At Sea between South Georgia & The Falkland Islands
Today was an opportunity to rest up, process what we’ve seen so far, and get ready for our next leg of the trip.
In preparation for our next stop, we heard from our Expedition Leader, Matt Drennan, about the history of the Falkland Islands. These islands were claimed by several European countries during the early days of exploration and later by Argentina as they gained their independence from Europe. These isolated islands offered protected harbors and close access to the marine resources of the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic. While several disputes arose over this small outpost of islands, the British gained control of this territory in the mid-nineteenth century. Only in recent history have disputes inflated again: in 1982 Argentina invaded the Falklands as well as other nearby territories including South Georgia. The war that ensued lasted 72 days and the Argentines were forced to surrender. Nonetheless, no treaties were signed and Argentina and the British both continue to claim these territories.
Our exceptional luck with weather continued as we rode through calm seas and fair skies en route to the Falklands. Bird watchers on board were treated to several new species for the trip as we traversed more northern waters: greater shearwaters, several species of petrels, and even a sooty albatross were spotted.
Inside, passengers heard lectures about the wildlife we’ve seen as well as all that takes place underwater. Others took advantage of the fine weather to lounge on the back deck in the sun.
Today was an opportunity to rest up, process what we’ve seen so far, and get ready for our next leg of the trip.
In preparation for our next stop, we heard from our Expedition Leader, Matt Drennan, about the history of the Falkland Islands. These islands were claimed by several European countries during the early days of exploration and later by Argentina as they gained their independence from Europe. These isolated islands offered protected harbors and close access to the marine resources of the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic. While several disputes arose over this small outpost of islands, the British gained control of this territory in the mid-nineteenth century. Only in recent history have disputes inflated again: in 1982 Argentina invaded the Falklands as well as other nearby territories including South Georgia. The war that ensued lasted 72 days and the Argentines were forced to surrender. Nonetheless, no treaties were signed and Argentina and the British both continue to claim these territories.
Our exceptional luck with weather continued as we rode through calm seas and fair skies en route to the Falklands. Bird watchers on board were treated to several new species for the trip as we traversed more northern waters: greater shearwaters, several species of petrels, and even a sooty albatross were spotted.
Inside, passengers heard lectures about the wildlife we’ve seen as well as all that takes place underwater. Others took advantage of the fine weather to lounge on the back deck in the sun.
