8/22/2023

 

                                                        The harbor at Heimeay (Note the Puffin holes on the rock)

 

We got up late and ate breakfast at Mamson’s – a cozy little eatery on deck 7 in the Explorer’s lounge.  They serve to-die-for waffles ala Norway and good coffee.  As usual we had good conversation with fellow travelers.  We learned that Wordle has a Canadian counterpart called “Canukle”.  The fellow from Oregon was bemoaning his unsuccessful attempt to guess “UMIAK” – a familiar term from those of us who have traveled the northern latitudes   

 

 

Paul pointing to Eldfell, a 600' volcano that we were about to climb

After a leisurely breakfast and stroll around the deck, we donned out layered hiking togs for our excursion.  We intend to hike up the Volcano that erupted here in 1973.  We left the ship at 10:30 and met our guide (with an unpronounceable Icelandic name but said we could call him Chris).  Chris was 5 years old when the eruption happened and is a lifelong resident of these Westman Islands.  (They are called the Westman Islands because they were populated with Irish Slaves in the early 11^th Century and the Irish were called ‘West Men’ because they lived in the westernmost part of Europe.)

 

 

Shirley on the hike - the lava wall on her left

Chris was full of many stories about that fateful day in ’73 and the years after rebuilding property and lives.  He kept a running story as we ascended to the top of Eldfell.  Amazing stories of survival and heroism and only one person died (someone who broke into the pharmacy and went to the basement where the meds were kept – he was overcome by the poisonous gases that flowed into the lowest nooks and crannies.  On Bob and Ann's tour they had a different victim - apparently the tour guides have a bit of latitude ;-) .

 

Shirley and Paul made it 3/4 the way up before reason took hold and we decided that the last effort over slippery gravel up a very steep grade to the top (North col of Everest came to mind).  We did make it to the east rim however and shot a video.  The south rim broke off and flowed on the hot lava down toward where our ship was anchored – we could see the remains scattered about as red mini-cones.  

 

The crater - looking west toward Hekla in the distance

 

The trek down took a bit more time as the gravel was easily slipped on.  We did not want any broken or sprained bits (never mind that Chris was the Doctor in town).  And so it was slow going stopping to identify the plant life that has slowly crept up the volcanic wasteland.  9600 step and 25 flights of stairs according to the apple watch.

 

We were back on board at 2:30 in time for a few slices of pizza and Gelato.  Later, while at dinner we saw a number of whales spouting in the distance.  We sailed past the dreaded Katla and Vik.  Katla was one of the more devastating volcanoes.  We made it an early night.