Ascension: Views from the Sea
Cruising around the Ascension Island showcases its rugged volcanic nature and scenery. This is one of the most remote places on earth (the closes inhabited location is actually the International Space Station when it is right above it). It is about 1,000 mi (1,600 km) from the coast of Africa and 1,400 mi (2,300 km) from the coast South America. Another British territory, Saint Helena, is 800 mi (1,300 km) to the southeast. Ascension was discovered in 1501 by the Portuguese. Given its location its a major radar and military installation, critical to air travel and GPS coordinate setting. Both British and US military bases are located on the island.
