Free Rock Hopper beer in Stanley

We left Cape Horn and sailed for 24 hours to Stanley, the capital located on the tip of the East Falkland Island.  Because of the threat of impending stormy weather, all tours were cancelled but the shuttles were running.  Jack got to shore and realized he had not brought along his wallet.   A friendly fellow-passenger, seeing his sad face, invited him to a local watering hole for beer (actually 3 beers).

Thank you, Peanuts!

   Port Stanley was established in 1845 by the British as a deep water port specializing in repairs for boats travelling through Magellan Strait on their way to the California gold rush. Here one can see the world's most southern  Anglican cathedral.  The Whalebone Arch is made from the jaws of two blue whales. Along the shore, spelled out in rocks are the names of the patrol ships of the Royal Navy that have been stationed here to protect the sovereignty of the islands.


The economy of the islands depends on exportation of meat, wool, and fish and there are oil reserves.  Vegetables can be grown on the island but no fruit as there are no insects to pollinate the blossoms.

The Falklands War in 1982 was a 10 week undeclared war between Argentina and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom government has consistently maintained that they continue to protect their interests in the islands because it is the will of the residents.  Lives were lost and clearing of land mines is ongoing by the British government.

War memorial 

Tribute to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

The Falklands teem with hundreds of species of flora and fauna.  Most notable are the penguin species - kings, rock hopper, gentoo, Magellan.  The rookeries are remote and can only be accessed by four wheel drive vehicles.  Some of the group of islands have no rats living on them.  Since rats eat eggs, the penguins number in the thousands.