Jamestown, Saint Helena

Homeward Bound

We’ve begun our trek across the Atlantic and have left Africa behind. Over the next 2 weeks each of our last 6 ports will get us closer to Fort Lauderdale. We’ll make the most of each port but are also looking forward to getting home.

St. Helena is a British Overseas Territory and one of the most isolated places in the world, located more than 1,200 miles from the nearest landmass (Africa). Because of its remote location it became the place of exile and death for Napoleon (1815-1821) after his defeat at Waterloo. We were able to visit his former home, Longwood, in the mountains as well as his former tomb (his remains have since been moved to Paris).

The island is quite beautiful with green lush mountains, vertical cliffs and V-shaped valleys. The weather is moderate with the annual temperature somewhat over 70 degrees. There is no airport and the only mode of transportation and import of goods is by the islands ship which returns every two weeks. The town of Jamestown where we were tendered into is located in a v-shaped valley between two mountains. One of the most unusual and daunting sights is “Jacob’s Ladder.” This is a long improvised very steep stairway leading up the sheer mountain to a plateau with some homes above. It was originally built by the military to link the fort above with the town of Jamestown. The ladder is 900 feet long and has 700 steps. If you climb it you get a certificate that states you were dumb enough to do it. Unfortunately you also have to climb back down. Well, we were surprised to find hundreds of our ships passengers and crew climbing the ladder. Marie did it and I filmed her. I opted out when one of our friends that we had done the ATV’s with 3 days before passed out halfway up. He was helped down and we all had a Beer together afterwards. He didn’t get a certificate.

We spoke to several of the town’s people including our taxi driver, the proprietors’ of the local hotel and a guy that was the former Magistrate. They all agreed that the town was like living in the 1950’s, with no crime, few interferences from the outside world, a beautiful climate, scenic vistas everywhere and an 18 hole golf course. They said that the 6,000 residents were not interested in what we call “progress.” We understood that and found the place to be as close to Shangri La as we’ve encountered. I cannot imagine living in such an isolated place but if you were born and raised there it would make for a very comfortable life.