We ride up a snaking cobblestone road that separates many fertile valleys, canyons, and Ribeiras of Santo Antao Island.
Ron up in the clouds on the road to Cova de Paul. Ribeiras on both sides!
The town of Ribeira Grande is the gateway to the island’s Gothic-like volcanic peaks.
Town of Ribeira Grande on Santo Antao
Looking up Ribeira de Torre
Visitors come here to hike. So, here we go. The driver drops us off in a volcano crater carpeted with crops and fruit trees, better known as Cova de Paul.
First we have to climb out of the crater
From here, we trek out of the crater and then into the Ribeira do Paul. The trail switchbacks down for about three sun-exposed hours, to our guesthouse in the middle of nowhere.
Just part of the long walk down
Stop to take in views of villages below, where block houses cling to the side of jagged peaks, often blending in with the scene.
Cha Joao Vaz village
Terraces with crops of all kinds layer the peaks that we descend. This ribeira is best known for its grogue (strong alcohol).
Typical homesteads in Ribeira do Paul
The trail eventually transforms back into the cobblestone road, and passes through several small villages. Friendly locals always greet us and often give a “thumbs up.” We stop briefly for a cold beer and plate of fresh goat cheese.
Lunch at O Curral
Back at our guest house in the middle of nowhere, the shower still does not work. I’m sore in strange places. We lay on our bed, soaked in sweat, and listen to the drunken proprietor rant and rave at phantom tourists, or perhaps, at his partner. Doors slam and employees scatter. Eventually, the electricity turns on and we shower. Refreshed and renewed, we decide to leave the drunken proprietor’s place, despite having booked for another night. Let’s find some peace and quiet in the coastal village of Ponta do Sol.
Ponta do Sol
We sit on a balcony and bask in the cool breeze. Sip beer, and stare at the ocean.
Our favorite drinking hole in Ponta do Sol – Veleiro
Fisherman clean their daily catch of tuna and eel on shore. Children dive from rocks and swim in the turbulent pools.
The active harbor at Ponta do Sol
Kids will be kids
The streets come alive with warm and friendly people each evening. They often try to have conversations with us in a language we cannot understand. We are beginning to feel like locals as we recognize not just the people, but some of the free roaming dogs as well.
Ron making friends, drinking grogue, and eating chicken
Time for a change from hiking the ribeiras. We follow yet another cobblestone road, this one hugging jagged cliffs that drop into the ocean below us.
Hiking to Fontainhaus
We stop in the small village of Fontainhas for refreshment. Again, folks all wave and greet.
Leaving Fontainhaus
Back at Ponta do Sol, we watch children and adults alike enjoy the water and each other. Gentle and genuine best describes the people of Cape Verde. Throughout these past three weeks, we have felt nothing but welcome.
Saturday afternoon in Ponta do Sol
As for tonight, we must decide on dinner of either Cachupa (national dish of corn, beans, herbs, cassava, sweet potato and sometimes with meat), or should we try the baked goat? Life is good.