2/4 Last Landing West Point Island

Well what a day. Up and at em a little later as our proposed landing today was forecast to be windy early but easing.

As the day started it became evident that we were in for a pearler. The ship had eased along around the West Falklands to an island at its west called West Point Island. The captain moseyed into a delightfully sheltered bay which housed a “settlement” with a yacht moored in the bay. There was a large British flag flying proudly in front of a house and outbuildings nestled amongst some cypress trees. There was a old bus, a barn, a jetty all clustered on the edge of the bay, with hills rising all around. There were some sheep and a couple of cows in view. This is home to Kicki and Theiss.

We landed at the jetty and then walked two to three kms up and over the island to the ocean side through paddocks of peat and low grass. For those who needed it there were two Landrover Defenders on hand providing a ride. At the end of the walk with some stunning views across bays to the sea there was a colony of Rockhopper Penguins and young brown browed albatross in the Tussac grass and on the cliff edges. There were also many other birds including Meadowlark, Caracaras and turkey vultures.

After much time snapping the shots we headed back to the homestead where we were greeted with a cuppa tea and a massive spread of home cooked goodies. The couple have been here for many years and the property is 140 years old. They have also spent much time cruising the world in their very small yacht, including Antarctica. They certainly are adventurous travellers. Kicki and Theiss are caretakers of the island, not sure who owns it.

This is the last landing of our expedition and it was a fitting end to an simply amazing time.

We expected a quiet afternoon as we started sailing back to Ushuaia. The trip out from West Point was a challenge for the captain, given the narrow route and low tide (I think) it was also a picturesque journey out around the island, so we were advised to keep lunch short and venture up to watch. It was sunny and well worth it. We then made the call to return to cabin to select our photos for competition and for the passengers slideshow. However… before I made it down there was a call of whales. So back up on deck I went, right up to deck 9. There were three of us up there. We saw a couple of whale blows and eventually the captain slowed and turned in the direction of the whales. These were Sei whales – the third largest of the whales in this area. We saw lots and lots during the afternoon. This was finally halted by Richard I’Anson’s Lightroom (photo editing software) lecture, which we had been waiting for. Then I eventually went back to download and review photos. From the cabin I could see something in the water. There were some sea lions porpoising. Then I saw some more whale blows, then lots more, Steve came to look, then there were more and more blows.

We phoned Mary and Phil, who also came to look. Shortly after Howard announced we had a large number of whales again. Once again the ship dawdled around. Before we knew it, it was almost tea time. We were invited to dine with Richard and Joanne in the Rockhopper, but first had our…

PRECAP/RECAP

Jonathan- penguin publications

Anthropomorphism

Howard.

Midday tomorrow – Island Staten Island is worth viewing as we sail past.

Windy tomorrow – not much swell. Comfy day tomorrow.

Our dinner with Richard and Joanne was a fun evening, good company, food and laughs. Richard is off to Guatemala next to photograph Easter Celebrations. You can see his work in Instagram – just search richianson.

Tomorrow is our last day on board, we need to pack up, attend our disembarkation briefing as well as get out and about on the ship. Tomorrow night is captain’s farewell drinks and final dinner.

Sadly this part of our trip is quickly coming to an end.