At Sea – The South Atlantic Ocean
As we make our way towards Ascension Island, enjoying tropical warmth and smooth seas, we reminisce about our visit to St. Helena. In addition to possessing the rich history described in yesterday’s report, it is an island of surprises, beauty and friendly people.
Stark, barren volcanic cliffs greeted us as we approached by Zodiac. A varied fleet of vans and cars took us around the island, mostly on one-lane roads. There were vistas of deep valleys, waterfalls, uniquely shaped rock outcroppings and inviting coves cutting into the shoreline. Though only remnants of the native flora are left, there is beauty and diversity in the greenery that covers much of steep hillside terrain.
Plantation House, home to the governor, has on its grounds six Aldabran giant tortoises, to which we stopped and paid our respects. Jonathan was imported from the Seychelles in 1882 and is thought to be about 150 years old.
The RMS St. Helena was in the harbor today. Bringing supplies and mail, it calls at St. Helena’s capital, Jamestown, every six weeks. There was a great deal of activity and excitement on the dock as all sorts of goods were brought ashore. I spent much of the afternoon at the nearby landing helping guests into Zodiacs to return to the Endeavour. They brought smiles and stories of climbing the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder, visits to pubs, shops and museums.
My highlight came in a roundabout way. As some people approached the landing, I spotted a red-billed tropicbird overhead and pointed it out. A longshoreman called down to us that “Saints” refer to it is a trophy bird. A few minutes later, he came down and introduced himself to me. We sat and talked for about twenty minutes. He told me about his job, his family and his home. I told him about mine. When his break was over, he wished me smooth seas and went back to work.
Napoleon had a different view of the locals. He had holes drilled into the shutters that covered his windows. He spent countless hours surreptitiously observing his guards and other goings on outside of Longwood House. Perhaps he was lucky enough to see the endemic wirebird which many of us watched feeding nearby.
As we make our way towards Ascension Island, enjoying tropical warmth and smooth seas, we reminisce about our visit to St. Helena. In addition to possessing the rich history described in yesterday’s report, it is an island of surprises, beauty and friendly people.
Stark, barren volcanic cliffs greeted us as we approached by Zodiac. A varied fleet of vans and cars took us around the island, mostly on one-lane roads. There were vistas of deep valleys, waterfalls, uniquely shaped rock outcroppings and inviting coves cutting into the shoreline. Though only remnants of the native flora are left, there is beauty and diversity in the greenery that covers much of steep hillside terrain.
Plantation House, home to the governor, has on its grounds six Aldabran giant tortoises, to which we stopped and paid our respects. Jonathan was imported from the Seychelles in 1882 and is thought to be about 150 years old.
The RMS St. Helena was in the harbor today. Bringing supplies and mail, it calls at St. Helena’s capital, Jamestown, every six weeks. There was a great deal of activity and excitement on the dock as all sorts of goods were brought ashore. I spent much of the afternoon at the nearby landing helping guests into Zodiacs to return to the Endeavour. They brought smiles and stories of climbing the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder, visits to pubs, shops and museums.
My highlight came in a roundabout way. As some people approached the landing, I spotted a red-billed tropicbird overhead and pointed it out. A longshoreman called down to us that “Saints” refer to it is a trophy bird. A few minutes later, he came down and introduced himself to me. We sat and talked for about twenty minutes. He told me about his job, his family and his home. I told him about mine. When his break was over, he wished me smooth seas and went back to work.
Napoleon had a different view of the locals. He had holes drilled into the shutters that covered his windows. He spent countless hours surreptitiously observing his guards and other goings on outside of Longwood House. Perhaps he was lucky enough to see the endemic wirebird which many of us watched feeding nearby.
