Port Howard is one of the major settlements on West Falkland. However, a major settlement outside Stanley usually involves only a few dozen people! There are two ways to get to West Falkland - fly in one of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) 8 seater Islander aircraft or wait for one of the infrequent crossings of Falkland Sound on the MV Tamar. We chose the former and flew, in what to all intents and purposes was a private flight, into the grass-strip airport situated alongside Port Howard Lodge.
The settlement is situated at the foot of Mount Maria and has its own natural sheltered harbour. West Falkland is generally greener and more hilly than the East and is therefore arguably more interesting. Port Howard is one of the most picturesque and is famous for its food and proximity to excellent fishing. Port Howard Farm is one of the few remaining large farms, consisting of around 200,000 acres and 47,000 pure bred Corriedale sheep.
The wildlife on West Falkland is even less disturbed by man than the East (if that is possible). The inhabitants of the penguin and cormorant colonies scarcely turn their heads when strange human creatures pass by. We visited colonies that very few people have seen in some of the most spectacular locations imaginable. We will return!
