Port Stanley, Falkland Islands: Saturday December 29th

Coming into the harbor

The end of the ship-bound part of our trip. By 8:30, we were off the boat and on a bus bound for Stanley, the Falklands' capital, population ~2,600.

The town in the background

Typical summer weather here is better than you might guess - 60-70f and sunny. Not on this day though-- it was <50 and rainy. Add the relentless wind....


Still, the town had it's own charm. It looks like perhaps a small city in Newfoundland, or maybe Scotland. 

British? Ya think?

Regardless of latitude, it's British and don't you forget it! The war with Argentina in the early 80s has left its mark on this tiny nation. They still show the signs of that war with vast areas of countryside fenced off due to the minefields left behind. The Royal Navy base (with 1,600 personnel) has a huge presence here and is clearly showing who's in control. The people exhibit their British patriotism everywhere with little displays. They need to -- the Argentine government is again making moves and in Ushuaia you heard lots of noise about the "Islas Malvinas" still belonging to them. Why?

Oil - why else? Drilling will begin in 2017 at sites about 300 miles north in the Falklands' waters. The reserves are estimated as more than in the Arctic. So, regardless of climate, the Falklands are heating up. 

Step back in time... to 5 digit phone #s.

I loved this little country and hate to see some of the not-so-great changes that will come with this prosperity. Want to see for yourself? Here's an excuse if you need one!