Stanley, Falkland Islands
After a day in West Falkland yesterday, our second day in the Falkland Islands saw us relocated to East Falkland to visit the main town in the islands; the capital Stanley.
The history of the Falkland Islands is punctuated by conflicts. The islands played a role in both world wars but are perhaps better known for the more recent events of 1982, when the islands were invaded and occupied by Argentine forces for 74 days before liberation by British forces. Our visit coincided with Remembrance Day (also known as Armistice Day; Veterans Day in the United States of America) and during our visit we saw the preparations for services to be held on Sunday.
Today Stanley is a thriving community of just over 2,000 people. The community has found wealth through the sale of licenses to fish within the Falkland Islands Exclusive Economic Zone. Recent hydrocarbon exploration seems set to produce economically viable reserves which will further improve the economy of these islands which were, until recently, dependent on sheep farming and the price of wool.
Our day in town provided a number of interesting options to explore the location and surrounding areas. Some folks went hiking while others visited a small sheep farm. Time in town provided further insight into the lives of those who inhabit this remote archipelago, in addition to the chance to shop or enjoy a beer in one of the local pubs. Wildlife is never far away in the Falkland Islands, and even in town we encountered the upland goose – one of the most characteristic bird species found in the islands and for locals a source of diversity from the more regular diet of lamb or mutton. Dolphins were once again a feature of the day, bow-riding as we approached Stanley this morning and putting in occasional appearances in the harbour during the day. This evening we said farewell to the Falkland Islands and set off for the two day sea crossing to the east, destination South Georgia.
