South Atlantic

We continue heading north toward our next destination of St. Helena Island. The trade winds have been gently rocking the ship as we make steady progress. Our daily routine includes lectures, videos and other presentations about the part of the world we are travelling through. In the library, on board, are a number of papers and books about each of our destinations, which help us to prepare for our upcoming visit.

The early descriptions of the island present a picture of a lush, green place with many endemic plants and animals. The literature, we read, tells us that since humans arrived the picture has changed dramatically land clearing and other related activities have greatly altered the natural environment. Successful rescue efforts, just in the nick of time, resulted in the rediscovery of many of the endangered plants. A propagation effort has resulted in many new young plants being grown which one day may be replanted on the island to restore it to some semblance of its original beauty.

Of course Napoleon also lived on the island and his connection with the place is also a fascinating story.