Last weekend Simon took Friday and Monday off work and we visited Saunders Island which is one of the larger islands to the north of West Falkland. The island is horseshoe shaped with 3 parts joined by narrow isthmuses of land. One of these is called The Neck and is a popular destination as there is an abundance of wildlife there. On one side there is a mile long wide sandy beach and on the other a smaller bay. There is a portacabin providing basic accomodation but this was already booked so we decided to camp.
Friday morning was very windy with squally showers so our flight there was very bumpy. In fact the rest of the days flights were cancelled so we were fortunate to get there. We were met at the airstrip and taken to the settlement to wait for a group of photographers who were arriving from another island. Then we were taken in a convoy of landrovers the hours drive out to The Neck along a rough track.
We were dropped with all our baggage at the far end of the beach and pointed in the direction of the popular camping spot, known as the Swiss Hotel. This is a large overhanging rock which provides some shelter which we were very grateful for. Apparently it was named by some Swiss photographers who camped there for 6 weeks and even made a sign to hang up.
We had borrowed a brand new tent from our neighbours and managed to erect and secure it with some extra strong pegs and several guy ropes tied round large rocks but as the wind had now reached severe gale force, and probably gusting to force 10 or 11, the poles were bending ominously and there was a great deal of flapping.
The view from the campsite is stunning and the wind was lifting the waves into clouds of spray as they broke. Further out to sea huge spirals of water were being lifted up in waterspouts and when the sun shone briefly there were rainbows passing through them.
Friday morning was very windy with squally showers so our flight there was very bumpy. In fact the rest of the days flights were cancelled so we were fortunate to get there. We were met at the airstrip and taken to the settlement to wait for a group of photographers who were arriving from another island. Then we were taken in a convoy of landrovers the hours drive out to The Neck along a rough track.
We were dropped with all our baggage at the far end of the beach and pointed in the direction of the popular camping spot, known as the Swiss Hotel. This is a large overhanging rock which provides some shelter which we were very grateful for. Apparently it was named by some Swiss photographers who camped there for 6 weeks and even made a sign to hang up.
We had borrowed a brand new tent from our neighbours and managed to erect and secure it with some extra strong pegs and several guy ropes tied round large rocks but as the wind had now reached severe gale force, and probably gusting to force 10 or 11, the poles were bending ominously and there was a great deal of flapping.
The view from the campsite is stunning and the wind was lifting the waves into clouds of spray as they broke. Further out to sea huge spirals of water were being lifted up in waterspouts and when the sun shone briefly there were rainbows passing through them.
1 comment:
Meg, What a fantastic experience you're having. I haven't got an adventurous bone in my body, but I almost wish I was there with you!! Note I said almost!! Wonderful pics of the scenery and in the previous blog of the penguins as well. Love Liz
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