A difficult landing

After a a very comfortable voyage we first sighted St Helena at about midday on Friday and were hopeful of disembarking a day early but Neptune had other ideas. The swell that had been impressive on Ascension but barely apparent on the open ocean had built up huge waves that were pounding the waterfront at Jamestown.

There is no harbour here and small boats are used to ferry passengers ashore. The steps where we would normally land were being repeated engulfed by huge waves and there was no question of getting ashore. 

Instead the ship arranged free drinks at sunset and a game of deck cricket and for once the passengers beat the crew. The following morning the seas was still quite rough but we were able to land with the launch rushing alongside to unload a few passengers then standing off for the next big wave before rushing in to unload a few more.





I met Sarel, the senior doctor here, and we went for coffee at the waterfront coffee bar where half of the island had gathered to watch the spectacle. The previous day apparently was the first time in 25 years that the RMS had not been able to land passengers.

Even today the view from the shoreline was awesome with the massive waves throwing boulders across the road where dozens of cars are usually lined up awaiting friends and family returning on the ship. Even more impressive were the efforts of the waterfront men in unloading containers in these conditions.

However without those containers the island would rapidly run short of essential supplies.

After a short briefing from Sarel I collected my baggage, found the car, and heading off to the flat that has been rented for me. Not knowing my preference for small cars and I presume thinking that a doctor needs a car of some distinction I now have a large black if rather old and shabby, BMW! The island speed limit is 40mph and I don’t suppose I will ever get it out of 3rd gear.

The flat they have found for me is delightful, a few hundred yards from the hospital and tucked away in the walled garden of a large house it is an ancient stone cottage with a lovely deck and a superb view. The interior is furnished with antiques, I have a Chaise longue and a four poster bad.
Today I plan to explore the island a little with James the UN volunteer and discover where the peripheral clinics I will have to attend are located. Work begins at 8:30 tomorrow with the doctors meeting then the Jamestown Clinic. On Tuesday I will have my first theatre list.