Go west young man 1
My colleague extolled the virtues of West Falkland. Much sunnier, greener and altogether nicer than the east. There is something magical about the place.
Port Howard … our next stop as we said goodbye to Cat and Brad our hosts on Pebble Island.
The airstrip was a few miles along the dirt road from the settlement. Wayne met us and soon we were bowling along the tree lined highway. The trees were only 1 metre high but you plant trees not for yourself, but for your grandchildren.
A warm welcome, and then to repair to the typical Falklands institution of the honesty bar.
We wanted to visit the grave of Capt John Hamilton MC who was killed in action in the 1982 war. He is buried in the settlement cemetery. The graves are surrounded by a white picket fence and is on a peaceful site on the bend of the river. His exploits are detailed in the settlement museum located in a Nissen hut in the grounds of the lodge.
Puerto Yapeyu is the name given by the Argentinians during their 74 day occupation of Port Howard. The colossal cheek — not only did they invade and imprison the population, but they tried to destroy the Falklanders’ heritage. No wonder Argentina is viewed with such dislike by the farmers here. Memories are long, life is often difficult here and those that thrive here have developed a fierce attachment to their land. Their ancestors are buried here together with a hero from a distant homeland and their prosperity has been ground out from the sweat of their brows.
Such a peaceful and beautiful place. Safe for kids who enjoy playing sheep and sheepdogs!
- and woman ↩
