We visited several beaches and sights in the beautiful Falkland Islands on our way to Antarctica. One of them was Gypsy Cove near Stanley, the capital, on the east end of the main island.
Gypsy Cove is a rugged coastal area fitted with wooden walkways for visitors to more easily experience the natural beauty and some wildlife. Located high up on a cliff next to an expansive beach, the 270 degree view of the ocean and nearby bay with its blue-green water was stunning. Unfortunately, light rain began as soon as we arrived and it was extremely windy, yet the natural beauty of this place was evident. I had been particularly curious to see Magellanic penguins at Gypsy cove, and perhaps some other birds, but all wildlife seemed to take shelter that day.
I took the icy wind as an opportunity to test my Antarctic outdoor gear and new waterproof gloves. Walking around with my head down because of the wind and my glasses fogging up, I soon encountered different grasses and plants before meeting mosses, lichens, and other hardy species that do well in cold climates. It turned out to be quite fascinating to see all the plants and colors showing up right in front of me that I would surely have missed otherwise if any penguins and birds would have been there to take my attention.
Most obviously, there were many bright yellow-green cushion plants that felt quite firm to the touch, like some hard rubber. Some of them had tiny pink-white flowers on it that were bending in the wind. The cushions were typically surrounded tiny shrubs, mosses and other plants. In some ways, they altogether looked like arial views of huge forests, or like miniature landscapes straight from Hobbit land.
Then there were lots of native grasses, some with white flowers. Another huge area had been taken over by yellow flowering gorse which was not native to the Falklands. But it added a nice splash of color. On the other side, the ground was more bare, probably from more extreme, year-round wind exposure. Rocks there had increasingly many colorful lichens on it making them occasionally look like Jackson Pollock’s splatter painting art.
Mosses and lichens are increasingly found in Antarctica also, as the weather and climate is warming there. While it was exciting for us to see them, they are first and foremost indicators of the local climate and how the environment has been doing. In the Falkland Islands, not enough rainfall over the last years has led to an ongoing drought that continues to provide significant challenges to farming and the livelihood’s of many there.
The Falkland Islands have been commitment to conservation and responsible tourism. Efforts are made to protect their fragile ecosystem and its wildlife, ensuring that native animals and plants including King penguins and albatrosses, are protected and that visitors can appreciate the beauty of nature with minimal impact on the environment. But really, we all have to collectively work on protecting our planet if we want all these magnificent places across the globe to stay with us.