Stanley, East Falklands, 2/21/2024, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
This morning, National Geographic Explorer dropped anchor at Stanley, capital of the Falkland Islands. We spent the entire day exploring, with group options offered, such as a tour of the highlights of Stanley, or visiting a working sheep farm. We enjoyed some free time as well, strolling narrow streets, shopping, and visiting friendly local restaurants and pubs.
Berit grew up on the rocky shores of Marblehead, Massachusetts, where she explored the marine environment through changing tides and seasons, nurturing a love of natural history and marine biology.
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It was a day for reflection. Our journey was coming to an end as we left the Falklands behind and National Geographic Endurance steamed towards South America and Ushuaia. The seas were kind to us, and despite low winds, we had black-browed albatross, among other birds, around us. In the morning, we listened to the naturalists onboard as they presented on different subjects in the ice lounge. Land-ho! Mid-morning we had land in sight, South America was appearing on the horizon. Upon entering the Beagle Channel, we saw possibly a hundred sei whales. While the seabirds were waiting for the wind on the surface, the whales were feeding a short distance from the ship. As our vessel waited for the pilot to arrive, we could still see whale blows in the distance. We enjoyed a teatime extravaganza with Chef Sara and her team. Cheese and wine brought most of the ship’s inhabitants to deck 8, and while sipping wine we watched sea lions, dolphins, and stunning views of Tierra del Fuego go by until it was time for Captain Aaron’s farewell toast. As much as we are reflecting on our expedition today, it has also been a day of celebration! It has been an incredible journey of many miles, great people, and wonderful experiences. Thank you all!
We arrived in the morning at the beautiful Saunders Island, home to the family of Expedition Leader Russ. It is always very special to visit this island, and the welcome we get is absolutely amazing. Today we visited the settlement and got a tour of the farm. The working dogs of the island met us on the beach and gladly joined our Zodiacs for a tour around the bay, happily barking at the many Commerson’s dolphins playing around us. In the afternoon we tried to go to the rookery on the other side of the island for a chance to see rockhopper penguins and black-browed albatross. The weather was not on our side, and halfway through the landing operation we decided to change our plans. It was an adventurous Zodiac ride back to the ship and the joy of being greeted with a warm beverage from our bar team was enormous.
Light winds and calm waters greeted us as National Geographic Endurance entered Port Stanley this morning. We disembarked after a breakfast, and the Zodiacs brought us ashore, where morning excursions awaited. Some of us enjoyed a visit to Fitzroy Farm, while others took a tour of local highlights. Some guests enjoyed a walk through town for some shopping. The streets were peppered with spectators and colorful runners for the annual local marathon. The afternoon offered the option of a second excursion, including one to Gypsy Cove. Detailed stories from local guides related eyewitness accounts that could never be found in books. After a long day, the winds picked up, and it was time for an exciting Zodiac ride back to the ship for a very special dinner. If that wasn’t enough, the evening’s entertainment was a local band brought on board by our ever so able and creative expedition leader. We could not have hoped for a better end to such a full day.
