This morning we sailed into the majestic Arnarfjörður, a deep fjord carved by Ice Age glaciers that ground down through the basalt layers below as they flowed seaward. This location is typical of the deeply carved landscape of the Westfjords that are formed of layer after layer of basaltic lava flows that were emplaced 13,0000 to-16,000,000 years ago. Though geologically very young, these are some of the oldest rocks in Iceland. Our goal was soon in sight, splendid Dynjandi, the “thundering” waterfall that is famous in the Westfjords. Dynjandi certainly thunders and roars as it jumps down in stepwise fashion, forming a series of waterfalls over the lava layers that were carved into great steps by the relentless ice.
In the evening we visited charming Vigur Island located in the giant fjord, Ísafjarđarjup, home of Atlantic puffins, eider ducks, black guillemots, wild Arctic terns, and more. The terns are in Iceland called Kria for their loud calls. Fearless in protecting their young on their nesting grounds, they do not hesitate to attack us, flying at our heads and screaming in protest that we are there. In a calmer scene, puffins posed with beaks full of small fish and eider duck hens herding their fuzzy ducklings around the grounds.7/25/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
Westman Islands, Iceland
We woke this morning with thick cozy fog as National Geographic Endurance danced between islands in the archipelago of the Westman Islands on the morning of the last day of our voyage. We were visited by a number of fin whales before continuing on to circumnavigate Surtsey. We sailed into the narrow harbor opening of Heimaey, Westman Islands as the sun broke through the clouds. Heimaklettur (Home Cliff) welcomed us with a stunning vista of Icelandic sheep balancing on sheer cliffs. Our afternoon was spent touring the tiny island of Heimaey (Home Island). Some chose the scenic panoramic tour which stopped at amazing vistas and lookout points, including one of the windiest points in the northern hemisphere, Stórhöfði, a bird blind on the southernmost point and a visit to the Eldheimar Volcano Museum which artfully portrays the history of the 1973 Eldfell eruption. Some of us chose to climb up the Eldfell Volcano through a layer of dense fog towards the top. We enjoyed views of the new lava that nearly shut down the harbor, which would have meant an end to the town of Heimaey. At the very end of the day, after sailing away, we stumbled upon a pod of killer whales! What a marvelous ending to a wonderful day. Tomorrow, we scatter different directions, going our separate ways but holding on to some fabulous and everlasting memories.