Sunday 21 December 2014

The Falkland Islands

After one and a half day sail from Ushuaia, The Falkland Islands laid before us.

New Island invited us with great weather, Black-browed Albatross, Rockhopper penguins and Imperial Cormorants (blue-eyed shags).

On the way towards the colonies, we passed by the museum at the shore front to have a look. Here we got to see the old wreckage of the beached Canadian Navy minesweeper Protector as well.



Well at the colonies, there was a stunning view over the cliffs where they were nesting. There was literally penguins, albatrosses and Imperial Cormorants everywhere and it was all there for us to enjoy.



We trod carefully around in the Tussock grass, not to step on a penguin, albatross or a Cormorant. The happiness was complete when we saw the albatross chicks under the bellies, as well as the Rockhopper chicks.



Carcass Island lies to the NorthWest of the Falkland Islands archipelago and takes its name from the HMS Carcass which visited in the late 18th century.
At present there is only two all year residents and a few more in the summer, it is the present owners Rob and Lorraine McGill who have lived on the island for about 30 years.




We started off with a long hike along the shore line, towards Leopard beach.
After an hour or so, well at the beach, we were rewarded with a amazing view of all the Magellanic and Gentoo penguins and ONE King penguin, yeaihh!
After this meeting, it was time to walk back…..but no grumpy faces here thou because we all knew what was waiting for us, a table full of pastries, cookies, tea and coffee at McGills house.

In all and all, an absolutely fantastic day!!