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 |    My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum. |
| August 17, 2017 Rise and Shine… we’re going by 4 wheel drive to our day’s excursion. We’ll be dining back at the house. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail?product=5640P50&d=203794... Delight in the playful antics of King Penguins during a half-day tour to Volunteer Point from Stanley in the Falkland Islands. With a professional guide, get acquainted with a variety of penguin species and listen to illuminating commentary as you see Gentoo and Magellanic penguins. Scour the sandy beach for lurking sea lions; ride in a powerful 4x4 jeep; and enjoy the intimate atmosphere of this small-group tour, limited to four people. The tour usually runs for 6 to 6.5-hours. This time includes two hours of travel in each direction.Plenty of time for yakking! The first hour of your journey travels from the pier where you came ashore to the privately owned Johnson’s Harbour farm of which Volunteer Point is a part of on gravel roads. All of our 4x4 Land Rovers drivers, who will be your guides during the journey, are extremely experienced at off-road driving. During the journey, your driver will answer any questions that you may have and tell you about sites and features on the way. Upon arriving at Volunteer Point, your driver will advise you of any areas you can't walk in. He will tell you your departure time and provide you with your packed lunch. You are then free to wander and photograph the amazing wildlife this location has to offer. You are asked to remain 6 meters away from all wildlife at all times to avoid causing disturbances. There are wardens in high visibility clothing positioned around the sand beach that can answer any questions that you may have at the time. The penguins can be particularly curious by nature and will often approach you if you sit quietly observing them. The area of Volunteer Point itself is fairly flat and easy to walk. The car park is very close to the penguins too. Upon our return to Stanley, your driver will, if time permits, give you a short tour of the town by pointing out the highlights before dropping you off at the pier where we met you in the morning, or alternatively at a location you have chosen. Museums, gift shops, and pubs are all very close and within easy walking distance of the pier. My weary bones were well rested before I embarked upon today's excursion. They felt as if they were being painfully wrenched from my protesting body as I perched precariously in a 4x4 Jeep that bounced and struck every conceivable obstacle. Yep, we went off-roading. That rickety piece of metal took us cross country on some rough terrain. As I was jostled and jarred, I attempted to carry on a conversation with my fellow travellers. They had to listen to a great deal of moaning, gasping, and unfortunate, spontaneous expletives.... sorry. Some of this emanated from the cheerful driver. That kamikaze pilot kept up a non-stop patter. Did he even take time to breathe? He apologized for the lack of maintained roads as he pointed out local sights. When my eye lids weren't being involuntarily squeezed shut, I did admire the breathtaking scenery. Finally, our chariot bucked to a stop at our destination, The Volunteer Point. I scrambled out to partake of a quick orientation, and I was off on my wobbly legs to explore. My eyes marvelled at penguins galore. I maintained enough composure to resist touching them, I respected their privacy. I suspect they have tourists ogling them all the time. I did snap some pics though. The sea lions I observed lolling and basking in the sun seemed to ignore my nearby presence. They must conserve their energy and move only if it is absolutely necessary. I had to laugh at the name of a native plant, scurvy grass. A beautiful flower with white petals and a purple stripe is known as the Pale Maiden. Birds are everywhere, landing, taking off, squabbling. The albatross swooped and soared. Another bird , the Southern Giant Petrel , was known as the stinker. This was an enjoyable day and it ended with a scrumptious meal back at Darwin House. |
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