16:53.2N 24:59.4W

Welcome to the Cape Verdes! We have almost completed our stay in Mindelo, Sao Vincente and are very close to the start of our trip across the Big Blue!

Our journey to the Cape Verdes began from La Gomera at the start of November. We didn’t catch as much fish as our previous sail but did see some massive dolphins and lots of flying fish! As a sail can get a bit boring, Robyn and I had to resort to desperate measures: like doing three school lessons instead of two! Robyn also made a miniature sailing boat out of a passion fruit shell. Sadly, like the Titanic, it sunk on its maiden voyage.

Upon arriving in Sao Vincente we  discovered why it is called the tropics. So far we have spent half of everyday in the swimming pool next to the marina. Well, except two...

On our second day in Mindelo we did a scuba dive. It was a very windy day and the rib ride out to the neighbouring bay was very bumpy... but I still loved it! Mum, Dad, Robyn and I was led by two dive masters who showed us round the underwater life of the bay. We saw thousands fish, like big eyes and trumpet fish, two box fish, a scorpion fish (relative of the infamous stone fish), a tiny weeny moray eel and, best of all, sleeping beauty aka a dozing nurse shark!

 

Because of our amazing experience, tried a second dive. This one was Robyn and I’s first wreck dive. Although we didn’t see as much wildlife, the wreck made it absolutely worth it! It was of a 150 meter long cargo ship that sunk 60 years ago. Completely covered in polyps and seaweed, the cargo ship was mostly collapsed except from its bow that loomed like a cliff face over you.

Unfortunately, the marine we are staying in is... well... a bit accident prone. The first incident was when our buoy that we used to tie the bow up broke. After an hour of wrestling with the ropes, we managed to get tied up to another buoy. At the moment we are also in the middle of another fiasco. The marina is currently using its generator after their power was cut off. Because of the very big boats, with their air conditioners and their underwater lights, it overheated and- KER-PLUNK!- you know the rest. But don’t be put off Marina Mindelo! They have fixed their buoys and, chances are, the generator will be fixed soon.

The city of Mindelo is a very nice one. Everywhere you look you can find some one selling- or trying to sell- souvenirs and a constant flow of people saying “Good morning” and “Would you like taxi?” Although they have a supermarket, the best place to buy fruit and veg is the market; bursting with colour and people, it’s really nice to walk among the ancient scales and the overflowing stalls.

Thanks to Floor, our Dutch friend, and two little French children, Arianne and Jules, Robyn and I have never been alone! Most of our visits have been to the pool or selling book marks to the  the boats for SOS Orphan Village which has a little box in the marina office.

So, that’s all from me! Next time you hear from us, which will be in approximately two weeks, will be in the west side of the Atlantic!

Kerry