As we travel into the cold Antarctic we get lots of information every day from the Captain and of course our scientists. When something is spotted from the ships command station they let us know like whales, penguins, birds and dolphins. Even the staff gets into it and it’s certainly the ongoing talk. We hear about possible routes and plans for our ship depending on ice floes, wind, waves and overall weather. Our next stop which everyone is in great anticipation for is Port Stanley on the Falkland Islands including me. I signed up months ago for a tour here costing us about $200 per person. The tour says we will see three species of penguins, 4000 majestic King penguins plus thousands of Gentoo and Magellanic penguins in their natural and undisturbed habitat. The ship is charging twice this amount so I’m pretty pleased with my deal.
You go by four wheel drive vehicle over rough terrain and are virtually surrounded by penguins the moment you step out of the vehicle! The photographic opportunities are endless! Now that’s what I’m talking about!!! They call it a penguin paradise. It takes us 2 1/2 hours to get there and we get back to Stanley in time to shop a little for that beloved penguin souvenir be it hat, shirt, magnet, earrings or stuffed animal. On the way to the site you pass the Battle Mountains of the Falklands War of 1982 along with the unique rivers of stone and several small sheep farms. And to top it off it even includes a packed lunch :).
Our ship is to be there from 8-5 so timing is perfect. But it is a tender port so our tour organizer has arranged with the ship to get us all off together early. Stanley is the capital of the Falklands and was founded in 1843. Today there are only about 1500 people calling it home. It’s a small town so walking to see the sights is easy. There is a museum with extensive information about the 1972 conflict as well as the history, flora and fauna of the region. The Christ Church Cathedral is the southernmost cathedral in the world! The much photographed arch in front is made from the jawbones of two blue whales. The currency here is the Falkland pound . British money circulated here freely. There are the East and West Falklands with many smaller islands about 700 or more around them and an airport. October to March is a good time to visit here. The area is owned by England and Argentina.
Since 1953 this is where the first Antarctic child was born 1978.
So early November 12 we are up early with cameras ready, battery packs charged, loves, hats and long coats and scarves when we hear the captain say…. We regret to inform you but due to high winds we will not be able to tender into Port Stanley….. only one in every three ships ever makes it in. We have heard several folks tell us they have missed this port three times!!!! So we are among the very disappointed now too. We joined a club that hasn’t been fun or adventuresome. But we also know there are many in it just like us. Here are some things we might have seen!!!
The church with the jaw bones!!
Virtually penguins everywhere!!
We passed these after leaving the area
Some we did pass on the way!!!
And I’m sure lots more excitement but the trip down and around has still been amazing!!!
“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.” Ana’s Nin
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