The morning transit to Heimaey was spectacular. We passed several gannet colonies on the offshore stacks and watched hundreds gracefully soaring to and from their cliffside nests searching for fish. We soon encountered a feeding frenzy with nearly 100 gannets soaring above a school of fish and 7-9 orcas feeding within the school! The gannets dove into the water, reminiscent of a volley of arrows launched from the ramparts of a castle by medieval archers. The pod of orcas actively pursued fish in their own way.
After lunch, we had a choice of a panoramic tour of Heimaey or hikes to the top of Eldfell, a potentially active volcano that last erupted in 1973. The tour viewed the puffin colony before visiting the famous Volcano Museum devoted to the 1973 eruption. The hikes attempted to climb to the peak of Eldfell, but unfortunately, the winds were so energetic that the guides wisely decided to turn back below the peak. Nevertheless, it was invigorating to be exposed to high winds on the side of a volcano that last erupted 52 years ago.
The evening (and voyage) concluded with the traditional captain’s dinner and guest slideshow. Future National Geographic photographers perhaps?
