Saturday, November 23, 2019, Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

- November 29, 2019

Stanley (also known as Port Stanley) is the capital of the Falkland Islands. It is located on the island of East Falkland, on a north-facing slope in one of the wettest parts of the islands. At the 2016 census, the town had a population of 2,460. The entire population of the Falkland Islands was 3,398 on Census Day on 9 October 2016.

Christ church cathedral.

Whale bones.

Town homes.

Stanley is the main shopping center on the islands and the hub of East Falkland's road network. Attractions include the Falkland Islands Museum, Government House – built in 1845 and home to the Governor of the Falkland Islands – and a golf course, as well as a whale-bone arch, a totem pole, several war memorials and the shipwrecks in its harbor. The Falkland Islands Company owns several shops. Stanley has four pubs, 11 hotels and guesthouses, three restaurants, a fish and chip shop and the main tourist office. There are three churches, including the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the world, and the Roman Catholic St. Mary's Church. A bomb disposal unit in the town is a legacy of the Falklands War. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley%2C_Falkland_Islands

Penguins of Bluff Cove Lagoon

We discovered the thriving penguin population and abundant bird species of Bluff Cove Lagoon, a private wildlife haven. We boarded a 4x4 vehicle and admired the stark landscape as our driver expertly navigates the rugged off-road terrain to the penguin rookery. Set against the scenic backdrop of a large lagoon and white-sand beaches, this pristine nature reserve is home to more than 1,000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins and a growing colony of king penguins. We observed penguin life and kept watch for the many other birds that frequent the beach, including terns, geese, and skuas. Afterward, we headed to the famous Sea Cabbage Café, where our hosts served complimentary hot beverages and delicious home-baked treats while we sat next to a peat stove and enjoyed panoramic views of the beach. We also explored the gift shop to learn more about the history of the Falkland Islands.

As British soldiers rotate back to Britain their teenage kids leave boots on stakes at "boot hill."

Instead of river or creek runs, these are "rock runs."

Gentoo penguins.

Note the egg.

Upland geese.

King penguins (standing in background) with orange on heads.

Adult and teenager. Until the "fur" is fully lost, teens cannot swim and still rely on parents for food.

Upland geese.

Gentoo penguins.

Albatross.

Two males dueling over nonchalant female.

On the way for a meal.

Returning from a meal.

Time for complimentary snacks.

On our way back to cruise ship. More rock streams.

Scenic gypsy cove

We explored the rugged natural beauty and local wildlife of the Falklands during a visit to Gypsy Cove. After a brief overview of life in the Falklands during the short drive to this scenic spot, we walked the trail overlooking a wind-sheltered stretch of white sand beach and Port Stanley’s most accessible National Nature Reserve. We walked at our own pace enjoying sweeping views of our surroundings. We watched for Magellanic penguins and other species of birds such as upland geese and rock cormorants. We stopped at three viewing platforms where knowledgeable guides explained the local flora and fauna as well as offered personal insights into island life.