The second island we visited was Pebble Island which lies to the north of West Falkland. We flew from Sea Lion Island to Pebble Island with a brief stop at Darwin to pick up passengers. As we landed in torrential rain at Pebble, Denis pointed out that the grass strip was completely waterlogged; the wheels of the plane were throwing up water droplets, creating an interesting picture.
Wet landing at Pebble
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Pebble Island is an important bird area for several species including Falkland Steamer Ducks, Ruddy-headed Geese, Gentoo Penguins, Southern Rockhopper Penguins and Cobb’s Wren.
Steamer Ducks swimming offshore at Elephant Beach
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The very comfortable Pebble Island Lodge, where we stayed, is located in the Settlement near a large sheep farm . The Settlement is a colourful haven for a photographer, with a variety of subjects including textured layers of worn paint, old lace curtains, an ancient Land Rover with plywood doors held on with string and a bright burst of poppies in the well tended garden of the Lodge.
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- Pebble Island Hotel
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- Poppies in the Garden of the Lodge
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- Red Roof, Pebble Setlement
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- Lace and Red Roof
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- Textures of Locker Doors
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- Land Rover 110 out to grass
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- Old boat at Pebble dock
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- The Dock at Pebble Setlement
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We had a full day tour by Land Rover of the eastern part of Pebble Island where wildlife abounds.
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- South American sea lions East Pebble Island
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- A group of female South American sea lions
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- Near Cape Tamar East Pebble
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- Rocky coastline of East Pebble
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- Tapestry of Big Pond, mountains and sky
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- Treasures from the sea, Elephant beach
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- Kelp and pebbles
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- A tapestry of textures, Big Pond
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The FIGAS flight schedule is posted in the Lodge at breakfast time. Below is the morning plane, just landed, bringing friends we had made at Sea Lion island (and will meet again in a few days) and which will soon carry us off to Saunders Island. Elephant Beach and the bay can be seen behind the plane.
FIGAS arrivals and departures