Water views and respite

Headed out for some water views and much needed respite first thing in the morning. Although we hadn't planned on any sort of vacation this year, I'm so pleased we sorted out a week in Maine. Below are photos from the day we spent a day Calvert Cliffs on the Chesapeake Bay last week to help us get in the mood. 

We'll spend part of the week camping (please, please let the weather forecast improve!) and half the week in an Airbnb...that includes fully stocked studio space! 

Per my usual though, I will spend as much time outside as possible. I may do a bit of drawing and painting along with some beach combing and arranging of stuff found on the beach. Nothing too strenuous, save a bit of paddling maybe. (And I will do my best not to check news on my phone but I can't figure out at this point if that is foolhardy or absolute wisdom. I'm counting on my family to text me if there is something I absolutely have to know. ) 

You can find me on Instagram (at gwilliamson) as internet allows.

Far out in the South Atlantic

Seventeen days since leaving home, just over a week since arriving to Saint Helena. When you are here...you are really, really here as the nearest land is an even smaller island 2 days away by sea and the east coast of Africa is 1200 miles to the east.

Impromptu jewelry design on the beach in Cape Town.

Our flight (BWI to JFK to OR Tambo to CPT) was long but uneventful. Thats all you can really ask for in a 24 hr. economy class flight really, right? Uneventful. Our time in Cape Town was relaxing ( I really like Cape Town...I wish it wasn't so dangerous) but rainy. They need the rain so desperately though.

Deck of the RMS in the early morning.

Next - five day sea journey with calm seas, far too much delicious food and ,as always, interesting company. I must admit the sea sickness patches which do their job well also make me a bit dopey but non the less I always find the assortment of passengers on the Royal Mail Ship Saint Helena a bit like the UN. Saint Helenians traveling home, an Australian travel writer, The Bishop of the South Atlantic for the Roman Catholic Church...we are always the least traveled of the bunch.

Arriving Saint Helena 7:45am.

Our rental house is older this time, built fifty some years ago in the traditional Saint style with the bathroom accessed via the veranda. Our sweeping sea view faces directly west. Every sunset captivates me.

Our home while here. 

Our settling in has been smoother and easier this time. Much is familiar but most importantly friends welcomed us back just like we had only been gone a couple days. Sure there are many cultural differences but when you get down to it, people are really so very much the same. That has struck me so profoundly this time.

Looking north from The Peaks. Flagstaff is the pointy hill on the left. The barn which is volcanic formation is on the right. 

Thus far there's been a good bit of nesting, visiting, hikes and walks. We just started volunteering at SHAPE yesterday and now perhaps life with settle into a bit of a rhythm. 

Ever sunset is a marvel.