Saint Helena Island Day 5

Posted on April 20, 2023 by Helga

Saint Helena Island Day 5

Thursday

Dear Elsie

We have absolutely sucked the marrow out of today & I’ll get to the highlight of today in just a bit, but first, we have been going through a leaflet on some of the walks in Saint Helena and so yesterday evening we went to the Sampson’s and Saddle batteries on Rupert’s Hill. Ruperts is famous for a number of things, mainly the slave graves which are scattered throughout the area below the hill on which we walked. We had driven down to the grave sight. It’s really a part of Saint Helena history with which the locals do not want to be associated. On our return, we parked and headed off up the trail.

There are canons all over this island.

And the views are quite spectacular. This is Rupert’s valley..

That was yesterday evening. Today, we woke early and headed off for a place mid-island called Blue Hill. It also has an area called Fairyland which we had heard was a good place to visit. Reading Remote, Lindsay the author regularly recalled one part of the island being in fine weather while another would not. This morning we found that to be true, arriving at Blue Hill in mist.

It was an easy walk down flax lined paths.

Soon we came to below the cloud and the scenery was quite something – we understood while it was called fairyland. It looked like something out of a picture book. Beautiful mountains and rolling hills, fat cows and not another soul in sight. Too glorious.

We returned to town via the ever-feared Ladder Hill road. Julian is driving like a local now and so we managed it with ease, although it was easier as there were cars ahead and we just followed them and pulled over as they did. It’s narrow in places, with sharp bends and only one car can go through at a time. Going down there’s a sheer cliff face on the right and a low wall with a drop on the left. We thought we would go down super slowly, but soon found that when there are no cars coming up, you go down as fast as you can before one comes up. Cars descending yield to cars coming up, hence the dash.

Back in Jamestown we had breakfast at the local market cafe and then went to the Tourism office to ask the opening hours for Longwood. They are open Monday to Friday from 11am to 1pm. We also asked if/when Jacob’s Ladder would open. We mentioned the foreman said it could be before we leave on Saturday. We were sternly told that we mustn’t take what the workers say too seriously.  The tourism manager said they (the workers) don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes and there may be other safety things that need to be signed off. To that end, it will open in the next couple of weeks. We left disappointed that we won’t have the chance to climb Jacob’s Ladder after all.

Meanwhile outside the tourism office a group of tourists had gathered and a historic tour of lower Jamestown was underway. We joined it and off we went finding out about the different social strata of the town over the years. Different building were pointed out and using our imagination we were shown how the wharf had changed. It was very informative. As we passed back through the town, something caught my eye – the netting around Jacob’s Ladder had been lifted. It was open!!!

We quickly finished the tour, had a cool drink and piece of coffee cake at the market cafe and then hot footed it back to the start of the ladder. Hot-footed is not an exaggeration! It was hot. We debated going up it later, but we were concerned it may be closed again, so off we set! It took us 12 minutes to get to the middle. And another 17minutes to get the rest of the way. 29 minutes to the top! It was exhausting! We were hot. We had a sit down and some water at the top & then started back down. I’m so glad we got to do that.

Here are the photos! Julian on his way. Just look at that blue sky.

12 very hot minutes later. We had already stopped once.

Yay!!! We made it…

We came home and have collapsed on our beds to recover. Tomorrow will have to be our visit to Lockwood.

We are certainly winding down our week on Saint Helena Island. People have been very friendly and it’s been a memorable experience to be sure, but I will be glad to get back to the regular world. This place is too remote for me. The biggest issue is the internet. They have this massive Fibre cable that has arrived at Rupert’s Bay, but they haven’t got the infrastructure yet to get it to the rest of the island. I don’t know when that is going to happen. Meantime, internet is hugely expensive and really cuts them off from the outside world. I haven’t enjoyed not being able to properly be in touch with my family back home.

Also medically, there is limited health care here. There’s the hospital which will attend to any minor issues and emergencies but if anything gets too complicated or life threatening, you need to be medivacced out which can be done in 12 hours. They are really strict about insurance. We all need to be insured for a huge amount of travel insurance. Hopefully, over the next 48 hours, we won’t need their services.

Tonight we are meeting Jane for dinner. She is a lovely lady we met first in Johannesburg at the departure gate, then in church on Sunday. We did the boat trip with her yesterday and the walking tour today. Jane on the boat. She’s 77 and got lots of courage to do a trip like this solo.

Psalm 95:1

Come let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Saint Helena Island Day 4

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day we went out to sea! But first I need to start late yesterday afternoon when we went for a walk up a mountain to see the heart of the ‘heart-shaped waterfall’.  We left quite late and walked for about 35 or 40 minutes before turning around.

Bridge at the start…

We noticed this pink house on the mountainside. Such tiny windows and so few of them – it must have been built a very long time ago.

View down the valley…

And the heart shape….not too much water off the waterfall as it’s been the Saint Helena dry season.

We then went to town for Chinese. It was really good and enough for us to take home and we had it for lunch today.

Inside…

This morning dawned windier and overcast than previous days and I wondered if the boat trip would happen. I even thought I be cold on the boat & so we packed jerseys. We gathered at the wharf and leapt aboard the boat with the help of the (ex-Cape Town) captain and off we went. The view of Jamestown from the sea was really what I wanted to see and I wasn’t disappointed.

We went right to the end of the island and saw some amazing sights – dolphins and bird life and the rugged coast line of this tiny dot in the ocean.

Egg island…

I was so happy to have been able to get a shot of the entire length of the island from the water.

And I got to swim! The water was crystal clear and about 20C.

It was a good 3 hour trip and cost 30pounds.

We got back to our Bnb and have had the Chinese leftovers. Now begins one of the nicest and gentlest ways to live – a kind of siesta. We spend the hottest part of the day relaxing and reading. I do the blog and then rest. It’s wonderful. Then later, we’ll take a drive. This time the plan is to go to Ruperts Valley and Mundens Fort.  Tomorrow, it’s Longwood (The house Napoleon lived in) and that will pretty much wrap up the most important things we wanted to do and see. Longwood is expected to be more strict than other St Helena sights as it is run by the French. Apparently no photos are allowed inside the building.

I’m grateful for this day, for good health and for all the things we’ve seen so far. It’s most likely that I will never come here again so I am enjoying each moment.

Psalm 94:22

The Lord has become my Fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Saint Helena Island Day 3

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I met the world’s oldest tortoise! He is 190 years old and he lives in the garden of the Governor’s House on Saint Helena Island. His name is Jonathan and he even has his own Wiki page. It was absolutely the highlight of the day. I took so many photos, but I’ll only put a couple on, but first, this morning we set off at first light to hike up Diana’s Peak. A round trip of more than 2 hours, we left early to avoid the heat. Beautiful tree lined road on the way and as it was before the school traffic there were not many cars. We parked on the road at the start only to find this sign…

We dutifully dipped the souls of our shoes in foul smelling water to wash off any foreign and unwanted species of something. Then we made the 20 minute hike up a steep road to the start. To our disappointment, this sign greeted us…

Diana’s Peak is closed. We trundled back down, taking a couple of photos of the surrounding views. Beautiful at this height, it would have been stunning from the top.

At the bottom, we encountered a few workers about to start work. We asked them what the average wage was to which the one announced ‘I earn 8000 pounds a year.’ Cost of living is high in Saint Helena but it seems rent and other prices are low, so I guess a reasonable living can be made. After the disappointing unexpected end to our morning exercise, we drove on and I found we had a view of the airport in the distance. The sun was rising at that side, so the photo isn’t very clear, but the red line is the runway. I’ve also compressed the photos because of my lack of internet.

From there we went to Jamestown for a walk along the wharf. The old old Yacht club. The building is probably 200 years old.

The next view is from the wharf. That line up the mountain is Jacob’s Ladder.

We heard from the 8000 pounds guy that the private jet that was at the airport on our arrival day belonged to Lord somebody or other who had come to inspect Jacob’s Ladder and it may indeed be open before we leave. We know things in Saint Helena move at a snail’s pace, but we live in hope.

We inquired about a boat ride next and booked for tomorrow morning…hopefully to see whale sharks, have a swim and view the island from the sea. If whale sharks are sighted, 40 pounds, if not, he will halve the price.

After coffee in town, we drove home for half an hour before taking our trip towards Plantation House. I’m getting the hang of this part of the island and found our way quite easily. The roads are lined with lush vegetation.

On arriving, we were allowed to go and meet Jonathan first. He just chills. Very poor eyesight – it looks like he has cataracts, but he can sense things around him and at one time, I think he thought my hat was a leaf of lettuce. There are not 1000s of tourists, rather dozens, so you are allowed right up to him, can pat him and pose with him & he is most obliging. This is the oldest tortoise in the world and we got to meet him!! Just amazing that we can get this close.

Saying goodbye to Jonathan, we went on a guided tour of Plantation house. An old house it is. Debbie the tour guide was a good blend of humour and information and ably showed us around. The current Governor is Nigel Phillips whose wife is South African and has a home in Plettenberg Bay.  The Governor is out of town. He flew out over the weekend (possibly with the Lord) & has left for a holiday as well as to the UK to attend the Coronation. His wife has returned to Plett.

Plantation house from the outside…

Entrance…

Dining room…

Library

We also saw this nifty chair in the library…

It becomes steps…

And this is the bedroom Princess Anne stayed back in 2002. They are very proud of this fact.

Napoleon during the latter days of his life on the island…

And so we are half way through our legendary stay in this tiny speck in the ocean.  I’ll get this online and then later, we intend to find another walk to make up for missing the one up Diana’s Peak.

I’m missing everyone at home. Julian is driving really well and I am getting better at navigating. Thank you Mike for downloading Saint Helena maps to my phone. I’m using it all.the.time!! Love you!

Psalm 94:19

When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Saint Helena Island Day 2

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie,

We are packing in the activities. We once watched a video describing some of the highlights to be seen on Saint Helena Island and we are aiming to get through the main ones. Yesterday, after I posted the blog, we had a little rest and then set off to try get to High Knoll Fort. This is a massive fort I think I mentioned before is visible from our Airbnb. Here it is…

It was built in 1798 and is a massive structure. Our trip here took us towards St Pauls through a narrow road with lush vegetation on either side.  Julian has been doing an excellent job driving. We have learned to wave at everybody,  driving slowly and giving way to cars coming up the hill. We are grateful when we are the ones going uphill and cars have to yield to us. This usually means they pull over, allow us past and both occupants wave at each other. It’s quite a slow way of life. The High Knoll Fort was very quiet. We were the only ones there. If we were in South Africa, visiting such a place we would have felt nervous, but this Saint Helena and there is no crime, no unemployment, no beggars, no car guards, no paid parking.

This fortification is a bit overgrown on the inside….

Julian got onto the boundary wall, egging me on to join him, but I wasn’t about to endanger myself, so I just watched him wander along the precipitous wall, admiring his courage & eventually hoping he would get down soon. He was giving me the heebie jeebies.

The views from the top were amazing.

This is the high school on Saint Helena – there was a cricket match on the go.

After the High Knoll Fort, we went to the Boer Cemetery. A sombre place.  Here are some of the Boer POW outside the above fort. Many of them died and are buried on the side of the hill….

We returned to our digs along a different route, happy to find a rare restaurant open on a Sunday evening. Rosie’s place provided a beet and pear salad for 5pounds, coke zero for 1.60 each and a cheesecake for 4pounds. With the sun soon to set, we wasted no time returning to the car and hitting one of the most sheer roads on the island. It is Ladder Hill Road. Think of a single lane Chapman’s Peak Drive, with cars going down (which we were) stopping hopefully at a lay-bye kind of place to allow cars coming up to go past. Sheer cliff on the right and hard rock wall on the left. Quite the experience.

And so ended a fulfilling Sunday.

Today dawned and we were up early, intent on walking to the Heart-shaped waterfall. This was a lovely lush walk, mainly under a canopy of trees with ancient walls built along scenic tracks inbetween.

We arrived at the waterfall to to find it trickling, with the rainy season not yet underway. I can imagine that visiting after heavy rain would be a different and more challenging experience.

There is a viewing platform with a little box. Inside was a book for us to write our names and a stamp with ink pad for us to stamp the book. I took advantage and stamped the waterfall brochure. The heart shape is visible from a higher road.

From there we went to Jamestown for coffee at the wharf. We spoke to a few tourists from the ship anchored off shore. It is the Honduras and it has come from Antarctica. It’s going from here to Cape Verde and then onto Europe, a voyage of 5 weeks, but, the gentleman grumbled, it could be shorter!

We hung around Jamestown until things opened (we had been up at 6am and got to the town at about 8am). The library would only open at 9.30am and the museum at 10am. Meantime, we spoke to the foreman overseeing the Jacob’s Ladder repairs and he tells us they are ‘finishing up’ and it should open before we leave.

Another historic sign…there are loads of these kind of snippets of history all over town and inside the churches.

A visit to the craft shop, tourism centre and the library got us to 10am when we visited the museum. There the curator told us the sad news that Lindsay Grattan Cooper had passed away a few years ago. The lady knew her well and mentioned she was involved in the heritage society. We knew this from her book. We noticed her book for sale in the craft shop and a signed copy is in the library. She certainly has made an impression and painted a colourful picture of this unique island.

We bumped into Jane, who we met at the church yesterday. We have discovered she is 77 – what an adventurous lady – coming on her own for 2 full weeks to Saint Helena to try track down some of her late husband’s ancestors. We should meet up with her sometime this week if I can book a boat tour. We had coffee at the Market, sitting at Jane’s table and then set off towards home again.  This time, I directed Julian up the Side Path Rd, through Two Gun Saddle. That road is much much better than the nameless ‘wrong’ way I took us on arrival. It actually allows two way traffic and even has a line painted in the middle, a road detail we take for granted but which is missing on most Saint Helena Roads.

There was one last stop before we called it a day for sightseeing. Passing our Airbnb, we parked at Napoleon’s Tomb and walked the 500m down a grassy track surrounded by beautiful plants.

Our visit complete, we came home for a restful afternoon. Now we know about Side Path Rd we may venture down to Jamestown for dinner later. That will be a story for tomorrow.

Psalm 94:18

When I said “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

We are only here for a moment – the best is yet to come.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

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Saint Helena Day 1

Posted on April 16, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Yesterday after I posted the blog I was able to figure out why I couldn’t get the photos transferred. The little storage card had partially come out of my laptop, so after that got put properly back in and Mike had sent me clear instructions, I was back in business, so today I can catch up. I’ll probably use a stack of my precious 112 megs I have left, but this will be a good test.

Here are the flight and arrival photos I was keen for you to see….Walvis Bay refuelling

Above the sea…

Dramatic arrival at St. Helena

Last night in the cool of the day, Julian and I took a walk up up up the hill to Napoleon’s grave. The gate was locked but now we know where to go possibly tomorrow. Here are a few photos from that walk..

Sunset was  quite spectacular… the display of stars from this speck in the ocean are quite remarkable. No light pollution here…

This morning we woke early and had a bite to eat before driving down to Jamestown. This is our rental car by the way.

While it looks quite spiffy from the outside, it has seen better days on the inside. Anyway, it suits our purpose & Julian drove successfully down the steep steep hill with hairpin bends at regular intervals. Fortunately it was about 7.30am and there was not too much traffic about. Funny story: don’t phone the Saint Helena police but Julian left his driver’s licence behind. He realised as we were checking in at Johannesburg. Fortunately, I have mine. When I took control of the rental car (Julian was busy getting his SIM card), I mentioned to Patrick Julian had forgotten his driver’s licence. Patrick said it was fine as long as he knew when it was issued. I remember going with Julian to the Fish Hoek licensing department some years ago so guessed it was about 2021. I put that date in. It was wrong. It was 2019, in fact, but Patrick had no qualms about this and off we set, Julian driving with no licence, hoping we won’t be stopped. Oh yes, while on the topic of the car, to return it, we leave it at the airport on Saturday, unlocked and the keys safely stored on the sunvisor. Crime is not an issue in these parts.

On our way down to Jamestown, the first thing I did was direct Julian the wrong way. But if you keep going down, all roads lead to the coast and as we neared it, I realised it was on the side where the author of Remote had her house. I directed Julian up the Maldivia road and sure enough, we found Villa le Breton. We spent a few minutes looking at the house and recalling the facts she wrote about it. It was a good tick off our to-do list. Her gate, the house and gardens…

Then it was into Jamestown central where we parked outside the Saint Helena bank and strolled through the town centre. This included a walk through Castle Gardens…

We eventually arrived at the sea front…looking each direction…

There is coffee shop nearby and we had coffee.

From there we looked at the ‘Castle’ which is the seat of power in Saint Helena. An old building to be sure, but not very big.

Across the square is the oldest church in the Southern Hemisphere, St James – an Anglican church…

Next to it is the pretty Saint Helena prison…

At 9.30am sharp we were settled inside the church for their Sunday service. As we walked in, we were joined by a lady I recognised from the flight yesterday and she asked if she could sit with us. Only too happy for her to do so, she introduced herself as Jane and said she was visiting StH for the first time as her late husband had ancestors who came from the island.

After church, we went back to her little rental apartment in town and had coffee with her. We exchanged numbers and hope to meet her in the next couple of days for a meal.

The famous Jacobs Ladder is very close to the central square and to our disappointment it is still closed. Possibly the inspector may come this week and it will be reopened.

We returned home in the heat of the day to let the temperature simmer while we stay indoors. It is a good opportunity to get this done and then do a little reading. Hence the very early blog.

Some other reflections, I’ve whatsapped to Mike, so they are worth capturing here: we are 2 hours ahead of South Africa, so I woke up early SA time and then went back to sleep for a while. When I woke up, it was overcast with the look of rain hanging in the air, so beautiful and cool. The island, in some ways, reminds me of Seychelles, both with the kind of people and hilly terrain & thick undergrowth. Julian and I have almost identical apartments, next to each other. I got a huge discount on the back of his booking, so that was helpful.

While yesterday I was all discombulated regarding the lack of internet, today I feel I have more control. I’m writing whatsapp messages off line, pressing send, then turning on data and once they are sent, I’m turning data off. Very effective for minimizing data usage.

This afternoon, Julian and I are going driving to see some of the forts. One of them High Fort Knoll is visible from our place, albeit camouflaged against the rock.

Psalm 94:14

For the Lord will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Arriving in St Helena

Posted on April 15, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

I missed speaking to you today.  Julian and I flew west, first to Walvis Bay and then north west to Saint Helena Island and we got here safe and sound! Teddy was along with the ride.

The plane trip was uneventful. There was almost no turbulence and everything went off as planned.

We followed ourselves on radar. Thanks Mike!

Landing at St. Helena Island was an incredible experience. I have struggled to get photos from my cell phone to the little laptop I am using, but hopefully these will give you an idea of the rugged terrain.

When I get home, I’ll post a video. The internet challenges here are second to none. It’s 10 British pounds for 150megs, so we are using it very sparingly and I don’t even know if I can get this one up. I have to use my cell phone as a hot spot, so may go through the 150 megs in one sitting!

Perhaps what I’ll do is save the photos for when I get home and do a more extensive show and tell next week.

For the moment, to describe the people on the flight would be to say that it seemed a number of them were Saints returning home. There were a lot of visitors too and some travellers that were American bound for an onward trip to Ascension Island.

The landscape is varied with lots of hills and bends and turns. Lower cost housing not unlike one you would see in Cape Town. The Airbnb we are staying in is comfortable and the hosts Donald & Gaye are super friendly and welcoming. Very peaceful here.

The weather is not unlike Durban. It’s hot and humid. We are 2 hours behind South Africa, so right now it’s 5pm and the sun is still high and hot. I’m going to try to get this posted now and hope for the best.

We picked up an old beatup BMW for 90pounds and followed Patrick the car hire guy. He led us to our accommodation which was so kind of him.

Yay! I’m hoping this is successful!

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

YaYYYY we did it!

 

 

 

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Jo’Burg

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Helga

Friday

Dear Elsie,

Today was the day I got up early and by just after 10am I was at the airport and hanging out waiting for my flight to Johannesburg. Teddy is with me. I am about to send you a voice note because I know I’m going to miss speaking to you tomorrow.

The landing in Johannesburg was perfect.

Julian & Gerrie arrived as I walked out the door and we came straight to the house to meet this special little person…

This evening we are having a braai. Tomorrow morning we need to be up bright and early because our flight is at 9am, so we should be leaving for the airport at 6am. I have been in Whatsapp contact with our Airbnb host in St Helena and he is ready for us. I also seem to have got myself a bedroom instead of sleeping on the sleeper couch in the lounge. I’ll take the bedroom for 10 pounds a night!

I’m hoping this won’t be the last blog until I get back. I’m hoping all of Mike’s help in getting my little Linux laptop set up to use as little data as possible will work. I’m hoping the SIM cards we have waiting for us at the gift shop at St Helena Airport will be functional on my cell phone.  In the event of me not getting this right, it may just be this is the last blog until I get back and if so, I’ll put up the whole lot of them on my return. Usually when we are in out of the way places with limited internet I have managed to keep the blog going, but that is when Mike is with me. He has tried to get me as ready as possible, so let me see if I can get it all to work.

Missing Mike. Missing David. And tomorrow I miss speaking to the Swellendam family. Funny thing is when we were in Italy, Mike had Covid so he couldn’t come to St Moritz with us. We went to St Moritz together. Now we are going to St. Helena. Very excited. We pray for a safe trip.

Psalm 93:5

Your statutes, Lord, stand firm;

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Last Blog from Home for a While

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie,

I saw what was happening at your house today! Wow, a big container arrived & soon building work will begin. It’s going to be so exciting for you to watch. For me today was a busy day. I am ready to leave for my trip – first to Johannesburg and then onto Saint Helena Island. Overnight I looked up the weather at Jamestown and realised that it’s about 3-4 degrees warmer than Cape Town. It’s going to be warmer than I thought and so, taking only hand luggage, I decided to ditch my jacket. I know I will suffer in Johannesburg as it drops to less than 10C overnight, but I can borrow from family.

This view I will miss.

Today, being the 13th means it’s very nearly 2 and a half years since we moved in. Google reminded me of what it looked like outside the Little Look out 2 years ago on this day.

We had a long way to go. Courage single-handedly built the walls.

We still have quite some things to do, but it is a whole lot better than what it was.

I’ve worked for about 7 hours today and need to do some more work, so let me get back to it so I can wrap up my job for the next 10 days.

Psalm 93: 2
Your throne was established long ago; You are from all eternity.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In  His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Saint Helena Island Prices

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Helga

Wednesday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day I did most of the packing for my exciting trip to Saint Helena Island. When we went to Italy last year, we were out the country for 40 nights of which 30 were on the ship. If I can pack about 13kg for 40 nights out the country, I can pack 6kg for 9 nights away from home. Carry-on luggage only for me.

Meantime, I also discovered I only have £400 in cash for the week. I thought I had more. This had me scuttling off to find out how much stuff costs. I found this on Expatistan. I don’t know how recent or accurate it is.

I think I’ll take other currency so I can exchange at a bank if necessary. There are no ATMS on the island and no credit card machines either. It’s cash or bust. Sometimes I feel like it’s going to be like Alice going down the rabbit hole. Into a very different world we go. I did hear from the Rose & Crown today. They have reserved two SIM cards for us which we can collect at their Gift Shop at St. Helena Airport. Apart from the £20 required to enter the island, the SIM cards are £16.50 including £10 of data. Airtime is not cheap.

This is the magnificent photo from the St Helena official website. I think we are staying somewhere round the red circle…maybe…

They say it’s difficult getting down to Jamestown below but it’s quite a hike back up. I can believe it.

Meantime, back home Mike and David are planning their activities while I’m away. The Snooker world champs as well as Star Wars have been mentioned. I’m sure they will have a good time.

Work today was tricky. The internet played up and I went half dilly trying to get the work done. Tomorrow is another day.

Psalm 93:1
The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

 

 

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Plumber Came

Posted on April 11, 2023 by Helga

Tuesday

Dear Elsie

Today was a significant day for the development of the plot behind us. The plumber came to put in the first of the drainage pipes.

Plumbing in place at the end of the day…

Mike has also overseen the cutting of a path that goes from the backdown the other side of our house, so Brian and Courage can carry rubble down to a patio that is in the making…

Those gabion baskets will grow by at least one more level and there is a lot of fill that needs to be taken down there. Courage and Brian are taking from the back.

This is a different angle. They have single handedly excavated a huge amount but have a long way to go yet.

Brian taking wheelbarrow loads of rubble down the hill…

They are tough guys!

I worked 7 hours. The internet was slow so it was, at times frustrating. I think it was on our server side which is somewhere in the UK.

Tonight, David has, for the first time in a month, gone to friends for dinner. They know his condition and he can park right outside their house and walk a very sort distance inside. Also there are no steps. Hopefully, it won’t wipe him out too much. He had a good conversation with his manager yesterday & it looks like he has got some flexibility for going to China. The time crunch is not as severe as we thought it was. If he can get to Johannesburg by the middle of May to get the visa stamp in his passport, he will be able to then leave for China within 2-3 months from that point. This is great news. It gives him plenty of time to get better.

Meantime, I’m counting down to when I leave for Johannesburg and then Saint Helena Island. Today Mike got me a British adaptor so I can charge my cell phone and laptop. I’m taking my Linux laptop which I’m typing on now for practice! It will use a lot less internet. It’s tiny and so I’ve had to adjust my typing action. If I inadvertently rest my hand on the middle mouse pad, the cursor jumps up to another part of the screen. Also, the space bar needs to be whacked harder than usual or else it doesn’t give a space. Now I need to figure out how to be my photos from my phone to this notebook & then I should be able to post the daily blogs when I am in the South Atlantic. The time is going to fly by, so I’d better enjoy every moment.

Psalm 92:5

How great are your works, Lord,  how profound your thoughts!

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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10% Better

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Helga

Monday

Dear Elsie

Yesterday evening David came up and said he had felt a small positive change. David’s main issue has been Exercise Intolerance. He’s not able to walk far and has to go super slowly. Then, if he has walked 250m he has spent 2-3 hours recovering. He’s been at about 10% of his physical ability. Yesterday he felt he could now be about 20%. We were overwhelmed with gratitude at this small improvement.  He had started these two supplements on Thursday…

When I Googled : What does pine bark extract do to muscles, I found this explanation:

IMPROVE BLOOD FLOW: One of the most impressive benefits of pine bark is its purported ability to increase nitric oxide production and improve blood flow, which helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles for enhanced performance.

As well as this…

It is proposed that PycnogenolⓇ may be beneficial in supporting recovery and mitigating symptoms and long-term consequences resulting from a SARS-CoV2 infection in COVID-19 patients.

Pycgnogenol is the trade-marked name for Pine Bark Extract.

I’m not  sure if you can read what is written on the L-Arginine – if not it says it has the effect of being a precursor of nitric oxide which helps maintain healthy blood vessel tone.

I do believe the combination of these two supplements have been instrumental in seeing this little improvement. Meaningful research into long haul Covid which will provide proven treatment is going to take time. David has got the most effective tips from a Reddit subgroup on Long-Haul Covid, where people from across the world share their experiences, their symptoms and what has worked for them. It was one of them who, after 8 months of crippling fatigue, found out about this combination of Pine Bark extract and L-Arginine & within a couple more months, she was back to about 85% of her previous strength.  We are so grateful to God for that coming to light.

We are cautious about our optimism. It may be a case of 2 steps forward and 1 step back, so we continue to take 1 day at a time. We are also grateful for wonderful family time this Easter. It was wonderful seeing Stacey, Adrian and you Elsie and spending time with you all.  Happy memories of us sitting around early in the morning drinking coffee while you were still asleep and then, once you woke up, this little bundle of energy and activity breezing in with enthusiasm. “I want to be Granny’s friend”. Always, my darling, always! Precious moments.

Psalm 92:4

For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord;  I sing for joy at what your hands have done.

It’s not about now- we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx  🙂

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A Happy Easter Sunday

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Helga

Sunday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day you woke up at our house again. We had breakfast together and you helped me with some washing. It’s Easter Sunday! Christ is Risen! We loved spending time with you and miss you now you have gone home. You are doing so well & Granny is very proud of you.

You can see it was a spectacular Easter Sunday. The day has been beautiful, calm & very clear. The Pringle Bay lighthouse was easily visible through the telescope as well as my binocs.

After the family left, I did some reading and I finished reading the St. Helena book ‘Remote’. This time next week, God willing, weather permitting, Julian and I will be in St. Helena. I’m now trying to erase any assumptions I have made from the book and will go on this trip with an open mind. I’m a bit afraid of our driving plans. The roads seem narrow and there appear to be a lot of precipitous hills and many sharp bends, switchbacks and hairpins. Julian in the driver seat will be reminded (hopefully not too many times) to stick to the 30/40km an hour  speed limit imposed on the island. To be honest, I don’t think he will have too much trouble.

In the afternoon, Mike and I took a walk to Harbour Bay. On the way we stopped for a few moments at Glencairn Beach…

On the way back, we stopped at the car park and sat on a bench to admire the view. I remember bringing Granny here a dozen or so years ago and sitting in the car appreciating the same view. I remember a seagull perching on the train line post. Today another did the same.

Let me see if I can find the one from years ago…yup there we go – dated 30th April 2012. Not quite a dozen years ago, I zoomed in on this one.

This weekend there has been the False Bay Yacht Club Easter Regatta…

We’ve had a happy meaningful Easter Sunday.

John 11:25-26.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.

Eternal life – it’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Elsie at Elsies Peak

Posted on April 8, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day you learned that there is a massive mountain behind our house that has the same name as you. You were fascinated. I took you out the back to see it…

Then I took you to the start of the Elsie’s Peak trail so you could see your name. You really liked that.

Then we went to the beach where you ran up and down on the sand, making mud pies, splashed in the water and just enjoying it all…

Then it was to the playground where she tried out absolutely everything!

From there, we went shopping at Longbeach Mall where Elsie you went on an escalator for the first time. You were so curious as to how the moving stairs worked and a little unsure – but you did really well.

Home for an early dinner of roast lamb and vegetables. That was delish. A really lovely early Easter celebration.

Elsie, both you and me, we are tired out! This was you this morning tracing around Blossom’s hand.

Psalm 92:4
For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Good Friday 2023

Posted on April 7, 2023 by Helga

Saturday

Dear Elsie,

Today you came!  It was wonderful to see you and we had a great time going shopping, rocking on my rocking chair and playing. You spent a lot of time with Uncle David as well and had an enthusiastic cushion fight. You are so smart! We were also happy you bought spekboom from Oupa. They are going to grow well in our garden.

I caused a little stir among the Wastetech workers today. They were patient and helpful to be sure! A few weeks ago I noticed a wheelie bin filled with rubbish at the top of the driveway at the house two doors up the road. No one lives in that house – it’s rented out to holiday makers and has been empty since the last visitors. They left a lot of rubbish in the bin and it never got down to the road for bin day. I watched the lid blow open and the rubbish get wet in the rain. Last Friday passed and it was still there. This morning, I remembered it. It would be a mission to go and drag it down their steep driveway to the road. I put it out my mind until eventually I heard the dump truck coming. It had reversed to the end of the street and then started back along the road emptying the wheelie bins. Eventually, I could not resist. I had left it to the last minute. Barefoot, I dashed down the stairs and ran up the road waving at the driver to wait. I can only imagine what they thought about this mad woman running barefoot toward them! Fortunately, one of the workers followed me up the steep driveway and man-handled the bulky & heavy bin down to the truck. I was so grateful!

Not long after the family arrived, Mike and I had an important appointment. It was the celebration of the life of Aunty Ivy. Avril’s Mom was having her memorial service and we really wanted to go. It was very poignant. The closer we get to eternity, the more we reflect on the impact we have this side. Aunty Ivy’s impact reached far and wide, that’s for sure.

It was meaningful and extra special being Good Friday. Because of today, we have hope.

We came home in time to welcome guests into the cottage for the weekend. We are filled to the brim with people. The cottage has a family of 4; the Seaview apartment has an American couple who are being visited by their daughter, son and grandson. Then there’s all of us. It brings me such joy having all the units in use.

Pizza for dinner. Elsie, you are rocking vociferously on my rocking chair with Blossom along for the ride.

You are speaking so well and asking me why we live so far from  you & that you like your hair plaited. Right now while, I’m writing this you are chatting away behind me. You are asked me to turn the light on because it’s getting dark and when I did the windows become reflective.  You can see your reflection in the window and this is endlessly entertaining for you. “I can see myself! I can see my feet!” It’s wonderful spending time with you!

Psalm 91:15-16
He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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Crazy Weather Today

Posted on April 6, 2023 by Helga

Thursday

Dear Elsie

Today was the day that we were planning on going to the beach. The day looked beautiful and still, but we noticed a huge bank of cloud moving slowly in from the entrance to False Bay. Eventually, it reached Muizenberg….

Then St James and Kalk Bay….

And round to Clovelly…

It came closer…

And closer…

Eventually the sky disappeared…

And we were in the cloud…

It stayed like that for a few hours and then suddenly lifted and all was clear, but the wind swept around to come from the north. I had put washing out. The wind picked up and was blowing strongly from the north. Eventually there was a massive gust of wind followed by a crash bank wallop! The clothes horse got ripped off its bracket and was blown across the balcony. The heavy wooden balcony chairs got blown over and shirts hanging on the back of them nearly went over the edge.  Then as fast as it arrived, it died right down & perfect weather returned. The clothes horse, now strangely bent, was still usable. I put it out again and the washing dried. But it was a crazy weather day. Tomorrow rain is forecast. The Swellendam family arrive and we have guests arriving in the cottage.

Other news is our American guests in the Seaview Apartment went out and while out, the lady unfortunately sprained her ankle. I’m glad that our stairs were not at fault, but now it’s doubtful she will be able to make her way up the stairs. She’s going to stay at her daughter’s house and her daughter and son-in-law will stay here. That’s a clever ploy.

David’s medication came today, so this will be his main supplements in the week ahead. We’ll see if they work.

He definitely seems better today. He went out to Heidi for some reflexology and then stopped at the barber on the way home and had a hair cut. He took 10 minutes to get up all the stairs to our unit and going that slow helped him be less exhausted on arrival. Now we are all watching a Poirot & eating popcorn.

Oh! And one more thing, Elsie darling, I got a wonderful, Elsie friendly stash today!

Easter! Praise the Lord.

Psalm 91:3-4
Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

It’s not about now – we are only passing through.

Keep the smile going.

God bless you.

In His Grip,

Gran xx 🙂

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