Falkland Islands--Day 1

Today started early with a planned disembarking “sortie” at 8AM. We were in the first (of two) group, so when they announced they would start 10 minutes early (during our breakfast at 7:30), we scrambled. Pile on layers of clothes, our water boots, Gore-Tex pants, and parkas, and head for the Zodiacs. It was a mild ride ending at a dock, so we didn’t even get our boots wet. Partway up the hill, the ship’s photographer set down a tripod with a boom and microphone. The mic had a furry cover to filter the hiss of the wind. This hawk was very interested in that mic fur. After stalking it, and getting closer and closer, he finally attacked, and tried to grab it. He tried 3 times before the photographer decided enough was enough. Only the three of us (Theresa, me, and the photographer) were there, but I got a couple of great pix, as did he.
We trekked about 1.2 miles across West Point Island (part of the Falklands), to a site where Rockhopper penguins and Brackbrow Albatrosses share as a nesting ground. It was AWESOME!! Words can not do it justice, and we don’t really have the bandwidth to upload all of the pix that would help, so I’ll do injustice to both, and try to give you a taste.
Rockhoppers are aptly names as they nest on rocks, and hop around. We have a great video clip, which I intend to upload after we get home. (well worth the wait!!) Albatrosses are obviously big birds, but these are white with black wings, and a striking black line over the eye. The two species commune in a cramped area with seemingly no predators. It is incredible to see them so intermixed!! We saw “couples” preening and grooming each other, balking and arguing with their neighbors, building nests, and a few pairs “makin’ eggs”!!
Returning to the ship, step one was washing the boots. We can’t bring any guano on board (nor would we want to), so there will be a cleansing routine after every landing. That’s all well and good, but you really can’t get undressed until you get the boots off and cleaned, and it is quite difficult with many layers of clothes and parka etc.
In the afternoon, a second landing, on Leopard Beach of Carcass Island (still Falklands). On arrival, we were greeted by a small contingent of Magellan Penguins. As we ascended the hill, we saw numerous nests for the Magellans. They dig holes in the ground, at about a 30 degree angle, up to 6 feet long/deep. We saw several unsure faces watching us from inside the holes.
On the other side of the island, there was a group of Gentoo Penguins, seemingly waiting for our ship? There were many other birds, but I frankly couldn’t tell you much about them.
The return Zodiac was a taste of the future. The water was a little rougher, so there was more spray, and we got rather wet (hence the waterproof (GoreTex) pants and parkas). But, about 2/3 the way back to the ship, a couple of dolphins swam alongside, and escorted us back to the ship. I could not get a picture, because they popped up, and dove back under, and resurfaced elsewhere. But, it was still cool.Tomorrow, we go to Stanley, the Capital of the Falkland Islands. Another early day with some walking. But, this should be easy walking and a dock landing, so no Zodiacs and no boots!