Lajes do Pico is one of the three counties that make up the island of Pico. It has around 4800 inhabitants, of which 1800 are located in the village which gives its name to the municipality. In fact, it was at its south that the landing of Fernando Álvares Evangelho in 1460 and, later, of other initial island explorers, must have happened. In 1501 it became the first and only municipality of the island. With the creation of the municipalities of São Roque do Pico, in 1542, and Madalena, in 1723, Lajes do Pico lost their status and began to occupy the current territorial dimension: 154 km2. In economic terms, the lajenses began to develop wheat and pastel cultures and, subsequently, also vineyards. Eruptions, earthquakes, cyclones and other natural phenomena in the 18th century destroyed crops and forced the population to seek other activities. It was at sea, with whaling, introduced by emigrants, who came back from the United States, and by American whalers in Azorean waters, that the lajenses were getting their livelihoods. Whaling was extincted in the beginning of the 20th century and 80 places for the transformation of whale oils and flours, as the factory SIBIL, gave way to museums and interpretation centers about this way of life. A rough and dark life in line with the basaltic rocks of the territory. The whales continue, as always, to mark their presence. Now the cohabitation is more peaceful. Now they no longer need to escape, bloody and panicked, to the bottom of the sea after the onslaught of the craft ' whaling harpoons. Now they display their huge tails to the photographic flashes from tourists in sophisticated rubber boats. One thing never changes, Lajes do Pico was and will always be the “Terra Baleeira” ("Whaling Land")!
I am sharing photos of landscapes, moments and experiences. Nature and sea are the most visited themes in my photo collection, but any attention-grabbing aspect can be photographed. Hope you enjoy it...Location: Lajes do Pico - Pico Island - Azores
