Volunteer Point is about 45 miles from Stanley. The first part of the journey is via the stone-capped roads which are the norm in the Falklands. After about an hour the journey switches off-road and usually involves a convoy of several land-rovers. This journey is part of the fun and often involves an unlucky driver or two getting 'bogged' in one of the many wet peat banks and holes that characterise this part of 'camp'. depending on how wet the 'camp' is, the full journey usually takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours (excluding digging out really stuck rovers!!)
The main attraction at Volunteers is the large King Penguin colony (although Gentoo and Jackass Penguins are also to be found in large numbers during their breeding season). The adults Kings are majestic. Steely blue and white plumage with vivid orange ear flashes. Kings are unmistakable; adults almost 3 feet tall. They are what most people would probably call real penguins. King chicks are also impressive. The almost furry brown, downy feathers make them appear far larger than they are. Chicks are curious beyond belief. If an observer stays still for a few minutes, they will approach so close that they appear to be tame. There's no need to look for a photo opportunity - just wait for them to come to you!. King Penguin chicks seem as interested in the tourists as the tourists are in them. Sometimes we wonder just who is watching who!
