You must be mad!

That is the most common response when we tell our friends and family that we are off to the remotest place in the world!
It's been a big decision. It means leaving our eldest son here in the UK, taking our 15 year old son with us, giving up everything we know here for 2 years on a sub-tropical island, thousands of miles from the nearest continent!

So where is St Helena?
St Helena is a small island (10 miles by 5 miles) in the middle of the South Atlantic ocean and is one of three islands that make up the British Overseas Territory (Tristan de Cunha and Ascension Island) St Helena is home to around 4000 people and was the island where Napoleon was exiled and died.

The only way in currently is by boat from either Cape Town South Africa or Georgetown Ascension Island

So far we have had to undergo stringent medical examinations - medical facilities on the island are limited, have dental checks. Our 2 dogs are also travelling out which has proven to be a task to organise. Dogs can only enter via Ascension Island, due to strict import regulations and so have to travel on the Falklands supply ship from Marchwood Southampton. It's quite a journey for them, but I am told they will be very well cared for!

Why are we going? If we are honest we probably don't know BUT it is a change of pace and lifestyle for a couple of years. Henry is completing his GCSE's this summer. He can study A Levels on the island, or maybe take a bit of time out diving or fishing with Andy. It's an opportunity for family time, a slower pace of life.
Other factors in our decision included the unexpected death of my Dad - I think I thought he'd live for ever, oldest son George has settled into a long term relationship with his girlfriend Jennie so I don't worry about him quite so much because I never know when or who will turn up. Andy finally gave up his job in October 2011 which was great for a while - he should have left a long time ago. He started working with a long standing friend which he's really enjoying. That bit has made the decision quite hard as we didn't want to let anyone down..
Communications are poor on the Island- one of the reasons for blogging! No mobile phones - how will we survive without?, limited broadband - think dial-up, although improvements have been made recently, it will not compare in any way shape or form to BT Infinity!