Harmon and Randall's Voyage…

Leaving Land Behind – by Harmon Shragge

Leg 3, Blog 18, July 25, 2025 – Latitude 16

We left Mindelo some 30 hours ago and are now just passing the last of the Cape Verde Islands. The island of Fogo with the town of Sao Filipe is to port. We did not even see the largest island of Praia until well after we passed.

From now on, it is a very long sail until we reach landfall somewhere (we are still undecided – maybe Brazil, maybe Uruguay). But no matter what, it will be at least three weeks and likely more. At this time, I am counting latitude lines. We began this portion of our trip somewhat north latitude 16. As each degree of latitude is 60 miles, we can do a little more than two per day. Which means we will reach the equator in a little under two weeks! The sooner the better because it keeps getting hotter!

Character Pictures of Santo Antão

The last blog was so full, I did not get a chance to include some of the many characters I was privileged to meet and cross paths with. Below are some candid shots of the islanders:

This was so funny – I called the above PIG CONDO’s. As the island is pulling themselves into the first world, they made the decision to take all of the pigs (used for food) out of the villages. It was not healthy to keep them so close to the houses and people, and as you can imagine, they did not smell great. So the government made a mass pig co-living situation where all of the villagers would keep their pigs together in one place. This worked for many years, until the village grew, and now you can smell these guys all over. Also, they did not really understand that they gave away some prime real estate. Not sure what they will do next…
This is our lovely friend and guide Valeria that helped us so much on both islands.

As we left Mindelo Harbor, Randall pointed out that this is a DIFFERENT cattle carrier than the previous. Not sure why they have one much less two!
I think is it is so sad that the local’s carve up their mountainside with these drawings (graffiti). Something tells me that if I can back in five years, it will be full of them.
Well, here is Randall as we pass the last of the Cape Verde Islands. That is it!
Not sure why I am so happy, but always good to be on my way. Stay tuned for stories of life on the high seas.
As we were transiting past Fogo Island, I was speaking with my daughter Ulrika and this enormous pod of dolphins (maybe 40?) came to wish us farewell.

A lot happening this week:

Happy Birthday Steven D. Hope you and Tina are well!

Happy Birthday Gabriel M. Hope your summer is going well and your place kicking is getting better and better!

Evan, M., so sorry to hear about the passing of your father Richard. May his memory be a blessing.

And Happy almost Birthday to Patty F!!

Harmon Shragge
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7 responses to “Leaving Land Behind – by Harmon Shragge”

  1. inventivesublime2bdf311d23 Avatar
    inventivesublime2bdf311d23

    I always love these updates! Thank you for the dolphin pod video. Never too many dolphin (or any kind of sea life). Sometimes it feels like your internet connection situation that lets you upload all you upload is better than my internet connection here on Lake Street, SF. How can that be?

    Shabbat Shalom and Safe Sails.

    Rabbi Beth Singer Retired!

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  2. donnamohrcomcastnet Avatar
    donnamohrcomcastnet

    I agree with Rabbi

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  3. donnamohrcomcastnet Avatar
    donnamohrcomcastnet

    I agree with Rabbi

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  4. donnamohrcomcastnet Avatar
    donnamohrcomcastnet

    I agree with Rabbi

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  5. donnamohrcomcastnet Avatar
    donnamohrcomcastnet

    I agree with Rabbi Beth- your internet connection is astounding! Maybe we have it all wrong here on land!

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  6. donnamohrcomcastnet Avatar
    donnamohrcomcastnet

    The wind and the waves probably don’t cut you off in mid sentence like it does here. The video of the dolphins 🐬 are a big hit! Thanks for sending and what a special send off you experienced! Gabe, who was touched to be remembered, says thanks for the birthday shout out!

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  7. tcgibb Avatar
    tcgibb

    No, no – turn around – you are going to sail off the edge of the earth. It’s too dangerous. I am sure that’s what was said to the early explorers so take heed. Hope you don’t go over the edge and have a great trip with some good winds.

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