Thursday 5 June 2014

Grundarfjordur


Photo © Martin Johansen

It was a perfect start to the day. We awoke to a beautiful partially sunny morning.  The sea was calm.  Northern Fulmars soared over the ocean. 
Northern Fulmars
Photo © Martin Johansen
Photo © Martin Johansen

The occasional elegant Gannet glided by the ship.  The emerald green hills that surround Grundarfjord grew slowly as we approached the small fishing harbour.  Right on schedule we pulled alongside the quay at 08:00.The motor coach tour to Snaefelsjokul was very popular today as more than 50 people had signed up for it.  Even though the sun seemed to be shining more often than not, for much of the day, Snaesfeljokul was obscured by clouds.  But then, on the final leg of our journey the clouds parted and there before us was revealed the route to the centre of the earth.  For those of you who are not fans of Jules Verne, the French master of early science fiction wrote in his beloved novel, The Journey to the Centre of the Earth,  that the entrance to the centre of the earth is found at Snaefelsjokul.
Photo © Martin Johansen

A group of hardy hikers set out for the hills behind Grundarfjordur at 08:45.  It was ideal weather for a trek in a picture perfect setting.  The hike led through a glacial valley and to a tremendous waterfall.
In the afternoon everyone had time to explore the area at their own pace.  There were several restaurants/cafes and gift shops.
In the early evening there were lectures and then after dinner Michael entertained everyone in the with songs in three languages English, Danish and Greenlandic in the Observation Lounge.