Or should it be "Austral Walking"?
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| Sun, Sea, Sand, Snow and Kelp |
Anyway, having landed in sunny Stanley in January, I've spent the last few months unpacking, exploring the islands, trying to identify the exotic wildlife, and learning to bake.
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| A new dawn, around 9am! |
Perhaps I was wrong not to publicise Nordic Walking during the dry-ish summer that the islands have enjoyed, but the recent downturn in the thermostat has reminded me how invigorating it is to Nordic Walk in the cold!
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| Three happy walkers |
May 2012 saw Nordic Walking being introduced to Stanley in the Falkland Islands. A small advert in Penguin News, squeezed between that for a Nail Salon and the AGM of the Horticultural Society, produced about 10 responses from people who were keen to learn, and enjoy the outdoors.
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| Dolphins are often seen from the shore. |
One slight drawback of the area is the lack of paths. Whilst there is plenty of open space, the ground cover is mainly low, wiry bushes, similar to heather, which trap the poles and trip your feet.
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| Getting into their stride |
However, there are two excellent spots - Surf Bay, a long crescent of sand, sheltered from the prevailing Westerlies by a ridge of sand dunes; and the Racecourse, which is a long flat strip of grass not far from the Leisure Centre.
Both these areas are flat and free of undergrowth - rare on the Falklands. And the locals who have signed up have enjoyed reasonable conditions to learn this great activity.
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| A dusting of snow on the Racecourse. |
This weekend sees the celebrations of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and there is a giant beacon on Surf Bay which is to be lit on Monday evening, followed by a barbecue. I just hope they don't frighten the dolphins!
Enjoy the celebrations!
Peter
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