We departed Santiago early on the 16th
and where treated to a spectacular overhead view of the Southern Andes and High
Patagonia. From Punta, we flew on to Mount Pleasant Airport and were bused to
Port Stanley. First impressions where of a rugged bleak place. Not a tree in
sight with grass, rocks and the odd sheep scattering the landscape. Derelict
shacks and a strong military give an apocalyptic air about the place.
Photo: the view from the plain from Santiago to Punta.
Less than a week ago the Falkland Islanders voted to remain a British overseas
territory. Argentina, who call the Islands Las Malvinas still lay a claim.
Considering they would need to displace the 1500 or so inhabitants and get past
a British military establishment, still reeling from the 1982 war, the
conflict is likely to go little further than chest beating in the foreseeable
future.
Photo: Rusty containers and landmines scatter the Falklands landscape.
We arrive at the ship, struggling to stand
up straight after 2-days in the air but excited to think the journey has only
just begun.
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