Don's Travel Blog

MacMania11 - Day 5

Decided to take the shorter trip to see the Penguins at Bluff Cove here in the Falkland Islands.

It meant we didn’t have to leave until 10am and would be back around 3pm, just in time for my first sessions at 4pm.

Really strange being in the Falklands after hearing so much about them during the war in 82. Virtually every place name resonated with me and brought back memories of the various battles and significant events that seemed so far away over 25 years ago.

It really is like a little England floating in the middle of the South Atlantic.

The ship was moored outside Port Stanley so the only way onto the shore was via Tenders - mini boats carrying 80 or so passengers to and from the ship.

Once on the shore, a short wait for a minibus, and then whisked off to an area a few miles outside of Port Stanley, where we transferred to a 4x4 for some cross country japes. Following what must have been the bumpiest ride ever, we arrived at Bluff Cove Penguin Lagoon.

I really wish I could post some photos (damn slow internet) but we got very close to some of the Gentoo Penguins, Barbara even managing to stroke one on the beak. It was fairly bracing but after a short whilst with the Penguins, we retired to the onsite cafe for complimentary tea and cakes. I recorded a quick audioboo but haven’t been able to upload it.

All too soon, the visit was over and we retraced our steps and vehicle rides to end up back on the Ship as planned.

A quick shower and I threw all my gear in my overnight bag and headed off to deliver the first two of the eight sessions I have scheduled. Despite a low turn out for the first part of my first session (many people were late getting off the Island via the Tenders) the sessions seemed well received and I’m now nursing a slight hoarseness after talking for three hours.

At least the first ones are now under my belt. Another one tomorrow, so I’d better get back to my slide set!

In fact, forget that, I need some sleep!