Cape Verde

Today the ship is moored near the volcanic island Santa Antão, the farthest west and north island in the Cape Verde archipeglio. The rising sun lights up the towering peaks.

We’ve sailed 350 miles due west from Senegal.

An amazing cobblestone road following an old trading route winds from the port into the mountains. There is a dry desert climate on this south side of the island.

At almost 4.000 feet we looked down across the Cova Crater. Our guide said they have not had rain on the island for three years!

Up in the mountains and fertile valleys on the north side pine trees are plentiful.

The terraced slopes, for farming and irrigation, were created over the centuries. The islands were first discovered by Portuguese and Genoese mariners in 1456.

Down from the mountains on the north side

A favorite island drink, grogue, is made from sugar cane. It was pretty good!

Half of the oxen power for the sugar cane press

And – how about a freshly cracked almond?

Heading back to the ship, we passed a 17th century recently refurbished lighthouse.

The late afternoon sun silhouettes some tired fishermen.