Exploring Heimaey

8/13 and 8/14/16
Heimaey (hay may a), Westman Island, Iceland

So very glad I decided to add this pre-trip location. I knew nothing about this small island filled with 4400 incredible and resilient people whose lives were shaped undoubtedly by the tragic volcano eruption in 1973. 

Clockwise from upper left: most impressive outdoor mural located down by the harbor; views of the harbor; our pillow-top and pillow-bottom incredible bed; 
one of many lava rock caves at the harbor entrance; harbor ships; 

Eagle Air 21-seater I flew in from Reykjavik to Heimaey; more ships.

Before you read any further, click on the following youtube link for the devastating massive eruptions of lava from the Eldfell volcanic cone and its affect on the people of this small island January 23, 1973...  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghl33n26d44

The Eldheimar Museum.
Clockwise from upper left: excavated home buried by ash for 40 years; Hlif, our trip leader, stands next to the cemetery memorial pole indicating the depth of the volcanic ash that covered the local cemetery; Eldheimar Museum; another photo of the excavated home; lava rocks and debris behind a neighborhood home.

The Trolkerlingin statue by Eftir Asmund Sveinsson.
The Icelandic trolls originated from the Scandinavian folklore. They lived far from humans, were not Christian, and were considered dangerous to human beings. Depending upn the region from which they originated, their appearance varies greatly. They may be ugly and slow-witted or look and behave exactly like human beings, with no particularly grotesque characteristics about them. This statue is female in gender - the very pointed breasts are not as visible from this angle - and looks quite intimidating.

Net cutter used by the Icelandic Coast Guard in 1972 when other countries 

started fishing in waters that Icelandic fishermen relied upon for their livelihood.

Boat tour around the Westman Islands. Clockwise from upper left: lava elephant formation; some of the group before we departed; one of the more incredible caves; 
lava rock erosion; the harbor entrance.

We enjoyed a gourmet meal at the home of Helga and Arnor. While Arnor prepared and served us, Helga shared her story (and her "most beautiful boyfriend's" story - the boyfriend turned out to be Arnor) about their personal experience as teenagers that morning of January 23, 1973 and their journey back to the home Helga grew up in.  Afterwards they entertained us with 5 songs. 

Since the 1973 eruption, on the weekend following July 3rd, the people of Heimaey celebrate the day in 1973 when the eruption was officially declared at an end. On Saturday night pubs open their doors and floors to all types of musicians who are encouraged to sing and play to their hearts' delight.  A great number of former islanders choose this weekend to come back home for a visit.

This is one of those songs performed by Helga and Arnor...

https://youtu.be/vWAVs9AydkA


...and this is their favorite song since their teens and throughout their 40+ years of marriage...

https://youtu.be/psSq2PB4J_I

The Atlantic Puffin Parade.

The Atlantic puffin is the most common Icelandic bird with an estimated population of 10 million. One of the most unique and favorite times of the year is the annual migration of the baby puffins leaving their nests around early to mid-August. They are attracted to the lights of the town and confused by their new surroundings, but the children come to their rescue with cardboard boxes used to transport them to the shore where they are released into the sea.

 Our fearless leader yields to the sheep while we hike at Storhofdi.

Contemplating which way to continue...

One of the puffin roosting areas.

My favorite fish at the Aquarium.