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Cape Verde, Porto Grande

Upon arriving at the shoreline we had the opportunity to sample one of the local rums. I highly recommend a taste or two.

In the distance is the small community called Baia Das Gatas which I believe translates to Bay of 2 Cats. We are headed there for lunch.

We stopped for lunch here.

View of the ocean across the parking area where we had lunch.

Nothing seems to move fast here as you can see. Even the dogs are taking a siesta.

Baia Das Gatas.. entrance to the small village.

From the top of Monte Verde we can see our ship through the mist and fog below.

In the mist we travel to the highest point of São Vicente, Monte Verde. This journey will take up the mountainside of Monte Verde, with its green ambiance, endemic plants, traditional farming houses, birdlife activity, and the best panoramic views of the Islandon a clear day which we did not have.

Highest peak of Monte Verde. The drive up is on a narrow 2 lane winding road through the clouds and mist.

Cabana de Chá do Monte Verde is a coffeehouse in Cape Verde. Cabana de Chá do Monte Verde is situated nearby to the peak Green Mountain and the nature reserve Monte Verde Natural Park.

This is the entrance to the Cabana de Cha do Monte Verde. It has to be one of the smallest coffeehouses in the world.

Looking down at the Baia Das Gata where we just had lunch.

Looks like they are getting ready for Christmas in a few weeks with the decorations.

Mindelo is situated at the Porto Grande Bay, a large natural harbour. The town is surrounded by low mountains.

We arrived on a Saturday but you would have thought it was Sunday. Not many people out and about.

From the beginning of the 20th century the port of Mindelo lost its importance for transatlantic navigation. Causes for this were the shift from coal to oil as fuel for ships, the rise of competing ports like Dakar and the Canary Islands and the lack of investment in port infrastructure.

Many colonial buildings from the 19th and early 20th century have been preserved in the city center.

Rotary insignia along the highway in town.

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