St Helena photos
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From the buoys in St Helena it is a short
trip by a regular ferry service to come ashore. In general one doesn’t use
one’s own dinghy.
On the ferry. One’s first trip is the most
interesting. The advice not to steer yachts in between the local boats is
immediately explained as we taxied in over ropes between boats and buoys.
The ferry slides over the warps but normal boat props. would be fouled
immediately. Then the landing stage appears, usually with surging waves
breaking over it. How does one get off? The answer is, don’t panic,
watch the others and take your time. The ferryman backs in and on a lift
of a wave grab a rope and step ashore at the most convenient level. In the
end it became a challenge as to who could do the leap the most
neatly.
Imagine surging waves against the quay but trust the ferryman. Walking along the quay one passes small buildings in white and blue against the cliff until you come to the imposing white building housing the Harbour Master, Customs and passenger arrivals hall. In the background rises the side of the valley with Jacob’s ladder running seemingly vertically, 699 steps. A long way up but if of a daring disposition an easier descent using the hand rails for sliding down. Mags was challenged but having looked down from the top felt that she had experienced all she needed to!
1. Harbour Master’s office with volcanic cliff behind showing Jacob’s ladder. 2. From the top of Jacob’s ladder
Gateway to Main Street, Jamestown.
On tour with Robert we looked back down the gut to the harbour.
1. Briars Pavilion where Napoleon stayed as a guest for a month while Longwood House, his planned residence, was brought up to standard. 2. This rather elegant statue of Napoleon stands in the window in this house.
Longwood House, his final residence. Although it was much improved before Napoleon moved in it was still a rather damp and unhealthy place to live.
Probably the thought of the next English meal.....
St Helena is surprisingly lush inland and at altitude. Partly, this is due to the flax that was planted to provide industry for the island. The industry has long died out but the flax now grows wild. In this photo we are looking down towards Sandy Bay and the spike of volcanic rock in the middle is known locally as Lot.
Plantation House, home of the Governor and the gardens, home of Jonathan, reputedly the world’s oldest tortoise.
No. 7 buoy served us well until the end. Having carefully led two lines for extra security these got tucked under and twisted around the buoy and we had to call Kathie and Dave to assist in freeing us for departure. |
