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2011
15
Nov
2011
15
Nov
2011
10
Nov
Hiking to Ribeira Brava
After looking down from the pass next to Monte Gordo into the Faja Valley with Ribeira Brava yesterday, we returned today for a hike down into the valley. A steep footpath winds down from the mountain, providing new breathtaking views after each serpentine. The footpath is used by many people, as it’s the only direct way from the mountain villages to the capital. We met… Continue reading »
2011
09
Nov
Gorgeous Sao Nicolao
In the few days that we’ve been anchored in the bay of Tarrafal (Sao Nicolao’s main port), we’ve absolutely fallen in love with this green and mountainous island. Tarrafal isn’t a pretty town, but the bay is fairly well protected, the boats are anchored in 5 to 15 m depth where the holding in black sand is good and there’s a jetty where it’s easy… Continue reading »
2011
04
Nov
Carrical, Sao Nicolao
We arrived on Sao Nicolao this morning, our third island in the Cape Verdes. We had an uncomfortable night passage here with quite strong winds, confused seas and high swell from the side. But the breathtaking view this morning compensated for the night: green, pleated-looking volcanic hills surround a canyon with lush vegetation, some colourful little houses on shore and little fishing boats in the… Continue reading »
2011
31
Oct
Miserable Weekend
On Saturday we were told by locals that a northwesterly swell caused by a storm near the Azores would make the shallow anchorage a dangerous place to stay with breaking waves within the bay. So all boats moved out to anchor in front of the bay in deeper water, where it was safer, but windseas from the Northeast and 3m swell from the Northwest made… Continue reading »
2011
27
Oct
Boa Vista
Yesterday we reached the next of the Cape Verde islands. Boa Vista lies only 20 nm to the South of Sal, but looks quite different, even though it’s also one of the dry islands. We’re anchored in a huge bay off the main town (which still isn’t big) and the view around is just phantastic. The sea shimmers in innocent shades of green and blue,… Continue reading »
2011
21
Oct
Change of plans
Planning passages and cruising itineraries in order to avoid storms and to profit from favourable winds is really complicated. After listening to plenty of opinions and doing some more reading we decided yesterday that our plan of crossing the Atlantic early (still in October) was not feasible this year, because the Atlantic is unseasonably warm, which may mean a prolongued hurricane season. After crossing later… Continue reading »
2011
17
Oct
Ilha do Sal
The small island is dry and almost free of any vegetation (like some of the Canary Islands) and doesn’t seem very inviting at first, but unlike in the Canaries, the weather is really hot and there are only few tourists around. We’re anchored next to the village Palmeira, which also doesn’t look like much from the sea, but the small houses are colourful, the cobbled… Continue reading »
2011
12
Oct
Cape Verdes
We’ve arrived this morning on Sal, one of the entry ports of the Cape Verde Islands. We’re really tired, but happy
2011
11
Oct
Nightly visitor
We spent the last night becalmed drifting on the open sea (as an alternative to motoring…). We scanned the moonlit horizon for freighters every 20 minutes. There were no ships, but at 6 o’clock something big was splashing about 50 meters away from Pitufa. First we were not sure what it was, but then, the blow noises and the fishy smell revealed our visitor as… Continue reading »
2011
10
Oct
Demanding Passage
This passage was rather strenous. First becalmed, then headwinds, then too much wind (but from the right direction), and now becalmed again. At least we swapped thermo underwear and tea against bathing suit and cold beer.
2011
09
Oct
Less Wind
Less wind and waves and life gets comfortable again. The last 2 days were rather miserable (just imagine living in a tumble dryer…).
2011
08
Oct
Progress
Last night was rough, but we are making good progress.
2011
07
Oct
Position Report
Running southwards quickly.