Tuesday 3 June 2014

Surtsey and Heimaey


Surtsey Island
Photo © Steffen Biersack
After several busy days of visiting two ports per day we had a slightly more relaxing pace today.  We were not due to arrive at Surtsey Island until 11:00 which meant there was time in the morning for some lectures and briefings.  No ships are allowed to take people on shore at Surtsey and indeed we are required to stay 1.5 nautical miles off shore as it is a sensitive protected site of scientific interest.
Our views of the brand new island were excellent.  Our Geologist Steffen gave a very interesting account of how Surtsey was formed and it's status today. 

Heimaey
Photo © Steffen Biersack
 
Fram cruised around the island and then headed to Heimaey on Westmann Island.  We arrived in the picturesque port of Heimaey at 13:45.  The narrow entrance to the small harbour  is one of the most beautiful anywhere in the world.  The ship has to cruise very close to beautiful steep cliffs.  Looking straight across we could practically peer into the nests of Northern Fulmars and Kittiwakes.  Their nests covered the walls of the cliff faces. 
 

Heimaey
Photo © Steffen Biersack
Lots of people elected to go on the motor coach tour of the island while others went cruising in the Polar Cirkel boats and a small group went on a guided walking tour.
Our good fortune with the weather continued.  While the sky was largely overcast, we had patches of brilliant blue, especially in the latter part of the day.

Photo © Steffen Biersack
We had a nice long visit in Heimay. The motor coach tours returned at 17:00 but Fram actually didn’t depart until 21:00.  This left lots of time for everyone to explore Heimay and surrounding area.
At 21:45 we all met in the Observation Lounge for the Captain’s farewell speech and a cocktail.



Photo © Steffen Biersack
Photo © Steffen Biersack



Photo © Steffen Biersack