Add Comment to South Atlantic
Date visited

Ascension Island

Map of Ascension
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 31-Dec-1969
http://www.mysterra.org/webmag/ascension-island/geography.html
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 31-Dec-1969

A fascinating British island in the middle of the South Atlantic where Napolean was exiled and where he died in 1821.

Call port control on channel 16 when approaching the island. They may come onboard to clear you in or let you come ashore.

Jamestown is a quaint little town with hotels and pubs.

There is a stairway called Jacob's ladder with 699 steps rising 180m almost vertically, from the port to the top of the valley.

The governers mansion is home to a 200year old tortoise. You can visit Napoleons residence, Longwood and his original tomb. He was later exhumed back to France.

There is only one mailship, The St Helena, that calls twice a month on it's way to and from Southampton and Cape Town. There is no airport which keeps the island rather unique and insular.

Landing from the dinghy can be quite an experience especially when a swell is running. One needs to take hold of ropes hanging off gantry and swing yourself ashore before hauling your dinghy up the steps to safety.
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 31-Dec-1981
http://ags.ou.edu/~bweaver/Ascension/sh-topo.htm
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 31-Dec-1981

Jamestown

Jacob's Ladder

Gough Island

http://iguide.travel/Gough_Island
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 31-Jan-2009

Gough Island has no sheltered harbour or anchorage. The only suitable landing place for boats is at Glen Anchorage in Quest Bay on the island's east coast.

SA Agulhas, on a relief expedition, departs from Cape Town to Tristan da Cunha then onwards to Gough Island on an annual relief voyage. This ship carries cargo and passengers.

There is presently no access for tourists and even crew members from passing yachts may not go ashore except in the case of an extreme emergency

Howard [ Just Imagine ] 31-Jan-2009