St Helena

Situated about 1650 nm NW of Cape Town as the crow flies at 15 58 S and 5 44 W St Helena lies comfortably in the tropics.

Drying Out

Drying Out

After nearly 3 weeks at sea it was a welcome stop. I was able to dry out all my wet clothing and bedding on the spacious deck of China Moon after having washed everything ashore to get the salt water out

There is a cold water shower close to the stone dinghy landing and a stone trough with fresh water supply for filling tanks and doing washing. So simple but such a luxury.

Dinghy Landing

Dinghy Landing

Getting ashore was quite an adventure. As Pete was there I was fortunate not to have to attempt it on my own. He had a robust little aluminium dinghy (by name of Ratty) and we were able to manage it without too much trouble. One has to approach with caution and wait for an up swell to grab one of the ropes hanging down and clamber ashore. The dinghy then has to be hauled out of the water to prevent it getting smashed against the wharf. For the faint of heart (or sensible) types there is a bum boat which fetches and carries for a small daily fee.

The big ship in the picture is the QEII which was anchored there for a few days. The passengers where taken ashore in a luxurious launch and handed out onto a red carpet by white-gloved attendants.

On slow days the locals come down to watch.

Jacobs Ladder

Jacob's Ladder

700 steep steps. After a few weeks at sea my knees were decidedly wobbly by the time I got to the top. So steep that looking back down was quite vertiginous. The local kids race up and slide down the bannisters.

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Spectacular Walks

Although the coast line of the island is very arrid there are many spectacular walks which rise into green tropical foliage.

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