In geological time this is barely a newcomer.
The BBC called Ascension
"The Island Where Nothing Makes Sense"
Today we will see why.
Its name comes from the fact it was discovered by a Portuguese explorer in the 1500's on Ascension Day...
Since it is only degrees from the equator in the Atlantic Ocean the temperatures are between 67 degrees and 90 degreen year around.
Because it is barely an infant scrap of land...the coastlines are still quite devoid of greenery and life.
Since the island has no natural freshwater (lakes/ponds) rains provide its only source.
There are roughly 1000 people who live here on this British Territory...but since the UK does not acknowledge them, they are considered "temporary visitors".
(...I'm not quite sure how that works...)
The airport here with its long runway is maintained by NASA and the US Airforce and was built for landing space shuttles.
Fun Fact: Apollo Missions were tracked on this Island by NASA.
In 1815, when the British settled here, the largest land animal was the crab.
Yet earlier sailors had reported a tent and dairy goats.
The tent, and presumably the goats, left with a Dutch sailor who was abandoned here after being discovered as a homosexual.
Apparently, he made the best of his predicament.
Darwin once visited this places during his voyages on the Beagle and was said to comment
"I know we live on a rock, but these poor people live on a cinder!"
During the 19th century John Hooker convinced the British Government to supply various trees and plants...which were planted in the interior of Ascension.
Some of these trees and their ancestors make up the Peak...Green Mountain...the highest (and greenest) part of the Island. Now a Nature Preserve.
A water catchment system was built to store rainwater.
The view from Green Mountain down to the village of Two Boats. Population 120.
http://trip-suggest.com/saint-helena/ascension/two-boats-village/
Nestled into what can best be described as hills of volcanic ash. The Village of Two Boats.
And the Two Boats Club on the island.
Since WWII, Ascension's Cat Hill has also been an important refueling point, base and safe haven for both the US and British Military.
And the main town, and capital of the island, Georgetown.
Ascension Island Tour
https://youtu.be/TZPrk9IZ3Jw
Ascension Green Mountain
https://youtu.be/8BUDEUwx0hE
Life in Acension
https://youtu.be/_fja1GwcNZ0
From Travellers Hill to Georgetown
https://youtu.be/VXzMn0I9BDo
(...and yes...they do motor on the left side of the road..and yes...it is a bit disorienting...)
Hope you've enjoyed today's adventure.
Next Up:
Fernando de Noronha
Till then...
