaurant right before closing for last sangrias.
• There were several fun ocean pools for Bruce and ET and ET was close to the beach to dip in whenever he wanted.
• Wednesday we flew out before the hurricane caused us any inconvenience. We and our bags made all the flights and we arrived home with no delays!
• Everyone is still friends and we continue to love each other!!!!