Flying in

At the moment there’s only one return flight a week from Johannesburg. In the (Southern hemisphere) summer there’s a service from Cape Town, which would have been better for us as we started off there. And there’s also a monthly flight to Ascension Island as well.

There’s a real danger that the flight could be cancelled. The island is 1000 feet above sea level and suffers from low cloud a lot – and because of the local terrain, they can’t install an Instrument Landing System. Flights are often delayed – you have to wait for the cloud to clear.

Very luckily our two flights weren’t affected. We stopped in Walvis Bay for refuelling (but weren’t allowed off the plane), and made it to St Helena after about 5 1/2 hours of flying time.

Even the approach to the airport is stunning. You fly in very low over rocky cliffs, and suddenly the runway appears and you’re down! Must be one of the most impressive landings to make.

It’s the smallest international airport you’ll ever see. Once you get through immigration/passport control and paid your £20 landing fee (in cash), there’s a small room with your luggage, a couple of shops, a bank, customs and then that’s it.

Our hosts, Derek and Linda, met us at the airport. Everyone got off the plane, and the airport closed down for 6 1/2 days.