Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
This morning as we awoke on our approach to the Falkland Islands, the sun was shining and the wind had picked up a bit from the previous day. Matt, our Expedition Leader, gave us a heads-up about the timing for our entering the outer harbor: “Grab some breakfast and join us out on deck!” Before everyone could even finish their meal, a second call came, “We have dolphins bow riding, so grab your coat and hat and join us out on the bow.” Soon, everyone was peering over the side of the ship at four Peale’s dolphins almost effortlessly riding our bow wave, and leading us into Stanley harbor. Not long after that we were tied up at the dock, and waiting for the ship to be cleared so we could start the day’s activities on shore.
Soon the call came, and most of the guests disembarked and loaded onto buses for a couple hour tour of Stanley. First, there was a photo opportunity, a view of an old shipwreck with the town in the background. Then it was off again to the other end of town, for a tour of the museum and the government houses. We also got to see the cathedral and whale bone arch that is a focal point in town. After our guide pointed out some of the shopping possibilities, we had the option to head back to the ship or stay in town to shop to our heart’s content, or maybe just stroll around this lovely little community.
All of a sudden it was lunch time, and many of us found one of the local pubs to enjoy a glass of beer and some fish and chips. I know from personal experience, that the National Geographic Explorer folks took over the “Globe” with many guests and a large number of staff and crew stopping in. There was a lot of laughter and picture taking, while we enjoyed the local cuisine.
By the time lunch was over, rain was the order of the day, and it did so, on and off, for the rest of the day. This did not dampen the enthusiasm of many of the guests and staff, as a walk was organized to Gypsy Cove for some birding and to work off some of that lunch. Marylou Blakeslee, John Kernan and Mike Nolan led the intrepid group out into the wilds of the Falklands! On their return, there was a lot of wet clothing and gear, but a good time was had by all!
At cocktail hour Scott Kish, one of our National Geographic representatives, entertained us with a Geography Bee, asking questions that related to our trip. The winner would receive a National Geographic atlas, to be sent to their home. Dinner was served, and we began to look forward to our more remote landings tomorrow on the Falklands.
This morning as we awoke on our approach to the Falkland Islands, the sun was shining and the wind had picked up a bit from the previous day. Matt, our Expedition Leader, gave us a heads-up about the timing for our entering the outer harbor: “Grab some breakfast and join us out on deck!” Before everyone could even finish their meal, a second call came, “We have dolphins bow riding, so grab your coat and hat and join us out on the bow.” Soon, everyone was peering over the side of the ship at four Peale’s dolphins almost effortlessly riding our bow wave, and leading us into Stanley harbor. Not long after that we were tied up at the dock, and waiting for the ship to be cleared so we could start the day’s activities on shore.
Soon the call came, and most of the guests disembarked and loaded onto buses for a couple hour tour of Stanley. First, there was a photo opportunity, a view of an old shipwreck with the town in the background. Then it was off again to the other end of town, for a tour of the museum and the government houses. We also got to see the cathedral and whale bone arch that is a focal point in town. After our guide pointed out some of the shopping possibilities, we had the option to head back to the ship or stay in town to shop to our heart’s content, or maybe just stroll around this lovely little community.
All of a sudden it was lunch time, and many of us found one of the local pubs to enjoy a glass of beer and some fish and chips. I know from personal experience, that the National Geographic Explorer folks took over the “Globe” with many guests and a large number of staff and crew stopping in. There was a lot of laughter and picture taking, while we enjoyed the local cuisine.
By the time lunch was over, rain was the order of the day, and it did so, on and off, for the rest of the day. This did not dampen the enthusiasm of many of the guests and staff, as a walk was organized to Gypsy Cove for some birding and to work off some of that lunch. Marylou Blakeslee, John Kernan and Mike Nolan led the intrepid group out into the wilds of the Falklands! On their return, there was a lot of wet clothing and gear, but a good time was had by all!
At cocktail hour Scott Kish, one of our National Geographic representatives, entertained us with a Geography Bee, asking questions that related to our trip. The winner would receive a National Geographic atlas, to be sent to their home. Dinner was served, and we began to look forward to our more remote landings tomorrow on the Falklands.
