We’ve been at sea for 7 days since leaving Namibia, cruising North up the West African coast, so we were excited to be making landfall in Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente in the Republic of Cabo Verde. Check another country off our list.
We were awake early and toasted the sunrise and watched as our pilot boarded to guide us through Porto Grande Bay to arrive at our berth just before 8AM. The day was clear, sunny and was warming quickly. The island of São Vicente is volcanic in origin so what better way to explore the area then a hike up the Viana Volcano to view the crater? Sue was feeling under the weather this morning, fighting an infection that has been working it’s way through the ship, so she took her antibiotics and rested aboard today.
Dan met his 4WD group just outside of the port and was soon on his way across the island to the trailhead about 10 miles away in Calhau. The 2 mile trail to the base of volcano wound through barren, windswept landscape dotted with the bones of goats and other small animals. We did not see any animals, birds or insects during our entire time on the trail. After a short break, we made our way up the side to the caldera. It was impressive and very windy at the top of the cone.
After about 30 min we made our way down the volcano and back to our waiting 4WD and headed off to a local watering hole for local beer and other refreshments. The number of “stray dogs” in the area was notable. We made a short picture stop along a beach where the sand in blown in to this rocky coast from the Sahara Desert several hundred miles away. We arrived back to the ship in plenty of time for the 5PM sail away. Next stop, Madeira.
Random photos from today may be truncated. Click on photo for full view.
