Knapsack Wanderings
The knapsack is ready by the door next to hiking boots still cased in mud and leaf litter from the last
outing in the forested tranquillity of the woods at Plantation House. The green bag contains the
usual items: a bottle of water, snacks, plasters, sunglasses, small sun creams, insect repellent, house
and car keys, some local currency and the trusty St Helena Bank Card.
So, where to today? So many choices! Exiting civilisation and wandering off, soon enveloped in
nature: on a path to a cliff-top viewpoint or wending into the lush green interior of ferns, damp
mosses and lichens stuck to tree trunks at elevations well above sea level? Or possibly, one of a
previously trodden “Post Box Walk”; a new Post Box Walk or a marked “Trail”?
Off, off, off on an adventure: spotting friendly, inquisitive Fairy Terns in the trees; their bright white
plumage against dark-green tree leaves. Ebonys next with their delicate “National” flowers. Baby
Toes plump roundness peeping out!
Passing Cactuses with red-ripe “Prickly Pears”, a Wirebird squawks rising up to attract us away from
speckled eggs barely visible in the ground level nest; expected chicks precious to species survival.
The “Post Box” reached; maps/books are stamped; messages left for the next adventurer. A stunning
view of the endless Atlantic Ocean revealed!
Turning around to retrace steps; heading home for a well-earned cup of tea.
“How ‘bout Plo for dinner, Luvie?”