During the early morning hours while most guests aboard were sleeping, the ship pulled into the protection of the large, easternmost island of the Falklands. Few noticed that the motion of the last two days had stopped and most continued to sleep in a much more restful state. As people awoke and looked outside we approached the dock just down from the small community of Stanley.
For the morning people chose from three activities in which to take part. First to leave the ship was a hike to one of the high points on the island. A small group made this choice and set off exploring. They drove out into the countryside and then started the hike up a “mountain” although there is nothing very high altitude close to Stanley and most of the island itself is rolling hills and vast expanses of grasslands and rock runs.
A second group left for one of the local farms to visit with the owners and see some of the activities involved with ranching sheep. After about an hour drive over the well-maintained gravel roads crossing the island, they arrived and began a very interesting demonstration of how this working sheep farm and its family exist in such a remote location. There were demonstrations on peat cutting for fuel, sheep shearing, and working dogs. And to warm up fresh baked pastries and hot drinks were served in the living room which was warmed by a classic peat stove that also heated water for the house and served as the baking oven.
The last group from the ship toured around the town of Stanley learning about its history as well as general modern day life. The local museum was a highlight with displays about various activities in the history of the area, in particular the Falkland Islands War with Argentina.
During lunch once everyone was back from their activities, the ship pulled away from the dock aided by a stiff wind. Our course through the rest of the day followed the coastline of East Falkland and toward Ushuaia.
