Ultimate Falklands
A group of Senior Section members went on an exhibition to the
Falkland Islands in winter 2010, where they encountered seals,
walruses and numerous penguins!
9/10 March 2010
By Stacey
On Tuesday morning we all tearfully left Stanley to catch our
plane home. Our flight was escorted out by two Tornadoes who were
practising intercepting. Very exciting! We had a short stop for
refuelling at Ascension Island, where it was extremely hot,
and have another stamp in our passports. Yay!
After a very long plane journey we arrived on Wednesday morning
at Brize Norton to miserable weather (what a surprise!). Some of
the group were met by loved ones, whilst others had to wait until
closer to home to meet theirs. We all said very emotional goodbyes
before going our own ways. Roll on the reunion!
Monday 8 March 2010
By Eloise
A few of us went for an early morning swim, and myself, the two
Ruths and Freya then headed to the junior school to help the
Year One and Reception classes. It was then a rush to the post
office to get mothers' day cards into the post before 11am, just in
case we didn’t make it back in time.
It was a sunny day and we all spent time in and around Stanley
enjoying ice cream, sun bathing and doing more shopping.
At 5:30pm we met at the Guide Hall between the Brownie and Guide
meetings that some of the group were helping at, and heard that we
would all be flying back to the UK tomorrow. Rachael and Claire
went to Guides, whilst others packed. Jo, Ruth B, Rosy and I
went to the Governor's House to cook our evening meal of curry and
crumble with yet more ice cream. It was delicious, and Rosy even
managed to squeeze in a spot of homework whilst we were cooking. We
then went our separate ways, under a clear night sky, to pack and
spend some time with our homestays before tomorrow's 6am
pick up.
Sunday 7 February 2010
By Ruth S
Today we all enjoyed various pursuits - a car load went to San
Carlos, some went to watch Motocross racing and others went to
the morning cathedral service. The sun was out and we took
advantage of some good weather! In the afternoon, a couple went on
the HASH (orienteering race). Myself, Jo and Megan went to Surf Bay
with a local family and had great fun - Megan and I even
made it into the water for a swim! In the evening we all got
together to celebrate one of the host's birthdays. Ron arrived for
a surprise evening celebration, complete with cake, banner,
balloons, Pink Floyd music and great female company.
A great end to a fantastic day!
Saturday 6 March 2010
By Rachael
Today was very relaxed, with most of us spending time around
Stanley. The highlight of the day had to be some of our group
attempting to do their civic duty: late in the afternoon, while on
our way to the playing fields for a game of frisbee, four of us
happened to be passing the primary school when one sharp-eyed
member of our group (Eloise) spotted keys in the door. Worried that
someone had left them and that it presented an opportunity for
someone to rob the school, Ruth B stuck her head round the door to
shout 'Hello?'. No answer! Deciding we couldn’t leave the keys
where they were, Ruth and Megan headed off to the police station to
report the situation. I think the policeman found it all highly
amusing but promised he’d wander round and have a look. Meanwhile,
Eloise and I were keeping guard at the school when out came a
gentleman, who we later discovered was the head teacher. After
explaining why we were hanging around outside we run off to cancel
the police raid – the policeman’s response: 'I’ll take my hat off
then!'
The rest of the group found the story highly amusing when we
told it at dinner that night at Anne and Paul Martinez’s.
Friday 5 March 2010
By Sue
I headed off early to meet Eloise for swimming and then the rest
of the day was spent pottering and revising for my exams back
home. Freya and Rosy had made a sign for the totem pole, pointing
the way to CHQ, and with the help of some firemen they went up to
attach it to the totem pole.
Thursday 4 March 2010
By Megan
Today Caroline and Ken Aldridge (Eloise and Elayne's homestay)
took us out to Fitzroy, where the Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram were
bombed in the war. A lot of soldiers were killed there, and there
are now a lot of different memorials for the various regiments. The
memorials were especially striking as it was such a lovely warm
day, and the sea was calm and clear. Back in Stanley we headed to
the NAAFI at the Hillside military base for dinner and an evening
of pool and darts.
Wednesday 3 March 2010
By Hannah
After a good night's sleep we awake to a not very sunny day.
Eight of us clambered into a taxi to a fish farm, where we saw
trout, learnt about fish breeding and saw worms being
bred for fish food. We regrouped in the afternoon to look around
the Fisheries Department, where we witnessed squid being cut up and
saw toothfish which were taking part in a breeding programme.
Others in the group spent the day with their homestay, and some
used the leisure centre facilities to get some exercise. As a whole
group we met at 6pm at the Seamen's Mission for dinner and games of
pool and table tennis with the fishermen.
Tuesday 2 March 2010
By Fiona
Day four being stranded! Megan, Eloise, Karen, Rachael and
Hannah decided to go for a walk to the Lady Liz, which I heard was
quite enjoyable as the weather was good.
Myself, Ruth, Ruth, Sue and Jacky were invited to go to the fire
station and had a tour of the engines, and the lovely firemen let
us try on all the gear. We also got to climb on top of the engines
and have a go at sitting in the driver's seat.
When it was was time to leave they asked us if we wanted a lift, so
off we went in the fire engines driving round the whole of
Stanley, getting some funny looks on the way.
As for the rest of the group, they just chilled and decided to walk
and shop around Stanley. You know, I can't think of a better place
to be stranded!
Monday 1 March 2010
By Jacky
A trip to the local agents confirmed that we were not going
anywhere for a while. There was still little communication with
Chile and the damage to Santiago was worse than first thought, with
the airport area being one of the worst areas hit. People
found different ways of chilling - swimming, the gym, retail
therapy and even quad-biking. In the meantime we drew up a
programme of activities for the coming week. We cannot thank the
Falklanders enough for their generosity and offers of help. The
adventure took on new depths as we became very much part of this
very special community. Even the tourists from visiting ships
thought we were locals and asked us questions and directions!
Inside we were rather touched by our new 'Falklander' status - we
were no longer tourists.
Sunday 28 February 2010
By Rosy
Today we woke up quite early to an all-together brighter
morning. Then we all got lifts to Goose Green to the horse races. I
went in Caroline's 4x4 and we took a couple of detours. First we
went to look at the black-headed swans on the lake. Then we went to
look at the Argentine Cemetery, which was very moving, and then to
the local cemetery, which was old and mysterious. Some of the grave
stones were written really weirdly. Then we had a refreshing drink
in the cafe and saw the prisoner of war bases and the village hall
where all the villagers were kept under Argentine control during
the Falklands conflict. Then up to the races where we enjoyed
watching the local horse racing. We visited Bogie Bridge,
the most southern suspension bridge in the world, which we weren't
allowed to walk on (such a shame) though it did look a bit
battered. Back in Stanley we all had a lovely tea at Shorty's, the
local diner.
Saturday 27 February 2010
By Megan
We were supposed to fly back to Santiago today, but we awoke to
reports of the earthquake in Chile. There were no planes
flying in or out of Santiago. We packed everything, just in case,
while we awaited further news. Phone calls were made to the home
contact, CHQ, the insurers, the airline, and probably quite a lot
of other people. It was established that we will not get much more
information until Monday, so arrangements were made for us to stay
with our home hospitality families/at the school hostel for a
couple of extra days. After lunch some of us went swimming in the
local pool, and in the evening we all went around to the Assistant
Governor's house for a meal, and watched some of the videos he had
taken of penguins. Particularly of interest was the video of some
Falklanders singing a Falklands version of The Twelve Days of
Christmas, which ended with '... and a rockhopper hopping
happily!'.
Friday 26 February 2010
By Claire
We went to Mount Longdon and re-traced the route that 4 Platoon
took up the mountain. We saw lots of memorials to the soldiers who
died and walked up Mount Tumbledown to the memorial. A very
emotional day for all. We laid a wreath at the Falklands War
memorial in Stanley as well. Tea was at the Brasserie; we then went
back to where we were staying to pack.
Thursday 25 February 2010
By Ruth B
We went to Mount Pleasant Complex (the military base here)
where we carried out some conservation work, followed by lunch
on HMS Clyde and a tour of the ship. Next we visited the Sea King
helicopter hangar, then the fire station - where we sprayed
the water cannon and hoses! A reception was held at Government
House for us and everyone who had helped with our trip here,
including our home-stay families and people from local guiding.
Wednesday 24 February 2010
By Ruth S
A few of us got up early to go for a swim in the leisure centre
pool and met the rest of the group later at Guide HQ for our
four-wheel adventure to Volunteer Point. We headed out of Stanley
on the North Camp Road (aka a gravel track) in a convoy of four
all-terrain vehicles. We reached Johnson Harbour Settlement and the
road ran out. From there, for one and a half hours, we picked our
way across very soggy peat; three out of the four vehicles end up
bogged and needed pulling out! We reached Volunteer Point, an
isthmus of land with King, Magellanic and Gentoo penguin colonies.
We explored in wonderment at the beautiful penguins in burrows,
colonies and the surf. The wind was biting and managed to
get through all our layers, so by 2pm after a group photo we
piled back into the vehicles for the muddy, bumpy, soggy and
entertaining trip back. We had tea at Hillside military restaurant
and met the bomb disposal team. Ruth B showed them a picture of an
object she found on our walk yesterday and soon the team were on
their way out to locate the item and mark it. The rest of us
enjoyed the military hospitality for the evening.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
By Stacey
This morning we all split up into groups and ventured out. Some
went to the Spinners' Guild to learn how to spin Falklands wool.
Two of our girls (who are teachers) went to visit the secondary
school. Four of us went to Acorns - this is the daycare centre for
OAPs - and eight of us visited the Falkland Islands Radio Station
for an interview to say we are enjoying our time here and just how
fantastic the people of these beautiful islands are! In the
afternoon we all went to watch the de-miners at work, blowing up
some mines.
Monday 22 February 2010 - Happy Thinking Day!
By Rachael
With a wet start to the day we headed off in our 4x4s for Kidney
Cove.
It was a very wild day and the penguins were looking very sorry for
themselves! Because of a huge cruise ship we had to share the
penguins! Tourists were kept at a distance by ropes but some
penguins didn't seem to pay attention to this and stepped over the
rope! On the whole, I think we all agree that the trip in the Land
Rovers was the highlight of the day. Most of the journey was
off-road and over very muddy ground. Three of the four cars got
bogged down and had to be rescued. Good job everyone carries a tow
rope with them here!
We expected to be quite late back but due to the weather we rushed
around and were back in time for some of us to attend Brownies and
Guides.
Sunday 21 February 2010
By Jo
Sunday morning saw some of us bleary-eyed after a limited amount
of sleep – but nevertheless it was fun to be waking up in the Town
Hall with all the Falklands Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. After
breakfast we all walked together to Stanley Cathedral for the
Seafarers’ Day service and found ourselves asked to smile for the
camera as the BBC filmed our walk there. After the service and a
quick shower and change, it was back to Government House to help
with a Garden Party to raise funds for some of the Falkland Guides
to travel over to the UK to the Centenary Camp later in the year.
Some of us served Pimms, others ran a very successful tombola stall
and the rest served what seemed like endless cups of tea! The sun
came out which really made it a wonderful Falkland’s summer day. An
added treat for five of us after all the tidying up was a private
croquet lesson from none other than the Governor himself! I think
we need to keep practicing! Another magical day.
Saturday 20 February 2010
By Elayne
We left Sea Lion Island and returned to Stanley to attend the
Rainbow, Brownie and Guide sleepover. We had organised Indian
dancing, Mexican God's Eye weaving and a Swiss ski slalom race. The
girls also did a CD trail about London, and we had a Thinking Day
service. We all had loads of fun. Amazingly, all was quiet before
midnight and most of us got some sleep!
Friday 19 February 2010
By Fiona
We woke to the good news that we were flying to Sea Lion Island
today. So off we went on the FIGAS (Falkland Islands
Government Air Service) flights. The flight (for me) was brill. The
flight I was on flew above the clouds at 6,500 feet. Once we had
all arrived we had a short walk to the beach. The beach was full of
elephant seals – males, females and babies. They were so big, plus
the smell on the beach was awful - I still prefer the penguins! The
seals fought on the beach and I couldn’t believe how close we could
get to them. Afterwards, we came back for dinner – a three course
meal! It was lovely; the main course was lamb. We then all sat down
and ironed out the final details for the sleepover. Then in the
evening we played a charades game with a difference.
Thursday 18 February 2010
By Karen
We awoke to a bleak day as we were due to fly down to Sea Lion
Island. A howling wind blew against the windows and a low mist
covered the hills. So it was no surprise that we were stranded on
Saunders Island as there were no flights. With nowhere to go we
settled into writing postcards and logs and playing cards. After a
rest a few of the group went out and explored the settlement. After
lunch a small group headed off into the mist to find the first
British settlement where we hoisted the flag and wrote in the
logbook found in a tin at the flagpole. We ended the day with a
roast beef dinner, compliments of the farm.
Wednesday 17 February 2010
By Eloise
In the morning, we went on a bumpy drive to the Neck where we
saw many gentoo penguins and some kings looking after their eggs
and chicks as well as rockhopppers, magellanics and a lone elephant
seal. After lunch we went for a paddle in the freezing sea and Sue
went for a full dip! After a full day at the Neck we all headed
back to the settlement. Today was a truly amazing day, the beach
was peaceful and tranquil, and the wildlife was awesome.
Tuesday 16 February 2010
By Freya
Today we flew over to Saunders Island on a 9-seater plane. It
was really bumpy. On Saunders we stayed in two farmhouses which
were really nice. We went down to the Rookery where we saw
rockhoppers and albatrosses. They were amazing. The way back was
exciting because we were off-roading. When we got back we had pasta
which was delicious. We did a bit of catch up on our logs and went
to bed.
Monday 15 February 2010
By Sue
This was the day that we explored the island, or should I say,
Stanley, which I really loved as the general overview was a proper
community spirit – everyone would say hello and speak to you and
was always willing to help! We spent the morning spending money
getting souvenirs and gifts and then had an interesting visit to
the museum after lunch and got a good feel to the place! From there
some of us went on to the local Brownie unit, consisting of 15
Brownies, and we taught them new games and action songs. It was
really interesting seeing each of us doing things differently and
from the Falklands Brownies, I learnt a different way to start and
finish the meeting. The Brownies and Leaders from the Falklands
made us feel so welcome; it was like we had always been there!
Afterwards, we had supper at the Fisherman’s Mission where we met a
number of fishermen who came in to eat, use the phone, chat and
watch TV. The Guide unit joined us after their meeting and the
noise level went up as they joined in all the
games!
Sunday 14 February 2010
By Megan
I don't think I've ever spent Valentine's Day with penguins
before! We met at the wreck of the Lady Liz to go for a walk round
to Gypsy Cove to see the Magellanic penguins there. The walk was
incredibly windy - apparently the wind was almost storm force. We
saw our first rookery of penguins at Yorke Bay, but we couldn't get
close to them as the beach is out of bounds for humans in case
mines get washed up there. We then headed to the Seamen's Mission
for lunch, and then to a drinks reception at Government House,
where we met the Governor and his wife, who is the President of
Girlguiding Falklands. They were really nice and showed us around
the house and some of us got a lift home in the Crown car!
Saturday 13 February 2010
By Rosy
We woke up at the teeth-clenching time of 4.45am and gathered
all our stuff for the plane at 6.45am. We waved goodbye to our
luggage and hopped onto the plane with only a short delay. Then, a
three-hour plane ride to Punto Arenas, a half-an-hour plane ride to
stop off in Argentina, where lots of Argentineans joined us with
their energy and un-spatial awareness. After an hour's flight we
finally landed in Stanley. We were met by a tour bus and Christine,
the Falklands Commissioner. We then travelled to the Guide
Headquarters where we had tea and cakes and also had a song
dedicated to us on the Falklands radio station (Girls just wanna
have fun! - Cindy Lauper). After visiting our accommodation we went
for dinner at Christine's and discussed our itinerary. A truly
awesome day.
Thursday 11 and Friday 12 February
2010
By Hannah
We met in Heathrow airport at 3:30pm for the beginning of our
Adventure. All very excited with bags of luggage coming out of our
ears!
First stop, Madrid. We didn't stay there long but we all found
the airport amazing.
Next stop, Chile (almost 14 hours later)! We arrived in Chile
after an extremely long flight and checked into our hotel
before going off to explore the fantastic Santiago. I have to
say, it was strange wearing shorts and vest tops in the middle of
February. We caught two taxis and then went for a long walk around
Santiago mountains. It was so picturesque and we all managed
to take a lot of photos. Next stop was the swimming pool, which we
were all dying to jump in as it was just so hot! Getting back to
the hotel seemed to cause a few problems as we were unable to all
catch taxis, meaning that 12 of our group had to rely on the
Santiago public transport during rush hour! None of us really were
in the mood to eat as we were just so tired, but the hotel food was
definitely worth waiting for; the Caesar salads were bigger than
footballs! An amazing, but tiring, couple of days!