What a Wonderful World

So what’s been happening in the world of St Helena? Due to the increased rain fall, the hosepipe ban has been lifted and the Heart –shaped Waterfall has turned from a trickle to a torrent of water. We were all invited by Paula, Bob and Pip to join them on the walk to the waterfall on Saturday. Although the weather wasn’t at its best on Saturday afternoon (and we nearly called the walk off) we decided to drive down to the start of the walk before a decision is taken. Just as well – as usual on St Helena - a short drive of even a couple of miles can change the weather from dismal cloud to fine and dry. The path down and then up to the waterfall was still very wet, slippery and muddy in places so careful manoeuvring was required to complete the walk. The waterfall was spectacular and worth every slip and trip on the way. As we approached the final ascent we thought it had started to rain, but in fact it was the spray from the water.

On Sunday, again the weather wasn’t fantastic, but having had a great walk the day before, we set off to complete one of the famous ‘Post Box’ walks up to the summit of Flagstaff. Just Andy and me this time – Henry didn’t fancy it and to be honest, I didn’t blame him! We sat in the car, having battled to keep the car on the track up to the beginning of the walk, waiting for the cloud cover to lift. Once it started to clear and we could see a reasonable distance ahead, we set off on the climb. It turned out to be a very pleasant walk and the views from the summit were breath-taking! The cloud was coming back across though so a speedy decent saw us reaching the car within 5 minutes or so of the cloud drenching us!

Henry started at Sixth Form on Tuesday and has really taken to the distance learning style and appears (to us at least!) to have embraced the way of learning, as well as making new friends and being invited to join the local Rock Band. In another week of exciting news, we heard that our beloved dogs have had their kennel space on the MOD supply ship confirmed. So we are now very hopeful that they will be joining us shortly. Andy has spent time laying a new vinyl floor in the bathroom and toilet. Tiles have also been purchased for the kitchen to be re-vamped. We reckon if we are going to be here for a couple of years, any improvements we can make are just a bonus. As the house is effectively free, we are happy to improve it where we can. The fence will also need to be repaired to make it safe for the dogs. Another weekend looms – plans already made for dinner with friends and a trip out with the donkeys at Blue Point. I am sure we will be happy, but exhausted by Monday ready to start it all over again!