Healthy holidays - Poling with Penguins!

Welcome!

This blog is simply about my activities as a Nordic Walking Instructor, now living in the Falkland Islands.  I offer regular classes and walks in what is probably the  most southerly outpost of Nordic Walking in the world.   Certainly one of the remotest!

Nordic Walkers and WW2 gun, overlooking Stanley harbour

Antarctica is about 700 miles south, but the weather here is more windy than cold.  However, that doesn't prevent enthusiastic walkers venturing out to  sample the scenery to keep fit.

A local walking group exploring the countryside or Camp.

When you have a landscape like the Falklands on your doorstep, it seems a shame to be exercising indoors.
The health benefits of Nordic Walking are well-documented, but in case you need convincing, here is a recent article on the topic.....
http://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-health/0521/why-you-should-try-nordic-walking.aspx?xid=tw_heartdiseases_sf

Dramatic scenery is everywhere.

The Falkland Islands is growing as a tourist destination.  Most visitors arrive by cruise ship during the austral summer, and spend only a few hours ashore.

However, a growing number are coming to see the wonderful wildlife which is gaining recognition as a  "cold-climate Galapagos".  Birds and animals have little fear of Man here and amazing wildlife-watching can be achieved.

If you browse earlier posts on this blog you'll find that my Nordic Walking group have had close encounters with penguins, seals, dolphins and assorted local birds.

Yorke Bay - home to hundreds of penguins.

So, if you want to combine a visit to the Falkland Islands with a Nordic Walking session, please let me know.  I have poles and transport and can show you round the wildlife spots, or Battlefield sites, whilst keeping fit, Nordic Walking!

http://www.nordicwalking-holidays.com/?page=holidays

Peter
peteryoung111(at)gmail.com

Weather for (Nordic) Walking in the Falklands

One way of describing the weather in the Falklands, is "variable".  The old adage - "If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes" - holds true.

Stunning views reward the climbing of sand dunes!

We rarely have to cope with excessive heat, although last week did see some flesh exposed to the warm sun.  The summer has been very wet in Stanley, but some parts of the Islands are suffering from droughts and grass fires.

A sheltered spot on Surf Bay

 An aspect of the weather that most visitors comment on is the wind, and this is a constant feature, with a daily average of about 17mph.

However, it does keep us cool, and the penguins like it!

King Penguin joining our group

Last week, as we struggled into a gale along Surf Bay, a lone King Penguin emerged from the frothing waves and accompanied us for a while.  Maybe he thought he was with friends?

Despite the weather, Nordic Walking is enjoyable and beneficial.

It is good for all ages and all shapes and sizes.  And the terrain around Stanley allows us to find varied surfaces which offer suitable challenges to all levels of fitness.

If you want more details or would like to try Nordic Walking around Stanley, please get in touch.

Peter

phone - (00500) 21178
email - peteryoung111@gmail.com