Sunset at Port St. John's Airport

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Port St. Johns, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Nikon F100, Provia 100, Nikon 17-35 mm

The tiny strip is on a high mesa-like flat-topped bluff near the town. Originally constructed by the South African security services, the runway has vertical drops at either end.

Small planes landing on the little-used strip need to arrange for someone to come to the strip first and clear the cows by driving up and down the strip. One late afternoon when divers shifting base from near Port Elizabeth to catch the sardine action here were arriving after dusk, several cars (including our rental) were commandeered to drive up to the strip and part at the ends of the runway with their headlights on so the pilot could see.

It's also a wonderful place to sip wine while watching the sunset.