can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Arkouda - Days 7 and 8



Land Ho--

We arrived around 2 pm to Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. We had these grandiose plans of anchoring, dropping the dingy down (much harder than usual due to all the extra straps to secure it to the davits, and trying to replace the 90 lb outboard motor we had removed to keep it safe for passage) going into town to buy a courtesy flag, check in, and find the other Ark boats. We sailed in in light winds and glorious sunshine, intrigued by steep cliffs and all of the birds. We arrived at the anchorage, found a likely spot and dropped our hook. Oh my God, what is that smell? I say sewage, Sean thinks burning trash...either way we are NOT sleeping here! Up goes the anchor and we spent at least an hour motoring around the anchorage to find a spot where A) there was enough room and B) didn't stink! Without the breeze to cool us down we realized that it had to be 90 degrees, and 90 percent humidity! We were both now drenched in sweat! We looked longingly at the ocean--not clean enough to jump into. Perhaps we had just gotten used to not smelling anything but the sea...but it made us a little less anxious to go and explore the town! In the end we took a long nap, got up and cooked dinner, and then slept another 12 hours! Together! Never thought I would miss Sean's snoring, but I do find it harder to sleep while he's on watch!

Today we managed to wrangle the dingy motor back into its place without dropping it into the sea (quite a feat!) and braved town. It really is very nice, the locals were very friendly (and it did not stink).

It is a Portuguese island and people are a portuguese/african mix--most are black but many have incredible blue or green eyes. It is an incredibly poor place--sailors are advised not to leave the boat alone at night! But my faith was restored in mankind when I left my camera in a locker at the grocery store. When I went back it had been returned to a store clerk, and was being guarded by a very handsome security guard! This is in a town that you are advised not to walk alone at night, and where ia small grocery store--about 3000 sq feet--employed at least six security guards. I l guess my karma was good.

We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening making water, and using it immediately to wash the boat. Its amazing how good the stainless looks when you use pure water--No spots!

We are resting up, although the change in sleep patterns may just make it hard to adjust to again. We will go into the marina tomorrow to fill up the gas tanks and prepare to leave early on Wed.

Cynthia

Previous | Next