We have arrived at St Helena safely after a great nights sailing. We
dropped anchor and went ashore (fetched by the little ferry). We have
already enjoyed a beer and a hamburger for lunch at "Annes Place", and
Pieter and I took a stroll around some of the shops and little alley
ways to explore a bit. We also took a walk around the museum, and met
some interesting locals:) (one guy who would not speak, but insisted
acting everything out to us...very perculiar...small island fever
perhaps!)
It was such a weird sensation setting foot on land again after nearly
two weeks. The land felt like it would not stop moving from underneath
our feet, and it took a while until we could be sure of our steps. There
are a twelve yachts moored around us, also stopping over for a few days
on route to various destinations. So perhaps we will all meet up to swap
war stories from our adventures.
At this satge it looks like we are able to orgainise navigation lights
to replace ours, which were damaged by our headsail. So it seems like
we will be clearing out on monday morning first light to make our way
to Madeira, some three weeks away. We are hoping to have a really good
few nights rest, as this next part of the journey will be more demanding
on us.
We were fortunate enough to pick up a mooring buoy close to the shore.
Apparently the anchorage here is not all that good, and boats have often
been known to drift off into the distance when their anchors drag and
lift.
We will be posting a few photos onto our blog tomorrow for your
enjoyment. We will also be climbing the formidable "Jacobs ladder". I
have convinced Pieter to hitch-hike up to the next village with me
tommorrow, which is up a very steep, long and winding road. I am sure
even Lance Armstrong would give this hill a second glance before taking
it on.
Summing up our arrival, St Helena is an amazing place. Its not luxurious
or extravagant at all, which is exactly what could be expected from an
island in the middle of the Atlantic which is only accessable by ship or
yacht (no airport at all). The shops here get there supplies shipped in
every three months on the RMS St Helena. But the town is very
intersting, and has a very rich history. The locals accents sound
English/Kiwi/American. Very strange, but it is very enjoyable listening
to them speak. We will update you on our progress with regards to our
search for navigation lights, and also on our adventures on the island!
Pieter and I decided that the island looks like something out of the
King-Kong movie! Steep, rocky volcanic cliffs all around the island...
Chat soon.
Brad
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