Yesterday we received our 'certificates of lunacy', signed by the governor, and stating that on June 20th 2009 we "endured the icy waters of Surf Bay, displaying the brave heart and unsound mind of a true South West Atlantic Midwinter Swimmer."
Much more admiration is due an Argentine man who in April became the third person to swim Falkland Sound (the straits between East and West Falkland). Sergio Salomone is an experienced long distance swimmer who specialises in cold water swimming (he was not wearing a wet suit). He said he wanted to swim the Sound because of the unique conditions - large waves, cold water and strong winds. The water was colder than he expected so he had to swim fast and completed it in one and a half hours (approximately 5km at the narrowest point). He was accompanied by dolphins for part of the way and described the rough crossing as like being on a roller coaster.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Winter
The day after the swim winter really arrived with heavy snow showers, although there were sunny intervals between them. It was quite strange to see the beach and dunes at Surf Bay covered in snow!
Blizzards continued throughout the week and, combined with some hard frosts at night, made for some very slippery conditions.
There are designated 'ice routes' through town, but even these received only minimal salting, gritting and clearing so were still tricky to travel on. All the steep hills in town were closed to traffic but appreciated by the children for sledging on.Many people said it was the most snow they had had for several years. As I had just started working as a district nurse it made getting around particularly challenging.
A thaw set in after a week and most of the snow disappeared quite quickly although there are still a few patches where it had drifted deeply.
At the anglican cathedral there was a midwinter fair, a fire-work display (I was working but Simon thoroughly enjoyed it) and a christdingle service. There were also coloured lights switched on all along the main street in town, making it feel like Christmas!
Blizzards continued throughout the week and, combined with some hard frosts at night, made for some very slippery conditions.
There are designated 'ice routes' through town, but even these received only minimal salting, gritting and clearing so were still tricky to travel on. All the steep hills in town were closed to traffic but appreciated by the children for sledging on.Many people said it was the most snow they had had for several years. As I had just started working as a district nurse it made getting around particularly challenging.
A thaw set in after a week and most of the snow disappeared quite quickly although there are still a few patches where it had drifted deeply.At the anglican cathedral there was a midwinter fair, a fire-work display (I was working but Simon thoroughly enjoyed it) and a christdingle service. There were also coloured lights switched on all along the main street in town, making it feel like Christmas!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
South-west Atlantic midwinter swim
The midwinter swim took place 2 weeks ago, on the day before the shortest day of the year. Since then I have been working as a district nurse while the usual one is away on study leave and have had even less free time than usual.
Simon decided he would join me in the swim. There were lots of people gathered at Surf Bay with 347 taking part in the swim and lots of spectators. Amazingly the sun shone, there was little wind and the waves were small. (You could almost imagine you were on a tropical beach if you tried hard!). There were even some dolphins swimming in the bay.
Some brave souls stripped off well before the event but I waited until the last minute. Some people were in fancy dress and there were quite a few men in bikinis. The ambulance was on hand and the search and rescue helicopter overhead but fortunately neither were needed.
As the countdown took place and the start was sounded people rushed into the sea but we were well to the back of the crowds. The water was not as cold as I expected it to be, even when putting your head right under water, but I wouldn't have wanted to stay in for too long. However my feet did get very cold on the sand.
There were some fires in oil drums on the beach and Simon found himself a cosy spot by one of them to get changed afterwards. It was good to have been able to take part in a truly Falklands event and to have the T shirt to prove it.
Simon decided he would join me in the swim. There were lots of people gathered at Surf Bay with 347 taking part in the swim and lots of spectators. Amazingly the sun shone, there was little wind and the waves were small. (You could almost imagine you were on a tropical beach if you tried hard!). There were even some dolphins swimming in the bay.
Some brave souls stripped off well before the event but I waited until the last minute. Some people were in fancy dress and there were quite a few men in bikinis. The ambulance was on hand and the search and rescue helicopter overhead but fortunately neither were needed.
As the countdown took place and the start was sounded people rushed into the sea but we were well to the back of the crowds. The water was not as cold as I expected it to be, even when putting your head right under water, but I wouldn't have wanted to stay in for too long. However my feet did get very cold on the sand.
There were some fires in oil drums on the beach and Simon found himself a cosy spot by one of them to get changed afterwards. It was good to have been able to take part in a truly Falklands event and to have the T shirt to prove it.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Liberation Day 2
On Sunday afternoon we made the most of the sunny weather and went for a nice walk on the Northern coast of Cape Pembroke. Simon enjoyed a biy of off road driving to get there. I had walked that area once before but in pouring rain but Simon had not seen that stretch of coastline so it made a nice change.
There are several pretty beaches although several of them, like this one, are fenced off because of mine fields. There are also nice views past the Tussac Islands across Port William.
We walked on the first unmined beach we came to but then it was time to head for home. There were some interesting patches of red sand which is lighter than the yellow sand and often makes pretty patterns on the surface of the beach or dunes. It is known as garnet sand but I doubt it is actually garnets.
As we walked back to the car the sun was going down over the distant hills.
Soon after we got home there was a glorious sunset. As you may be able to see in these pictures I still have quite a few plants flowering in the bed in front of our house despite some hard frosts recently. They include antirhynums, marigolds and cornflowers.
There are several pretty beaches although several of them, like this one, are fenced off because of mine fields. There are also nice views past the Tussac Islands across Port William.
We walked on the first unmined beach we came to but then it was time to head for home. There were some interesting patches of red sand which is lighter than the yellow sand and often makes pretty patterns on the surface of the beach or dunes. It is known as garnet sand but I doubt it is actually garnets.
As we walked back to the car the sun was going down over the distant hills.
Soon after we got home there was a glorious sunset. As you may be able to see in these pictures I still have quite a few plants flowering in the bed in front of our house despite some hard frosts recently. They include antirhynums, marigolds and cornflowers.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Liberation Day
Sunday 14th June was the 27th anniversary of the liberation of the islands at the end of the conflict. It was a beautiful sunny day although quite cold. We attended the special service in the cathedral in the morning which was packed with military personell, war veterans, local dignitaries, representatives of local organisations such as the guides, sea cadets and defence force and members of the public. Music was provided by a visiting military band.
The building with the green roof is the secretariat where Simon works.
Following the service the band and other groups paraded to the liberation monument where large numbers of people were assembled. Prayers were said and wreaths laid by the governor, various representatives and members of the public. The governor was dressed in his official robes which include a feathered head dress.
After the ceremonies the band and other groups then paraded to the town hall where there were food and drinks but we did not go. Apparently it was a very crowded bun fight.
Government House can be seen in this photo.
The building with the green roof is the secretariat where Simon works.
Following the service the band and other groups paraded to the liberation monument where large numbers of people were assembled. Prayers were said and wreaths laid by the governor, various representatives and members of the public. The governor was dressed in his official robes which include a feathered head dress.
After the ceremonies the band and other groups then paraded to the town hall where there were food and drinks but we did not go. Apparently it was a very crowded bun fight.
Government House can be seen in this photo.
Monday, June 8, 2009
general news
Well life seems to get busier and busier and it has been hard to find time to blog. We are very short of staff at the hospital at the moment so I have been working lots (46 hours last week). Today I have a day off, although it is always possible the phone will ring if someone is off sick. I am planning to go for a swim in a bit and I never take the mobile out with me. We have an orthopaedic surgeon visiting for a week so we will have a lot of extra patients in for surgery this week. I am gradually feeling more confident and competent on the accute ward although I still have a lot to learn.
The weather has continued to be exceptionally wet and we had bitter southerly winds much of last week. However yesterday was calm and mild. I went to Surf Bay for a walk just as it was getting light but while a full moon was still shining and it was very peaceful and relaxing. Having been in work so much I felt the need to get out for an hour before going to church and then on duty. A lone gentoo penguin seemed surprised to see me and toddled down to the sea and swam away.
It is only 2 weeks now until our shortest day and the midwinter swim will be on June 20th. Why did I rashly say that if Simon ran the marathon I would do the swim? I am hoping that it will be a calm day as I imagine the wind-chill when coming out of the water could be fairly grim. Apparently you have to get your hair wet otherwise it doesn't count. Sponsorship would be welcomed. The proceeds are divided between the local sea cadets and the Lighthouse seaman's centre. This is a Christian mission and the centre is near FIPASS (the place where boats dock if they come into Stanley harbour). There is a cafe which is popular with people from Stanley as well as the seamen, internet and phone access, a shower, various games and a library, comfortable chairs to relax in and newspapers and magazines to read. It is managed by a Christian couple who are always available to listen, chat and provide whatever assistance is needed by visitors. There is usually a supply of warm clothes to be given to those needing them. Simon is now one of the trustees for the mission.
Progress in the garden has been very slow with a combination of lack of time and the weather. I am hoping to continue digging my extended vegetable plot today. A second rockery is definitely going to be needed soon as I continue to remove large stones. Last weekend we got some old sheets of corrugated iron (known here as wriggly tin) from a skip where someone was renovating their roof. I am hoping to cut them up to go around the bottom of the fencing around the veg garden to keep the geese out, replacing the piles of stones which provide shelter for earwigs. I have not yet worked out how I am going to cut them up though. The garden continues to supply us with plenty of greens and we still have a few carrots and parsnips.
Paul's flight was delayed on Friday so came in at 2am instead of 1:30pm. I went with Jackie (from church) to meet him so didn't get much sleep that night. He is going this morning to a memorial service at Fitzroy but the minister from the cathedral is going to pick him up and take him. Next Sunday is Liberation Day when there will be a big united service in the cathedral and then Monday will be a public holiday.
Simon's boss is away again at present and Simon is busy preparing papers to present at the executive council meeting on Thursday. The budgets were all recently presented. With the international economic situation and reduced fishing revenue belts are having to be tightened. The ilex squid have only come into Falkland waters in very small numbers this season so few fishing licences have been sold and refunds had to be given.
I have just had to pop out to take some papers to Simon's office that he had forgotten and it is very chilly out. Will wrap up extra warm before getting on my bike to go for a swim and visit the library.
The weather has continued to be exceptionally wet and we had bitter southerly winds much of last week. However yesterday was calm and mild. I went to Surf Bay for a walk just as it was getting light but while a full moon was still shining and it was very peaceful and relaxing. Having been in work so much I felt the need to get out for an hour before going to church and then on duty. A lone gentoo penguin seemed surprised to see me and toddled down to the sea and swam away.
It is only 2 weeks now until our shortest day and the midwinter swim will be on June 20th. Why did I rashly say that if Simon ran the marathon I would do the swim? I am hoping that it will be a calm day as I imagine the wind-chill when coming out of the water could be fairly grim. Apparently you have to get your hair wet otherwise it doesn't count. Sponsorship would be welcomed. The proceeds are divided between the local sea cadets and the Lighthouse seaman's centre. This is a Christian mission and the centre is near FIPASS (the place where boats dock if they come into Stanley harbour). There is a cafe which is popular with people from Stanley as well as the seamen, internet and phone access, a shower, various games and a library, comfortable chairs to relax in and newspapers and magazines to read. It is managed by a Christian couple who are always available to listen, chat and provide whatever assistance is needed by visitors. There is usually a supply of warm clothes to be given to those needing them. Simon is now one of the trustees for the mission.
Progress in the garden has been very slow with a combination of lack of time and the weather. I am hoping to continue digging my extended vegetable plot today. A second rockery is definitely going to be needed soon as I continue to remove large stones. Last weekend we got some old sheets of corrugated iron (known here as wriggly tin) from a skip where someone was renovating their roof. I am hoping to cut them up to go around the bottom of the fencing around the veg garden to keep the geese out, replacing the piles of stones which provide shelter for earwigs. I have not yet worked out how I am going to cut them up though. The garden continues to supply us with plenty of greens and we still have a few carrots and parsnips.
Paul's flight was delayed on Friday so came in at 2am instead of 1:30pm. I went with Jackie (from church) to meet him so didn't get much sleep that night. He is going this morning to a memorial service at Fitzroy but the minister from the cathedral is going to pick him up and take him. Next Sunday is Liberation Day when there will be a big united service in the cathedral and then Monday will be a public holiday.
Simon's boss is away again at present and Simon is busy preparing papers to present at the executive council meeting on Thursday. The budgets were all recently presented. With the international economic situation and reduced fishing revenue belts are having to be tightened. The ilex squid have only come into Falkland waters in very small numbers this season so few fishing licences have been sold and refunds had to be given.
I have just had to pop out to take some papers to Simon's office that he had forgotten and it is very chilly out. Will wrap up extra warm before getting on my bike to go for a swim and visit the library.
Monday, June 1, 2009
church
Yesterday we were received into membership at the Tabernacle church here in Stanley. It is a free evangelical church with a small congregation and active membership of only about a dozen people. As we have no pastor or elder at present, members of the congregation lead services and preach. Simon took the service yesterday morning which was pentecost Sunday. We have services at 10am and 7 pm on Sundays and meet for bible study and prayer on Tuesday evenings in the home of one of the members.
On the second Sunday evening of the month our service is broadcast on the local radio. The 1st and 3rd Sundays it is from the Anglican cathedral, the 4th Sunday from the catholic church and when there is a 5th Sunday we have a united service at the Lighthouse seaman's centre. I led our last one which was based on the parable of the prodigal son which we had been studying in our mid-week meetings. As this was only the 3rd service I had led I found it very scary and challenging - not helped by the fact that we had problems getting the sound equipment working which were only sorted out at literally the last minute. Miraculously what I had prepared exactly filled the alloted hour. I have felt really challenged as I have never been involved in this kind of ministry before. I felt before we came here that God had something new for us but certainly hadn't imagined myself preaching!
On Thursday we have an elder, called Paul Evans, from a church in UK arriving who is going to be helping us for 2 months so we are looking forward to his teaching and encouragement. He will be staying with us during his visit.
The Tabernacle was built in 1891 and, like quite a few buildings here, was sent out from the UK in kit form. As bricks were expensive to ship and the local quartzite stone very hard to quarry it is built of corrugated iron (known locally as wriggly tin). Renovation and refurbishment of the building is planned including new windows. Part of the building is used during the week by a nursery.
On the second Sunday evening of the month our service is broadcast on the local radio. The 1st and 3rd Sundays it is from the Anglican cathedral, the 4th Sunday from the catholic church and when there is a 5th Sunday we have a united service at the Lighthouse seaman's centre. I led our last one which was based on the parable of the prodigal son which we had been studying in our mid-week meetings. As this was only the 3rd service I had led I found it very scary and challenging - not helped by the fact that we had problems getting the sound equipment working which were only sorted out at literally the last minute. Miraculously what I had prepared exactly filled the alloted hour. I have felt really challenged as I have never been involved in this kind of ministry before. I felt before we came here that God had something new for us but certainly hadn't imagined myself preaching!
On Thursday we have an elder, called Paul Evans, from a church in UK arriving who is going to be helping us for 2 months so we are looking forward to his teaching and encouragement. He will be staying with us during his visit.
The Tabernacle was built in 1891 and, like quite a few buildings here, was sent out from the UK in kit form. As bricks were expensive to ship and the local quartzite stone very hard to quarry it is built of corrugated iron (known locally as wriggly tin). Renovation and refurbishment of the building is planned including new windows. Part of the building is used during the week by a nursery.
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