Fecha: |
23.10.2024 |
Posición: |
51°42.1’S / 057°51.4’E |
Clima: |
Clear |
Temperatura del Aire: |
+13 |
Second day in the Falklands! Today began with Ali’s friendly wake-up call as we arrived at Port Stanley. Gathered on deck, we watched the captain expertly navigate “the Narrows”, as the name suggests a quite narrow strait leading into the harbor, finally anchoring off the coast. Excitement buzzed among us as we prepared to explore the capital of the Falkland Islands. As we neared the jetty in our zodiacs, we were welcomed by a resident sea lion lounging on the pier, who lifted his head to give each arriving boat a slow, curious glance.
While we embarked, Hunter, the biosecurity dog, hopped aboard to inspect the vessel and ensure we were clear to continue our journey to South Georgia. Hunter is a seasoned eight-year-old pup who traveled from the Netherlands aboard a military plane to serve the South Georgia Heritage Trust and Government. His keen nose has been helping preserve these islands by keeping invasive species at bay.
Once ashore, our group split up to explore Port Stanley’s offerings. Some of us dove into the town’s rich history, strolling along the memorial to the Falklands War, marveling at remnants of the conflict, and visiting iconic landmarks like Christ Church Cathedral. This unique building, the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the world, boasts a famous arch made of blue whale jawbones—a striking reminder of the region’s maritime heritage. Nearby, Saint Mary’s Church and the Falkland Islands Museum, brimming with artifacts and exhibits, offered deeper insights into the local culture and history.
Meanwhile, the bird enthusiasts in our group caught a taxi and headed to Gypsy Cove for a closer look at the region’s avian wonders. Awaiting them were the banded plovers, the rufous-chested dotterel, and the distinctive Magellanic snipe, each a testament to the Falklands' incredible biodiversity. Fun fact: the rufous-chested dotterel is known for its striking rusty-colored breast and migrates here seasonally, while the Magellanic snipe is prized among birders for its elusive nature and rapid, darting flight. The sighting of these birds added excitement for those keen on spotting rare species.
Elsewhere, the recent opening of a world-famous distillery caught the attention of several of us. The Falkland Islands Distillery is celebrated for its unique botanical gins, which use local kelp in their recipes, adding a distinctly coastal flavor. The clinking of gin bottles echoed in our return to the ship, a new memento of the Falklands to savor.
After a hearty lunch on board, we set off toward South Georgia, with an afternoon at sea awaiting us. Swells and winds soon rocked MV Plancius, creating a lively ride. This didn’t deter the hardiest among us, who braved the bow to watch soaring seabirds such as the black-browed albatross and giant petrels. Eventually, as waves grew stronger, the bridge team gently encouraged us indoors.
Our Expedition Leader Ali invited us to the lounge, where she captivated us with stories of her time on Sea Lion Island, a remote Falklands outpost, as the world shifted during the onset of COVID-19. Her tales painted a vivid picture of life isolated on the island, sharing both challenges and the beauty of her experiences.
Dinner brought a tranquil end to our day, with many of us gazing at the horizon and savoring the sunset’s reflection on the crashing waves. We celebrated a fellow traveler, Ashley’s, birthday with a cheerful rendition of "Happy Birthday" and later gathered in the lounge, editing photos, updating species lists, and sharing laughter over a few games before winding down for the night.
Our journey south continues, and with each day, the vastness and beauty of these remote islands leave us more entranced.