#11 Sunday morning in Ribeira Grande....

The start of the old mountain road up to Corda and then down to Porto Novo – the Tourist Road, if you wish.  At left, is the one and only asphalt road to Xoxo.  

The newer, larger apartments have several large water tanks on their roof – has to be a really strong roof for all that extra load.  I have never seen this anywhere else....

Fairly cool at night, but a rapid rise as soon as the sun comes up over the mountains.  With the humidity relatively high, it feels quite warm.  Important to get out by about 8:30, while there is still much shade from surrounding mountains.

I get my take out pizza here at Bellcantoo, about once a week. 

This is the main drag, normally crammed with taxi-mini-vans and pickups, but never on a Sunday. 

Photos belong to Jaro Franta

#10 - Flowers on the Delgadinho Lookout

 

I have never seen a biker head up this road, which actually starts right behind where my Airbnb is. 

I asked the taxi driver, and he said that some young bike racers have gone up it.

I know who they are - some of the Cape Verde national cycling champions, and they can climb!

But my 65^th birthday is coming up soon – I cannot do those kind of rides anymore.  

However, never an excuse not to bike or hike - every day of the week!

Photos belong to Jaro Franta

#9 Hike - Corda to the Delgadinho Lookout (Cont'd) .....

Starting point in the village of Corda, about 1000m above sea level, and going to the Delgadinho Lookout, no doubt the most popular tourist spot on Santo Antão,   It is at nearly 800m altitude.

I took a taxi up from Ribeira Grande - too far to go – 12 kms up and 12 kms back.  Most tourists take a taxi both ways. 

The ride costs 1800 CVE (Cape Verde Escudos), which is approximately $20.  Besides the taxis, there is the “collective” service.  This is much cheaper, but does not depart until 11 am, which is too late.  

Walked back, all downhill, but still pretty long. 

Passing can be tricky…

A distant view of Xôxô, just to the right of center.  The road seen below is the one I bike most days of the week – it is nice smooth asphalt.

Photos belong to Jaro Franta