Danson's Harbour House is situated in Lafonia, in southern East Falkland close to the west coast. It took us just under 1 1/2 hours to cover the 12 miles or so across country from North Arm settlement (with a couple of mandatory beer stops on the way to rid our throats of the peat dust thrown up by our convoy). The House used to be a remote shepherd's house in the past but is now used as a camp house (albeit somewhat primitive!) for recreational visitors like ourselves. The house is gradually being modernised by Ian and Eileen from North Arm and has running water but, since this is fed from a local spring, it is advisable to take a good supply of drinking water (or beer!!). As is commonplace in most camp houses, cooking is via a peat stove (which also heats a few radiators) and electricity is supplied by a diesel generator. Some working knowledge of such appliances is advisable prior to visiting some of the remote houses like Danson's Harbour.
The House itself is is the subject of much local folklore. Several stories surround its past and it is easy to believe many of them when you consider how remote the house is. However, I am happy to report that we did not detect any of these eerie aspects! What we did experience was a wealth of wildlife. Striated Caracara in particular are abundant in this area. Wherever we went we were followed by these rare but inquisitive birds. Despite the fact that they see very few people they have no fear and they took food almost from the hotplate of our barbeque.
The trip to Danson's Harbour was my first trip out in my brand new Rover 90 having traded up from the 1989 'Red Rocket' previously used to good effect on out travels! Naturally, my companions did all they could to ensure that the trip was as eventfull as possible and were determined that they would get it well and truly 'bogged' at some stage. I am happy to report that their efforts were in vain (which is more than can be said for some others on the trip - he he he!!). I don't suppose this will last for ever though!
