21 March West Point Island and Tribute To Alfred Hitchcock

We really had an adventure today. Rough waters during a 25-minute ride to the island. We were warned we’d get wet, and we did. The ship’s crew met us on the island and then we split up. Rick opted for the 1.3-mile hike to Devil’s Nose while I jumped at the chance for a very bumpy ride in an old beat up Range Rover. I took photos of Magellanic penguins and Black Browed albatrosses while waiting to see Rick come over the hill from the hike that was longer than the suggested 1.3 miles. Rick stayed and continued down to the cliffs.

I returned to the base of the island in another Range Rover. I would say probably 30% of the people we’ve met are fit and avid hikers. Our friend Joe Reynolds would fit right in as I listened to others who have traveled far and wide just to hike. New Zealand seemed to be a favorite location.

The Birds. These are wild animals. We are not trained falconers. Dr. Brandi Revels is on of the naturalists on board. The Brown Skua is a scavenger.

The island is owned by the Napier family. The head of the family recently passed away at age 93 in Stanley. He had to be airlifted after a fall several years ago and never returned to West Point Island.

Caretakers (husband and wife) Thies (pronounced tease) and Kicki monitor the whereabouts of the sheep and 5 rams, grow their own food and try to keep an eye on the whole island. The ongoing drought has caused a reduction in sheep numbers and is a great concern at this time. Other caretakers over the years have come and gone. K and T are on their 3rd rotation, the other family stating they just couldn’t do it any longer. K and T live on a boat when not at the island and have traveled extensively. Our ship is the 12th and last of the season to enjoy the island.

Kicki graciously prepared tea and coffee along with numerous treats before we departed for the long ride back to the ship.

There we were greeted by pods of dolphins.

Zodiac Taxi Stand

Later in the afternoon and after departing, about 200 albatrosses kept even with the ship for a good while.

We turned in our arctic boots and lined weather pants. Can’t say I’ll miss the darn boots. Rick and I played tug of war everyday with one of his boots that refused to be removed.

We were supposed to see a movie with popcorn and wine tonight. But we joined 3 other couples for dinner once again and had a private dining room. Had so much fun we extended our evening with them. Hard to believe one couple is from Sterling, VA and another “dating” couple from Virginia Beach and Williamsburg. The organizers of the dinner is the remaining couple from Elgin, IL. I think they have an “in” with the restaurant manager who they met on a cruise in China 3 years ago.

Our Private Dining Room

Spicy Seafood Soup 1st Course

Karla's Beet and Carrot Salad

Desserts