Santo Antão and sailing to São Nicolau

9 January 2013

8 January. In the early morning we took the ferry from Mindelo to Santo Antão. A cup of coffee on board and after 45 minutes we arrived and our taxi drivers were already waiting for us. The long road paved with small cobblestones brought us from the dry coast up to the mountains. The vegetation became more lush and green. In the crater it is like a small paradise, apparently this is the only crater cultivated with corn, potatoes, mango and other plants. From the crater we walked up to the edge and on the other side there was a steep slope down with only a small path curling down. We walked down to a small town and after the breathtaking views walking down we almost forgot the pain in our legs. Our chauffeurs also arrived in the town and take us along the rough coast to a restaurant for a local lunch. Time flies and after lunch we get in the taxis quickly to get back to the ferry. On the ferry ride back a lot of us doze off, it was a beautiful but tiring day.

9 January. After our fantastic walk on Santo Antão yesterday we set sail for São Nicolau. The first part we go on engine to catch the right wind so we can sail directly to the island. The wind is perfect, but as we are coming closer to the island the wind decreases until there is no wind at all. We let down the sails, drop the anchor and take a swim. Dinner is almost ready.