F is for the Falkland Islands

There are a number of places that begin with an F that I desire to go.  There's France and Finland.  I’ve never stepped foot in either country but have seen them from a distance (France from a ship and Finland from a town in Tallinn, Estonia).  But instead of heading to either destination and since I already been to the Faroe Islands (which I love to return--my 1000th post on this blog was about that visit), my bucket list for the letter F is the Falkland Island.  This small British archipelago is made up of two main islands and have a population a less than three thousand, most are descendants of Scots and Welsh settlers.  The people on the Falklands make their living from the sea and from farming (primarily sheep).  I might not have known much about them, but back in 1982, there was a “splendid little war” in the Falklands after Argentina (who claims the islands) invade.  Britain put together a fleet and in a war that was mostly involved naval and air warfare, retook the Falkland Islands.  More soldiers and sailors were on the island than residents.  There were 900 deaths, equivalent to 1/3 of the population.  The islands location in the South Atlantic provide for unique wildlife habitat, especially birds and sea mammals.  I would spent my time on the island hiking and birding (especially penguins).  Supposedly, the town of Stanley (the main town on the islands) has exciting nightlife, but I would believe it when I see it.   The idea of renting an isolated cabin and holding up for a month or two beyond the internet, eating seafood and lamb while writing a book also sounds enticing.

Kelp Goose

Rock-hopper Penguins 

The easiest way to reach the Falklands is to fly from Chili.  Argentine is closer but since they still claim the islands, there are no friendly contacts.  The island is also a stopping point for excursions for the Antarctic.  To learn more about visiting the Falklands, click here.

What remote places would you like to visit?