Chronology 2010-2022
2010
May 8 – Algar do Carvão, selected as finalist of the contest “7 Natural Wonders of Portugal”, was visited by the official ambassadors of the contest, Pauleta and Mariza. The Algar do Carvão was included in the category of Caves and Caverns
May 23 – On this day Jorge Silva, known to friends as Jorge “Espadinha”, passed away. He was one of the founding members of Montanheiros and an active member of the group for over 40 years. He held several positions, including President of the Board of Directors and President of the General Assembly.
December 1 – On this day, a group of hikers had started a hike to Morro Assombrado around 2pm, an area rich in native vegetation and with interesting features, being an area of fissures. This area is unknown to most Terceirenses, but it is well known by the Montanheiros. Around 6:30 pm a request for help was issued to PSP which then contacted the association that volunteered to help. Two vehicles with all logistical support and a team of experienced personnel were deployed, including Paulo Barcelos, António Vaz Soares, Ricardo Costa, Ernesto Silva and Fernando Pereira. The rescue was successful and lasted about two hours. The Montanheiros and hikers’ teams were all safe and sound.
2011
July – The “Minuto Verde” program, Bom Dia Portugal column with the collaboration of QUERCUS, was dedicated to Algar do Carvão.
2012
February – Start of improvement works at the headquarters of the Montanheiros and Volcanospeleological Museum Machado Fagundes.
February – The geomorphological model once begun by José Maria Botelho is once again being designed and sculpted in cork.
April 28 – Signing of a collaboration document between the Association Os Montanheiros and the coordinator of the CHAIN project (Cultural Heritage Activities and Institutes Networks). The CHAIN is a network of institutes and activities involving teachers from the EU in a way linked to cultural heritage education.
May 24 – Disclosure to the media of the discovery of a new cave in Biscoitos, baptized as “Gruta do Tanque”, thus increasing to 66 volcanic cavities on Terceira Island.
November 30 – The celebration of the 49th Anniversary of Montanheiros took place for the first time in the new multi-purpose room at headquarters. It was the culmination of a series of works that lasted about 7 months, and which allowed the construction of a multi-purpose hall and new library, the renovation of the museum, secretariat and courtyard.
2013
July 22 and 23The athlete from Montanheiros, Ricardo Costa, traveled for the first time to an international competition, the European Youth Championship held in L’Argentière, southern France. Among the Portuguese, the classification of the Montanheiros athlete was the best in his category, finishing in 24th place, so considering that it was Ricardo Costa’s first participation in an international event, we can predict a bright future for the athlete.
November 30 – Integrated into the celebrations of 50 years of existence, the Association Os Montanheiros decided to resume publication of the informative bulletin, “Pingo de Lava”, a publishing project initiated in the nineties and suspended after the first 36 issues were published. Luís Pimentel was responsible for the great work of historical research upon which previous editions of this bulletin relied, as mentor and editorial coordinator. In Pingo de Lava, as in the past, there are small summaries of activities developed during the year, information from the association for members, articles of investigation, institutional information from our partners and testimonials from various collaborators of the institution.
2014
January – Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores approved a Vote of Congratulations for the passage of the 50th anniversary of Montanheiros, an organization of recognized public interest, with many years of work of excellence in the fields of vulcanoespeleology, biospeleology, and other areas of knowledge, always around the important value of our natural heritage and how Man adapted and altered it.
February – At the beginning of the year, the Azores Geopark opened its delegation on the island of Terceira, at the headquarters of the Os Montanheiros Association which is a partner entity of this association.
April 25 and 26 – For 17 years the association organized a similar event called “Radical Crossing”, not so much for the component of “adventure” that it involved, but because physically it was a bit more demanding than the usual walks organized by the association. It consisted of a two-day walk, totaling about 36 km, with an overnight stay near Pico dos Pedreiros. This activity was organized in conjunction with the Regimento Guarnição nº1
July 1 to 8 – The reconnoitering of all known entries of the Gruta dos Balcões was carried out, identifying them from the inside and outside in order to confirm the existing topography.
July 9 and 10 – New lava tubes were explored: the Salga Cave with about 25 meters, in Porto Judeu, and the Martelo Cave, with approximately 80 meters.
August 14 and 15 –A new entrance to the Gruta da Cascata and a new cave, named Gruta da Malha Grande, with approximately 100 meters, was discovered.
August 21 – A new cave was explored in the Fonte do Bastardo to which the name of Gruta do Baldio was given.
August 26 – In the parish of Biscoitos, another cave was discovered with about 120 meters, to which the name of Gruta do Morro da Azenha was given.
October 19 and 20 – On Sunday night and Monday morning, the Grande Ângulo dos Bombeiros de Angra rescue group carried out a search and rescue operation for nine people who got lost while hiking on Morro Assombrado Trail, an unofficial trail located in Quatro Ribeiras parish. The lack of knowledge of the terrain forced firefighters to request help from mountain climbers, whose presence was essential in the search group to complete the rescue of those missing.
2015
January 30 – The Regional Government of the Azores chose Algar do Carvão to launch the “AÇORES” brand, which was an honor for the association to host such worthy guests in that space.
February 5 to 13 – Another speleological expedition was carried out on the islands of S. Jorge and Pico, with Ricardo Silveira, Tiago Resendes, João Moniz, Fernando Pereira participating, supported by elements from the island nuclei, as well as others, namely Odília Teixeira, Davidf Silva, Marli Bettencourt, Maria João Leal, Paulino Costa, Pedro Silva, Valter Medeiros, and Rui Martins
June – The “National Geographic” magazine highlights the Regional Natural Monument, Algar do Carvão, in an article that included an illustration of the interior of the algar, drawn with orientation given by elements of the association.
September 1 – Filming images in the Algar do Carvão for the soap opera “Coração de ouro”, another production of SIC.
September 6 – The Os Montanheiros Association organizes another adventurous hike “Travessia Radical – Norte/ Sul” (Radical Crossing – North/ South) starting on the coast of the north coast and crossing the entire island in a North-South direction, until Angra.
October 22 to November 4 – After 19 years the Montanheiros return to the island of Flores for another cleaning in Rocha dos Bordões. In this arduous task participated: Paulo Barcelos, José Maria Botelho, Fernando Pereira, Paulo Mendonça, Ricardo Silveira, Tiago Resendes, João Moniz, Ramiro Barbosa and Daniel Costa.
November 30 – For the first time, the association opens regularly the Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal in winter, in response to the demand originated by the arrival of 2 charter flights weekly to Terceira Island.
2016
January 30 – The Os Montanheiros’ branch of S. Jorge, which was based at the Casa do Povo da Beira, moved to the Casa do Povo das Manadas, where a room was given over to serve as the group’s local headquarters.
January 30 – Inauguration of the new climbingboulder, installed at the Tomás Borba School Sports Complex, under the protocol signed between Os Montanheiros and the Terceira Sports Department.
February 10 to 17 – Another speleological expedition was carried out, this time to the islands of São Jorge and Pico, departing the members Fernando Pereira, Tiago Resendes and João Moniz from Terceira, the members counted on the support of members of the island nucleus of Pico and São Jorge and other collaborators such as Odília Teixeira, David Silva, Elisabete Rosa, Serafim Brasil, Carla Silva, Pedro Silva and others.
In S. Jorge the descent was done to the Algar das Bocas do Fogo in Santo Amaro and then carried out a topographic and photographic survey of the Gruta do Carregadouro, Carregadouro, Gruta da Enseada and Arco do Daniel in Queimada, Santo Amaro parish. There was still time for a visit to the Caldeira de Santo Cristo and Furna do Poio. In Pico, they visited the Furna do Furtado, Furna do Francês, Algar and Gruta do Canto da Serra, Furna das Cabras, Algar do Dali and Gruta dos Montanheiros.
February 20 – In the general assembly, the Association Os Montanheiros created a geocaching section, a space and opportunity for the local geocachers community to come together and share experiences. It was also an opportunity to think about actions of interest to everyone, such as clarifying new situations that may arise, introducing the modality to those who want to start, or organizing events.
April 16 – The Extraordinary General Assembly of the Association Os Montanheiros was held, with the sole agenda item being the creation of the CDM – Clube Desportivo Montanheiros. Afterwards, the deed was signed, along with the statutes and regulations of the club. The CDM now encompasses activities such as pedestrianism, rock climbing, and geocaching.
May 8 – For the first time, the Azores made an appearance at a EURORANDO, the largest European initiative of the ERA Federation, with the walk organized by the Association Os Montanheiros in partnership with CAAL (Lisbon), included in the official calendar of the EURORANDO 2016.
2017
February 6 to 10 – Another edition of the Espeleotriângulo was held on the islands of Pico and Faial. The algars discovered in 2016, located in the area of Canto da Serra, in the parish of Candelária, were explored. They were named Algar do Pechita and Algar dos Paus and have depths of approximately 30 and 40 meters. A small lava tube was discovered in the parish of Piedade, which was named Algar das Faias. The northern section of the Terreiro algar was also fully explored in the parish of Ribeiras. The condition of the Furna Nova II, Furna da Ribeira do Fundo, Algar do Capitão, and Furna do Henrique Maciel algars were evaluated, the latter one was one of the ex-libris of azorian speleology. They were only in Faial on February 10th, where they surveyed the Gruta do Cruzeiro, in the parish of Capelo. A new lava tube was also discovered in the parish of Praia do Norte.
June 6 to 11 – The first edition of the “Pieces of Sea and Environment” campaign takes place, which continued in subsequent years, and includes various activities such as environmental interpretation actions, workshops, informal conversations with experts, coastal and underwater cleanups, and boat trips. Its main objectives are to give greater visibility to the ephemeral of World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, which are celebrated on June 5th and 8th respectively. Several entities are always involved, including the Montanheiros.
August 5 –The Mountaineers were honored by the Parish Council of Sé
2018
February 3 to 8 – Another edition of the Espeleotriângulo expedition on Pico and Faial islands. Caves and algares were explored, some known and others new for us: Algar/Gruta das Ginjas, Gruta do Alto do Morro, Furna da Sapateira, Furna da Transversal (of which topography was made), Gruta Surpresa. On February 7th the group moved to Faial, where they visited the Gruta do Pau Branco and the Gruta do Norte Pequeno, making the topography of both. On day 8, back on Pico, they visited Furna do António Homem (of which topography was made), Furna do Salazar and returned to Algar/Gruta das Ginjas to continue working on its topography.
2019
February 18 to 27 – The Associação Os Montanheiros once again carried out a speleological expedition, named Espeleo 2019, with visits to the islands of Graciosa, Pico and Faial. The first three days were dedicated to the island of Graciosa, where it was intended to verify the conservation status of existing volcanic cavities on that island. Os Montanheiros have a historical relationship with this island dating back many decades. The first expedition took place in 1964, one year after the formation of the association, followed by others from then until now. In the years 1991 and 1993, they sought the famous Furna do João Moreno, described by Father Cordeiro as being of great dimensions. This has never been proven because its location has never been discovered, despite great efforts in the past. Os Montanheiros were also responsible for the first electrification of the Furna do Enxofre and the first pruning of the vegetation that covers the openings, allowing better ventilation of the interior atmosphere of this cave, which sometimes present worrying levels of toxic gases.
On the mountain island, topographic works were completed in Algar/Gruta das Ginjas and new caves were explored in the area known as Torrinhas, on the northeastern slope of the mountain, an area at high altitude sometimes difficult to traverse, a mission occasionally aggravated by atmospheric conditions. It is certain that there are still many caves yet to be discovered on Pico Island, and the expectation in expeditions made to this island remains always high.
Finally, a passage through the island of Faial, to confirm the existence of a new cave referenced for this island, where it is likely that there are more, although of small size.
As usual, this expedition included members of the Mountain Climbers’ Core from the island of São Jorge and the island Pico, and we also counted on the accompaniment of elements from each island’s Natural Parks, as well as some regular guests.
August 13 to 20 – During this week, a member of the Associação Os Montanheiros of Terceira Island (Fernando Pereira), traveled to São Jorge in order to collaborate with the branch of this island in prospecting and measuring some caves whose topography had not yet been completed. The following cavities were measured: Furna das Pombas, Gruta da Canada do Pedroso, Gruta da Ribeira da Areia, also known as Algar da Moleca, Caverna do Porto da Ribeira do Nabo, Furna da Preguiça I and II, Gruta do Caminho das Areias, Gruta dos Ladrões, Gruta das Raízes, Gruta do Mirante, Gruta do Brejo, Gruta das Caldeiras, Gruta da Queimada Brava and Grutas do Pasto do Lúcio I, II, III and IV
October 23 – During an official visit of the Government to the island of Terceira, the Associação Os Montanheiros had the pleasure of receiving Mrs. Secretary Regional for Energy, Environment and Tourism, Marta Guerreiro.
Mrs. Secretary was accompanied by Sónia Alves, Director of the Natural Park of Terceira Island and Raquel Ferreira, councilor of Angra do Heroísmo City Council. A guided visit to our headquarters and the museum, which was still under renovation, took place, followed by a meeting with the President of the Board, whose central theme was the new Interpretation Center of Algar do Carvão.
October 30 – An extraordinary general meeting has been scheduled solely on the island of Terceira, with the sole agenda item being the acquisition of a property, a warehouse located in Canada do Borbas / Carreirinha
December 2 – The museum is open to the public with limited access, as it has not yet been completed the inventory, photography and final exhibition of rock samples.
December 14 – The Regional Government, represented by the Regional Director of Environment, Hernâni Jorge along with the President of Os Montanheiros’ Board of Directors, Paulo Barcelos, were present at the public presentation of the new interpretation and visitor support center for Algar do Carvão. At the presentation of the project for the new CAVE – Centro Açoriano de Vulcano-Espeleologia (Azorean Center for Volcano-Speleology) – Natural Monument of Algar do Carvão, made by architect Ana Laura Vasconcelos, Hernâni Jorge highlighted that the new center is a starting point for exploring and understanding the geological and biological heritage present in this protected area. Classified as a protected area since 1987, first as a Geological Natural Reserve and, since 2004, as a Natural Monument, Algar do Carvão is the most visited cave in the Azores where nearly 60 thousand people passed through in 2019.
December 19 – Following the participation of geologist and researcher Vittorio Zanon from IVAR in the 56th anniversary celebration of Associação Os Montanheiros held in S. Jorge, this petrology specialist was led to a volcanic cavity in Rosais parish where he identified a rare mineral: magnesioferrite (MgFe2O4).
2020
February 12 to 21 – Another speleological expedition was organized by the Associação Os Montanheiros da Terceira, along with the Branches of ilha de S. Jorge and Pico, named Espeleo2020, which took place from February 12th to 17th in S. Jorge and from February 18th to 21st on the island of Pico. From Terceira departed Ricardo Silveira, Tiago Resendes, João Moniz and Fernando Pereira.
March 6 to 9 – The Associação Os Montanheiros collaborated with the Regional Directorate of Environment in controlling invasive species in the Special Conservation Zone Caldeira/ Capelinhos at the site of Caldeirão do Cabeço Verde within the Life Vidália project. The team from Montanheiros included Paulo Barcelos, Ricardo Silveira and Fernando Pereira.
March 16 – In the early morning of March 15, it is confirmed the first case for infection by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in Azores, more precisely on Terceira Island. With recommendation of Health Authority, the Direction of the Assiociação Os Montanheiros decides to close Algar do Carvão, Gruta do Natal and Sede/ Vulcanoespeleological Museum for indeterminate time and canceled all activities scheduled either in Terceira and Island Branches.
May 6 – Due to the vast geological heritage that Os Montanheiros possessed, it was necessary to make a geological and photographic inventory of all rock samples, not only in the museum but also in the visitation centers of Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal. Due to the closure of the museum and visitation centers of caves because of the pandemic, the inventory work was carried out in compliance with all hygiene and safety rules. At the forefront of this work were Catarina Fernandes, Filipe Cristóvam and Susana Ázera along with Mike Maciel in charge of photography. The classification of samples was done under the guidance of Prof. João Carlos Nunes.
June 22 –Public reopening of Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal, every day but with reduced hours.
July 1 – A survey was carried out in the new section of the Caverna da Lomba do Gato na Queimada by members of the S. Jorge’s branch of Os Montanheiros.
July 1 –The Volcanospeleological Museum is now open to the public during its regular hours.
Julho 13 – Another public presentation of the CAVE project – Centro Açoriano de Vulcano-Espeleologia (Açorian Center for Volcano-Speleology), Natural Monument of Algar do Carvão by architect Ana Laura Vasconcelos took place. The Secretary Regional of Energy, Environment and Tourism was present along with the President of the Board of Directors of the Associação Os Montanheiros, Paulo Barcelos.
October 9 –The Associação Os Montanheiros, responsible for three tourist visitation centers, has been granted the “Clean & Safe” seal, a commitment taken to implement hygiene and safety standards imposed by the Regional Health Directorate.
October 9 – The launch of the new music video “Setting Sun” by Terceira Island singer Flávio Cristóvam by the Secretary of Energy, Environment and Tourism, Dr. Marta Guerreiro. Some filming of the music video and its launch took place at Algar do Carvão.
December 13 – RTP Açores recorded the program “Atlântida” at the Vulcanoespeleological Museum and had as its theme the natural heritage of Terceira Island. The program, hosted by Sidónio Bettencourt, interviewed Paulo Barcelos, President of the Board, among others. The program was subsequently aired on December 19th.
2021
March 11 to 14 – Continuing the services initiated in 2020 for controlling invasive species in the Zona Especial Caldeirão/ Capelinhos no Sítio do Caldeirão do Cabeço Verde, within the framework of the LIFE VIDALIA project, the Associação Os Montanheiros sent a team to Faial Island. The work was carried out by Paulo Barcelos, Fernando Pereira and Ricardo Silveira.
June 20 and 21 – Representatives of the Associação Os Montanheiros were present as part of the LIFE BEETLES consultancy on working at height on the island of Flores. The presence of this organization is part of the action 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, Technical Dissemination and Transfer/Replication (E.2).
August 21 – The first major route on the island of Terceira was officially inaugurated on August 21st, the “Grande Rota do Oeste” (Great West Route), with an extension of 31.2km, connecting Lagoa da Falca to Serreta Leisure Zone. This initiative by Angra do Heroísmo City Council was developed within the framework of ECO-TUR, a project supported by the INTERREG community program, it had the homologation of the Regional Tourism Directorate, with technical support from the Associação Os Montanheiros and facilitation by the Regional Environment Directorate in passing through more sensitive areas.
October 9 – Another edition of the Azores Bravos Trail took place with three distinct courses, with routes of 15 km, 30 km and 58 km. The Gruta do Natal served as a stage for the briefing and starting point of the 30 km course. The Algar do Carvão was on the route of the 58 km course.
2022
February 3 – Within the scope of preparing the operational program of the Azores – Azores 2030, Paulo Barcelos on behalf of ENGOs had an audience with the Honorable President of the Government of the Azores in Ponta Delgada.
February 21 – The old newsletters of the “Pingo de Lava” with editions between 1991 and 1997 have now become available online, along with more recent editions. Thus anyone can consult and keep up to date on the history and activities of the Montanheiros or even research articles about mountaineering, speleology and environment published in that period.
March 29 – The signing of the Contrato de Constituição de Superfície between the Associação Os Montanheiros and the Autonomous Region of the Azores took place, as well as the signing of the Exploration Concession Protocol. This commitment follows the approved and implemented Candidatura Comunitária Açores-06-2114 FEDER000013 for the construction of the new Visitors Center at Algar do Carvão.
April 11 – On the island of Terceira, filmmaker Daniel Pinheiro was making a documentary for RTP about wildlife in Portugal. Fernando Pereira, a member of Associação Os Montanheiros, accompanied them to Algar do Carvão to collect images of the endemic spider and beetle in this volcanic cave.
May 10 – A team from RTP1 was filming at the Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal for the Missão 100% Português program, whose episode was dedicated to two islands, Terceira and Flores. Vera Kolozig had a guided visit in these two volcanic cavities with Carla Silveira and João Moniz.
September 22 – The 4th Meeting of the Advisory Committee for the Sustainability of the Azores Tourism Destination was held in the auditorium of the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures in Ponta Delgada, and Paulo Barcelos was present.
September 29 – A film crew from the production company West Coast Films traveled to Terceira Island to take images of the local biodiversity, particularly the cave spider that lives in Algar do Carvão, for the mini-series “The Dance of the Atlanteans”. The team was accompanied by Fernando Pereira, a member of the governing bodies of the Associação Os Montanheiros and an experienced scientist from the University of the Azores.