Final day in the Falklands

Another beautiful morning saw us anchored off Carcass island. We had a choice of activities, either a zodiac ride to the right hand part of the bay and then a 4 km walk back or a direct zodiac to the landing stage on the island. Mike took the walk but the rest of us decided to have a more relaxed time walking along the beach where we had brilliant views of Cobb's wren as well as Striated and Southern Caracara, Long-tailed Meadow-larks, Black-chinned Siskins, Sedge Wrens, Seaside Cinclodes, Falklands Steamer Duck, both oystercatchers and Rock Shag.

We managed to fit in a visit to the local farmhouse where there was a very welcome cup of tea and the most amazing spread of cakes before a lingering return to the boat.

Our last visit was almost the best. It was a short cruise in the warm sunshine to Saunders Island. We were without thermals and down to t-shirts and shorts under the waterproof pants and life jackets. Although covered in slippery seaweed, this was a relatively easy landing onto the sandy shore at The Neck, followed by a gentle stroll across to the Gentoo penguin rookery with lots of chicks sheltering from the heat in their parent's shadow. There was a small group of King Penguins (No 8). They ranged from an 11 month old just moulting from it's brown fluff to 3 adults incubating eggs on they're feet.

King Penguins

Dolphin Gull

Rockhopper Penguin

Magellanic Oystercatcher

Falklands Steamer Duck

After admiring the King penguins and taking lots of pictures we wandered on towards the water's edge where Gentoo penguins were feeding as well as Dolphin gulls, a family party of Magellanic Oystercatchers and Falklands Steamer Ducks. The urge was too strong and I removed my boots and socks and paddled in the surf, giving some of the Gentoo a very surprising sight as they came into land.

At one end of the beach, near the rocks, there was a Rockhopper rookery and  a group of Rockhopper penguins wriggled and splashed in the surf. Very reluctantly we dragged ourselves away, admiring the self-catering accomodation that is available, and returned to the ship. Last ones off !

Self-catering Accomodation

We were all invited to a celebratory drink with Delphine, the Captain and other members of staff in the Lounge, then a final lovely meal and packing ready for disembarkation tomorrow.