High above the shutters of Mindelo

The boats were a bit like the shutters
of Mindelo, languishing with
little sign of action 

Mindelo, the capital of San Vincente Island in the Cape Verde archipelago, was as we remembered it: a sleepy, sun-drenched town with colourful buildings whose shutters reflected brightly in the sunlight. 

We passed through the town on our way to the summit of Monte Verde, the highest peak on the mountainous island. Cobbled roads soon replaced the asphalt.  Our vehicle lurched as it tackled the narrow, winding road that crawled its way up the mountainside. 

Bird's eye view of Mindelo

The drop from the road was a little harrowing especially when the next corner came into view, presenting irrefutable evidence of the erosion that has taken place over the years.  

Despite a little nervousness, we were rewarded with a panoramic view over the volcanic topography and dramatic seascape.

Atop Monte Verde

Somehow the ride back down the mountain felt faster and safer, but then our inhibitions had been dispensed with some time earlier. We continued on to Baia das Gatas (Catfish Bay) and Praia Grande where the surf positively thundered onto the sandy beaches.  

The Grogue packs a punch

We were invited to sample Grogue, the local sugarcane brew discovering that a small shot went a very long way. We didn't need the Grogue to feel invigorated from our excursion.  Back in Mindelo the town continued to sleep - barely a shutter had opened.