Mine where you step

We are about to leave the Falklands, so I better scribble something about the islands before we leave and I forget - whether due to other views or crippling sea sickness.

Arrival in the Falkland Islands

I've been here since last Friday and have had a superb time. Friday consisted of helping out on board as the cargo started to come off. So a bit of lugging stuff around, a bit of cleaning, a bit of watching, some work where I could fit it in and a bit of waiting. I'm getting pretty good at waiting. Patricia won't believe me.

Jim, Pete and Richard helping with cargo at Mare Harbour

The Shackleton was at Mare Harbour, about an hour away from Stanley depending on the bus driver. So into Stanley that evening for a few beers and it certainly appeared that most people preferred drinking beer on solid ground rather than a moving ship. Very thirsty.

As an antidote to 5 days on the ship with limited opportunity for walking, we spent Saturday almost entirely on our feet. I joined a small group who were dropped off on the way into Stanley and walked up Mt Williams and Tumbledown Mountain. I have lots of vague memories of the Falklands conflict, but it is very eerie seeing the remnants still lying around almost 25 years later.

On top Tumbledown Mountain

In glorious sunshine we walked down into Stanley past the remains of several ships, presumably having limped in following a rough voyage round the Horn. After marching on to the Seaman's Mission for a quick cuppa and with legs just starting to feel a little tight we decided to continue on to the penguin colony at Gypsy Cove. A long walk later and some tiring legs welcomed a good meal in Stanley before returning to the ship.

About two hours from the ship at Mare Harbour is a magnificent place called Berthas Beach which is home to a colony of Gentoo penguins. After a day at work on Sunday a few of us took off in the evening to walk to it.

Berthas Beach

An amazing place. Nobody else around, deserted beach, lovely weather, fascinating penguins and all topped off by a stunning sunset for our walk back to the ship. Fergus - you would have loved the beach - not to mention the penguins.

Gentoo penguins and chicks at Berthas Beach colony.

Not a bad view for the walk back to ship.

On Monday we transferred to the JCR which took all day and a lot of waiting. Told you I was getting good at it. Due to sail on Wednesday, we took a last opportunity to go for a day at Volunteer Beach. That deserves an entry all to itself, so I'll get round to that later today. As I mentioned we have been delayed here an extra day, but shore leave has just ended and we are due to sail in the ext hour.

So please tune in next time for what will be a undisguised, blatant penguin fest. I promise more photos of the little blighters than you can possibly imagine.