Day 9 – a couple of excursions from Port Stanley

Thankfully there is a little bay in front of Port Stanley so despite the strong winds today, we were able to use the tenders to get to shore to enjoy our excursions.

It was a very windy day, which is how the weather in this part of the world is on a regular basis.

Our first excursion was to see gentoo penguins. We traveled by 4×4 with some off-roading. Our first stop was a biosecurity mat. We all got out and walked across a mat with a special solution on it and then returned to the vehicles to travel further to the Gentoo colony.

There were many baby chicks being watched over by their parents.

Following our walk-about to see the penguins on land and at the beach, we stopped by Newan’s Station where they were serving tea and scones. I never pass up a tea opportunity, especially when there are scones and cream involved.

On the way back to Stanley, our driver took us by an overlook where we saw a seal on the rocks and lots of birds circling overhead – because the fishing companies drop their waste in that spot.

When we returned to Stanley, we had a little time before our next excursion so I filled that time with shopping. Bill loved it!

Since this is a British territory, they have a few of the old telephone booths.

Our second excursion was to Bluff Cove, where they have both Gentoo and King penguins. The gentoos have some chicks, but the King penguins are still sitting on their eggs.

On the way to Bluff Cove, we passed Boot Hill – a place where people drop boots. It is said that if only one boot is dropped the person plans to return to the island, whereas, if two boots are dropped then the individual will not be back.

We also got a bit of a history lesson. We found out that certain areas of the island are just now being cleared of land mines placed during the Falkland War in 1982.

We also had tea at the Sea Cabbage cafe. This was a better tea with a choice of two kinds of sweet…I chose the scone with the local Diddle Dee jam and cream and a piece of Bakewell.

This is Sea Cabbage.

In addition to penguins, the owners also have belted Galloway cattle and sheep.

We also saw lots of different birds. The Upland Goose is shown below.

The Two-banded Plover

Fighting Cormorants

The White-rumped Sandpiper

Can anyone identify this species? My birding skills are not quite up to par. Whatever it is, it must be native to this harsh terrain. I certainly have not seen one before. LOL

Our final duty before getting back on the tender to return to the ship was to walk across another biosecurity mat.

Finally, I want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate the greatest gift of all in the birth of Christ, who humbled himself to become a man with the purpose of showing us a glimpse of God and dying on the cross to take away the sins of the world. May you enjoy a wonderful day with friends and family – with time to reflect on His great gift.