This was our full day tour of Pebble Island with our hosts Jacqui and Allan in two separate land rovers since there were more guests than one Land Rover could accommodate. We were in Allan's vehicle and he proved to be an excellent guide and explained everything of interest very well. He was especially good with the history of the Falklands War of 1982 in which Argentina invaded the Falklands in an attempt to gain control of the islands. Because of the iron will of Prime Minister of Great Britain at the time, Margaret Thatcher and the strong backing from her parliament, the British were able to defeat the Argentine forces some three months later. We visited memorial sites, the grave of Argentine airmen and the site where British forces destroyed 11 Argentine aircraft that were parked on the landing strip as well as the memorial to a British frigate sunk by the Argentines in The Sound just off Pebble Island.
We took packed lunches and ate them while viewing a Rockhopper Penguin rookery. Nearby was a large nesting area of Giant Petrels, or 'Stinkers' as they are called in the Falklands. Later we visited a Gentoo Penguin rookery.
Pebble Island is named for the marble size stones, or pebbles found on some of the beaches. They are an agate like stone that can be tumbled to a very glossy finish.
We also were shown some of the native fauna, including the beautifully named and delicate flowers 'Lady Slippers' and 'Pale Maidens'. There are many different plants, but due to the constant winds they are mostly very short stemmed. The two fern species are aptly named 'Small Ferns' and 'Tall Ferns'. There are large areas called 'Diddle Dee' deserts covered with a low, densely packed plant related to the crowberry family. Sheep will not eat it making those areas useless for grazing purposes.
Like most of the islands there are only about half a dozen people living on Pebble Island.
Very welcome tea and treats were waiting for us when we returned late in the afternoon.
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner