Falklands blog for Sunday May 12 2013
This blog was not written in the Falklands, but sort of qualifies as it is about our last few days and a farewell to the islands
Friday and a visit out to see the beached false killer whales. Not really sure about what sort of whales these are but I am sure that one can google it. (They are a member of the dolphin family, are friendly to humans, and prey on other smaller cetaceans). A beach is never still, constantly shifting; disappearing and then coming back, sometimes years later.
The whales were there, but almost completely buried in the sand. The turkey vultures were looking disappointed at the slim pickings. This beaching of whales on shallow beaches is not an uncommon event. The proof is there to see – scattered and bleached bones as far as the eye can see. Though of enormous size, they are surprisingly light. All the meaty goodness has been leached from them years ago, and today, they crumble to the touch.
Then on to see the Elephant seals up the hill past Pleasant Roads. A fierce wind made the chill factor an unpleasant force. The seals, covered in thick blubber, looked cozy and comfortable. The spooking distance was not great, but a long lens took care of the pictures. Best not to get between the bulls and their passage to the sea or between them and their harem. If you do intend to focus your attention on close up shots, then best to keep a spotter with you for close protection. The bulls attack in two ways:
By biting – pretty unpleasant
By rearing over you and then landing on your body – universally fatal and not to be recommended. When they recover your body, they can probably slide it under the door.
