[password] rachel25
[position] 51 21.093s 060 40.930w
[status] Still anchored at Settlement Harbour, Westpoint Island
Flat calm last night - great sleep!
Spent today exploring the Westpoint Island, the higher parts in thick mist. It is lovely to be able to walk freely on the close cropped grass and rocks, a complete contrast to the lush thick forests of Patagonia and Isla de los Estados. We have learnt that in ancient geological times the Falklands were linked to the African continent rather than South America, hence the very different terrain and flora.
When we weren't walking we were sitting at the enormous farmhouse table in Alan and Jackie's warm kitchen talking, drinking tea and learning about life here now, and life in former times. Jackie was here during the 1982 conflict, a 15 year old schoolgirl. Her father evacuated their entire family from Stanley, intending to take them to Port Howard, which is on the western island, with the help of an uncle's boat. The boat used to take passengers across Falkland Sound, between Darwin and Port Howard. Unfortunately the Argentinean's had commandeered the boat so when the family arrived at Darwin they were not able to cross and had to stay in Goose Green, which is a settlement close by. Then the Argentinean's rounded them up and imprisoned them in the community hall with 120 others, until the British retook Goose Green 29 days later. They had only 2 toilets and no changes of clothes. At least they were safe.
We arrived back on Ithaka just in time to re anchor towards the southern end of the bay in preparation for the southerly gale which is forecast for tonight. Now we hear the wind building again.
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