The NGE docks in Stanley at around 7.45am. The forecast is for fine, windy conditions in the morning and rain in the afternoon.
On my last visit to Stanley, I found the path to hike around the bay to the wreck of the Lady Elizabeth, a 19th century steamship, now resting at the end of Stanley Harbour. Like last time, the wind makes it difficult to hold the camera steady. Unlike last time though, there are Commerson’s Dolphins frolicking in the waves close to the shore. They use the waves to surf to the end of the harbour in the mild lee formed by the shipwreck, swim back out to level with the shipwreck, and start all over again.
On the way back to the ship, I spend some time with a large flock of flightless steamer ducks, and a family of gulls with a juvenile, who are not happy about my presence, particularly when a strong gust of wind has their baby needing to make a sudden directional change to avoid colliding with my head.
Rain arrives after lunch, on the walk along the coastal path into Stanley. Gale force head winds make the going tough, and after a quick walk through the town of Stanley, my rain jacket has been officially christened in a Falklands squall.
Walking back in the rain to the ship, I can see a British warship blocking ‘The Narrows’, or the entrance to Stanley Harbour. The ship’s satellite internet is playing up, so if war has broken out, this may be the first we hear of it. That or the ship could just be picking up some fuel.
Departing from Port Stanley, it becomes apparent that the warship in question is the Gold Rover (A271), which is strategically positioned at the entrance to Port Stanley. It turns out that the Gold Rover is a small tanker belonging to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
