Thursday 27th October  Ilha de Santa Luiza 16 45.03N  24 45.32W

Our stay at Mindelo has come to an end.

As yesterday's storm clouds were clearing,  we were left with a stunning sunset

while we were dealing with an electrical fault in the hydraulics.

As darkness fell we made our way to the Caravela bar for their version of seafood risotto.  Well worth the 20 minute trek which passes an interesting gallery of "People's Art" painted on the port authority wall:

Every picture carries a message. The message here, if it is not obvious,  is “If you cut down trees and burn them you are flushing yourself down the toilet!”

It also gave David a chance to brush up on nav for the next day.

What blog would be complete without such a  photo?

Today was leaving day, Bob slipped ashore to load up with bread from our favourite bakery. Among other things to die for,  Bob found Baps  ………… oh.,  and the only Pain Integral we have seen in the Cape Verdes!

Bob liked this shop, no really.

At midday  we slipped out of the Mindelo Marina with barely a backward glance but a good time for the newbies  to reflect on what they had left behind.

We loved the fine colonial architecture especially the Municipal Market.

We loved the drive through car wash

All in all, Mindelo proved a great place to stay and see life in Cape Verde. Our journey now takes us on and with a fine breeze on the beam we swept past Ponto Machado and San Pedro where only days earlier we had gazed in wonder at the engineering marvel of its lighthouse.

You will recall we thought it a nice light house – it is the same one, honest:

It is a great lighthouse, don’t you think?

Anyway, we then reached down this coast only for the wind to head us, giving a lively thrash to windward.   We had left late (no, really) so our timing was tight. As we approached Santa Luzia, the sun was falling fast:

Santa Luzia is an uninhabited island – which is good because we had a few goes at dropping our anchor  - and severing the tripping line,  enough said - but we are now snugged down on 90 metres of chain (we’re taking no risks!).

We  are now enjoying comfort food – Toad in the Hole – to keep us warm ?