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Surtsey Island
Photo © Steffen Biersack
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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.
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Heimaey
Photo © Steffen Biersack
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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.
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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.
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| 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.
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| Photo © Steffen Biersack |
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| Photo © Steffen Biersack |
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| Photo © Steffen Biersack |
