Foray on Falkland Islands

After two late nights in a row, the early exploration on New Island - The Settlement in the Falklands, precipitated the decision to have early bowl of oatmeal from room service, while looking out on a blue sky day.

In the briefing last night, we were informed there would be two possible stops today weather permitting. The wind speed of 50 miles per hour had been forecast. We were very fortunate to get off the ship and experience The Settlement on New Island this morning. We landed with zodiacs on a lovely white sand beach. We proceed approximately 1 km across the island to a Rockhopper penguin rookery that is also the home to nesting black brow albatrosses!

In this part of the world the old adage “if you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes” certainly applies. As you will see from the pictures we start off at 7 degrees and sunny, walked through a bit of a snow squall; withstood fresh gale force winds at the ridge, walked through back to museum and shop in pleasant breeze and sun; finally, suffered through a very wet and windy zodiac ride back to ship (all experienced in a 2 hour time period).

We hung up our wet gear in the warming/drying closet and enjoyed specialty coffees and conversation with other ladies in the Square until an early lunch in preparation for 1:30 excursion this afternoon. Again, video of seas will show why, at. 1:00 p.m., Adam the expedition manager came on intercom to say the afternoon trips to shore were cancelled and the afternoon was converted to an “At-Sea” 1/2 day.

As you may notice, this has allowed me to catch up on my pictures and writing. Of course, we still have Team Trivia at 4:00, Recap & Briefing at 6:15 and a Hosted Dinner for Ladies at 7:00 p.m.. So no worries, there is lots to occupy us. I am planning an early bed time!Читать далее