Falkland Island
This morning we were called out of bed at 6am. We arrived at the southeast part of West Falkland in a bay between Barren and George islands. As the long hikers set off with the first Zodiac, we experienced a typical wind for this outpost in the Southern Atlantic. A “strong” breeze blew from southwest at about 25 knots. What else to expect? Still we had a great adventure as we were escorted to the beach by several Commerson’s dolphins and witnessed a South American sea lion kill a penguin.
The morning’s focus was Barren Island, until recently an area totally un-visited by any ship. Endeavour was the first ship here in early March 2002 and now made her the second visit! The entire island is literally filled with holes made by Magellanic penguins, jumping tussock birds, oystercatchers along the rocky beach, and kelp geese and sheep grazing the flat grassland. The shoreline is also home to sea lions and elephant seals.
During lunch we repositioned the ship and then went ashore for a hike and to visit Kelper’s home. Our host gave a sheep-shearing demonstration at his settlement and then invited us inside for typical English tea with cakes. The table was filled with delicate, fresh-baked cakes. We sampled some wonderful desserts at this very English outpost here in the South Atlantic.
As the afternoon progressed, the wind dropped and the white-sand beach felt really pleasant. Too soon we gathered on the beach for the last Zodiac ride back to the ship. It was time to pack but not before meeting in the lounge for the Captain's farewell.
During dinner, we cruised slowly towards Port Stanley – once our starting point and now our final destination on this odyssey in the Southern Ocean and to the great white continent of Antarctica. It’s hard to explain what we’ve seen to those who’ve not been to this part of the world, it simply has to be experienced live!
This morning we were called out of bed at 6am. We arrived at the southeast part of West Falkland in a bay between Barren and George islands. As the long hikers set off with the first Zodiac, we experienced a typical wind for this outpost in the Southern Atlantic. A “strong” breeze blew from southwest at about 25 knots. What else to expect? Still we had a great adventure as we were escorted to the beach by several Commerson’s dolphins and witnessed a South American sea lion kill a penguin.
The morning’s focus was Barren Island, until recently an area totally un-visited by any ship. Endeavour was the first ship here in early March 2002 and now made her the second visit! The entire island is literally filled with holes made by Magellanic penguins, jumping tussock birds, oystercatchers along the rocky beach, and kelp geese and sheep grazing the flat grassland. The shoreline is also home to sea lions and elephant seals.
During lunch we repositioned the ship and then went ashore for a hike and to visit Kelper’s home. Our host gave a sheep-shearing demonstration at his settlement and then invited us inside for typical English tea with cakes. The table was filled with delicate, fresh-baked cakes. We sampled some wonderful desserts at this very English outpost here in the South Atlantic.
As the afternoon progressed, the wind dropped and the white-sand beach felt really pleasant. Too soon we gathered on the beach for the last Zodiac ride back to the ship. It was time to pack but not before meeting in the lounge for the Captain's farewell.
During dinner, we cruised slowly towards Port Stanley – once our starting point and now our final destination on this odyssey in the Southern Ocean and to the great white continent of Antarctica. It’s hard to explain what we’ve seen to those who’ve not been to this part of the world, it simply has to be experienced live!
