Donkey path

30 January 2022

Donkey path

‘Today, we walked on the donkey path towards the top of Monto Gordo. According to sailor Timo, this is the most beautiful hike during the Cape Verde-voyage. This would also be the most beautiful island.’

‘I can hardly believe that, as I was already very impressed by the hike on São Antao, in which we walked into the volcanic crater, with a view of jagged peaks. When we hiked up the other side of the crater, we were treated to an overwhelming view: in front of us lay a winding donkey path. It turned out to be a fairly brisk descent: some of us even took the bus back down. I’m glad I didn’t: the hike was super impressive, especially because of the beautiful weather. This was different today, as the Monto Gordo is in the clouds and the fog gusts makes this hike way more mysterious. Every no wand then, the view could be admired and a small caravan of donkeys looms out of the fog. The path is wider and the vegetation is varied and even tropical! The fields along the trail are full of beans and sugar cane.’

‘Unfortunately, because of the fog it didn’t make sense to make a very long hike. However, despite the clouds today, this walk competes for me with the hike in São Antao. I didn’t expect this, especially because when we sailed towards the island yesterday, it seemed like we approached a barren rock. On the other side of that rock, in the crater of the volcano, lies a true pearl. I will definitely return to do the Monto Gordo hike again! I’ll hope for a good view.’

Harry van den Bosch