Bleaker Island

Hi

Just back from a packed weekend on Bleaker. We were fortunate to get there by 10.30am on Friday so we had a full day to explore. We met Elaine, who manages the letting and works on the farm too. They supply a restaurant in Stanley with lamb and beef. They also make lambs wool rugs. She pointed us in the right direction to see Rockhopper, Gentoos, Magellenic penguins, black necked swans and a sea lion. Well, as most of you know, my sense of direction is hopeless and on our first 2 hour walk we didn't see any wildlife! It was lovely to be out and by the sea though. So after a nice lunch and a rest we set out again. This time Elaine came with us as we were so bad, she'd come after us as we'd already set off in the wrong direction! So we saw Rockhoppers - very funny, they hop up the rocks out of the sea - hence the name. They were much smaller than I'd imagined. I've included a photo of Abi, Marion and the Rockhoppers.

After a restful night we set off to find the sea lion and Gentoos. Once again we had Elaine shouting at us as we were heading in the wrong direction. We made it to Sandy Beach, it's very strange seeing cows on a beach. They eat a cabbage plant apparently. Abi got wet as soon as we arrived having walked for about an hour to get there. She, of course, wanted to go back and get changed but we stayed on the beach for nearly an hour. No penguins or sea lions though. So after a lunch and rest off we went again. We did a pebble/shell collection and as we were doing this we nearly stepped on a seal. I thought it was dead but luckily it wasn't. I've included a photo of the family with it in the background. After taking this photo Marion went back for a cup of coffee and the seal came right up to us and smelt Allen's hand. Me being the brave mummy ran away because I thought it might bite! Abi and Allen were a lot braver. Didn't get a photo as Marion had the camera (not due to me running away like a scaredy cat!).

Popped in to see Elaine and ask what time we were being picked up by the helicopter, thought we may have enough time on Sunday to walk to the Gentoos. She said it was coming at 10.15am so there wouldn't be time to go in the morning. She kindly offered to drive us to them. They were amazing. Nice and clean as they don't live underground like the Magellenics. I've included a photo of them on the beach, they come in with the surf and it's funny to watch.

Had a good night and got picked up and were back home by 11am. A great place to visit, I'm sure we'll go again. Came back with a tacky place mat, I love it and a lambs wool rug as a reminder. Now have to wash all the shells and get the house sorted.

Hope all's well

Rachael.

Sports Afternoon

Hi

Jacob and Abi had their sports afternoon today. Neither were that bothered about winning which was nice. Jacob came first in the egg and spoon and Abi was pretty close in her race. They did a round robin thing first and then races at the end. Their team came 3rd but they were oblivious! I've included a photo of them with their certificates.

Marion and I went wool spinning this morning. It was a lovely day and good to get the car back from the West. Someone put it on the ferry for us and then drove it to base, so that was very handy. I've spun enough of the fleece to now mix it, getting closer to the end product - a ball of wool, but it's still going to take another week until I'm there. Marion enjoyed it but was getting a bit frustrated too.

Off to Stanley tomorrow. Missed Princess Anne who was there yesterday and today. She's now off on a cruise to South Georgia. Base have sent a boat down with the cruise liner as a back-up, just in case. A couple of the wives got to go too, didn't go as it was 10 days away (did consider it though).

Bleaker Island on Friday. Everyone has assured me that helicopters don't normally make your stomach end up in your throat and it was just a bit too windy the day we went! So let's hope for a calm day on Friday.

Hope all's well

Rachael.

Grandma and the West

Hi All

Grandma Melrose arrived safe and sound on Thursday flight, just missed out on travelling with Princess Anne who flew in today! Marion had one night at our house and then Grandma, me and the children caught the ferry over to the West. We took the car so we could go further a field when we got over. The ferry was an experience. I was expecting something a little bigger but it went fine, 2 hours for not that big a distance! There's a photo of Marion and the kids. Lovely calm weather and we saw loads of dolphins and a huge whale too. Once we were there we drove to Roy Cove. We had booked a lovely 4 bed house on the coast. There's a photo of a sunset from the house. We had a great time throwing rocks into the sea and 'exploring'. Allen arrived on a helicopter Saturday lunchtime. We then walked to the headland looking for whales - none, but we did paddle in the water and had a brilliant time rock climbing. There's a photo of me and Jacob enjoying a rest and snacks!

All was going well until it started getting a bit windy on Sunday. I had a relaxing Mothers Day morning with coffee in bed and lovely clay pots made at school plus felted cards - a Falklands craft. However we then got news that we were now on the 2nd crossing of the day, not leaving at 12pm but 4pm instead. We decided to go for a scenic drive and then have lunch at a hotel by the ferry place. Got to the ferry place - Port Howard - to be told the ferry was cancelled for at least one day if not more. Allen needed to get back for work so he caught a local flight - FIGAS, luckily a plane was just landing and had one space on it. So we were stranded! Only one place to stay, a self catering place with mice droppings to boot! Luckily we'd got enough food to cope for the night and the local hotel, that was full, gave us a bottle of wine. Not sure I would have coped without it! So Mothers Day went a bit wrong really but at least we had a roof I suppose. Still no ferry the next day and I was getting a bit worried. Luckily Allen had managed to get us on a helicopter and after a trip to the local 'shop' stocking up on chocolate we all felt a great deal better. They even had coke zero in this small shop, can't get that on base.

Helicopter arrived at 3pm but it was very windy and I felt sick for the entire flight - very up and down. Abi feel asleep as soon as it took off and Jacob loved it. I was just pleased to arrive home in one piece and not to have to stay in mice filled accommodation for another night!

Anyway the West was good but next time I'll be booking helicopter/flights and not relying on the ferry unless there's space in the nicer hotel. It was definitely as experience for us all. So the car is on the West Island. Hopefully it will appear this side at some point soon. I don't care really as I'm pleased to be home.

Hope all's well

Rachael.

The Frying Pan

Hi

Still haven't managed a helicopter ride or a go in the big ship. Helicopters are now being used for some military thing and the ship had to go on maneuvers - you'd think they all had jobs to do! So instead we went and explored in a river at a junction called the Frying Pan. So called due to it's shape, it was great fun and really muddy. I wore stupid shoes and nearly lost them quite a few times. I'm amazed Jacob and Abi remained on their feet the whole time. We didn't see any fish but they both had fun climbing rocks and playing in the mud. I've included a photo of the 3 of them walking along. I've also put a photo in of Allen holding a fish, no he didn't catch it! Someone he works with kindly caught it and has let us have it. It's now in the freezer and I'm waiting for Allen's mum to come out so she can tell me how to cook it! Don't even know what type it is.

Jacob, Abi and I went to Burtha's beach on Saturday morning and they had a great time with Thomas and Finlay all rushing in and out of the sea in their wet suits. We saw a penguin playing in the sea and it looked like it was having as much fun as the children. They then camped on the beach and made lots of towers out of wet sand and dug big holes. It wasn't until Jacob said he couldn't feel his legs due to the cold that we decided it was time to leave.

Allen leaves for the UK tomorrow, looking forward to him bringing back some treats and also bringing back Grandma Melrose. We have lots planned for her visit, a helicopter ride at long last.

I taught at pre school for the week and am now on a week of courses to let me take over properly.

Hope all's well

Rachael.