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 🙂