Pebble Island Camp Out

Our adventure began on Friday, January 10th, when two Past Finder groups departed from FIGAS (Falkland Islands Government Air Service) on separate flights to Pebble Island.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Dot Gould, the owner of Pebble Island, who safely transported us to Markham House.

Without wasting any time, the group set about pitching their tents. Given the forecasted high winds, we chose a sheltered spot near a garden fence for extra protection. With a bit of teamwork—some helping with tents, others sorting out luggage—we soon had everything in place. Then it was time for a well-earned lunch. In true military fashion, Teena and Natalie swiftly prepared sandwiches while we organised snacks and drinks.

After lunch, we loaded into vehicles and headed to the east end of the island for a beach clean. Despite the breeze, we managed to collect a substantial amount of plastic, ropes, and other hazardous debris that could endanger wildlife. By the end, we had filled the back of a vehicle, ensuring proper disposal at the settlement. As a reward for our hard work, we enjoyed some well-deserved fun on Elephant Bay Beach, the longest beach in the Falklands. The children delighted in paddling in the ocean and collecting beautiful shells at the west end of the beach.

As we made our way back to the settlement, we spotted black-necked swans and several other bird species along the route.

That evening, Dot treated us to a delicious supper—spaghetti and meatballs topped with heaps of cheese, followed by a rich chocolate fudge pudding. Absolutely divine!

After showers and a warm cuppa, the group settled into their tents for the night. Before drifting off to sleep, they listened to part of an interview with Raymond Evans and Arena Berntsen about life on Pebble Island in the early 1900s.

Saturday, January 11th

The adults had an early 6 AM start, preparing packed lunches and cooking a hearty breakfast before waking the children. With full bellies and high spirits, we set off toward the west end of Pebble Island.

Our first stop was the Coventry Memorial on the east side of First Mountain. Despite the strong winds at the summit, we gathered to pay our respects and lay a cross in honour of the fallen.

Next, we visited the crash site of an Argentine Dagger aircraft—an exciting moment for Chaska, one of the younger members, as he experienced opening a gate for the first time.

Continuing our journey, we traveled down to the western coastal area, passing a Magellanic penguin colony before stopping at a scenic beach for a well-earned lunch break. From the eastern side of the beach, we observed a Giant Petrel colony, while Theo enjoyed capturing photos with his new camera and studying the King and Gentoo penguins.

Following our break, we visited the Argentine Learjet Memorial, which honours five Argentine airmen who lost their lives when their Learjet crashed in the area. From there, we made our way to the Rockhopper penguin colony.

Next on our itinerary was Marble Shanty, where we admired the breathtaking view. For safety reasons, we didn’t enter the grounds, but even from the outside, the structure was impressive. The lush grass this year was exceptionally tall—some patches reached the height of the children!

A quick stop at Pebble Cove allowed us to hunt for precious pebbles and enjoy a light stroll on the beach before heading back to the settlement.

That evening, Dot outdid herself again, preparing a mouthwatering traditional supper of roast lamb with vegetables, followed by sticky toffee pudding—absolutely delicious! After dinner, she shared captivating stories about her childhood on Pebble Island and her experiences during the Falklands War in 1982, keeping the children thoroughly engaged.

As the night drew in, the exhausted children settled into their tents. With strong winds forecasted, the group prepared for a blustery night ahead.

Sunday, January 12th

We woke to thick fog and high winds. While waiting for flight updates from FIGAS, we packed up the tents, gathered the children’s belongings, and moved everything inside. When the news came that all flights were canceled for the day, we swiftly moved to Plan B!

The group took a stroll around the settlement, exploring old buildings, carts, and a sheep dip. A particularly exciting discovery was a carpet of ladybirds, which caused much excitement among the children.

Later, Dot kindly offered to lead an art session on paint pouring at the old schoolhouse. The children had a fantastic time creating their own Pebble Island masterpieces, making the unexpected extra day even more special.

That night, we were in for another culinary treat—homemade lamb fritters with salad, followed by syrup duff. By this point, we suspected we’d all be heading home a few kilos heavier!

Monday, January 13th

As we waited for the weather to clear, the children kept themselves entertained with card games and Twister. Eventually, conditions improved, and we were able to board our flights back to Stanley.

A huge thank you to FIGAS for their dedication and assistance in making our journey to and from Pebble Island possible.

An extra special thank you to Dot Gould for her incredible hospitality, knowledge, and, of course, fantastic cooking! The Past Finders youth group had an unforgettable experience.

Thank you also to Natalie for volunteering, to FIC Ltd for generously donating fruit for healthy snacks, and to our sponsors, Polar Seafish Ltd and Argos Group Ltd, whose support made this trip possible.