What a glorious and bright sunshiny day in the Vestmannæyjar (Westman Islands)! We sailed in early to Heimaey, and with the assistance of a local pilot, Captain Heidi spun the ship in place and expertly backed National Geographic Resolution alongside the dock. From here, we set out on our hikes and tours. The more adventurous among us hiked up Eldfell Volcano while others enjoyed coach tours of this beautiful and geologically very young island. On the tours, we saw volcanoes, puffins, and adventurous mountain-climbing sheep as well as beautiful landscapes and seascapes all around. We all visited the superb Eldheimar (Fire World) Museum that describes the unexpected 1973 eruption of Eldfell Volcano. In the afternoon, we sailed south into Vestmannæyjar and circumnavigated the famous Surtsey for which all volcanic eruptions of its style are now named. We also visited a gannet colony where the cliffs and the air were filled with gannets.
7/11/2024
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National Geographic Explorer
Djupivogur, Austurland (East Iceland)
Greetings from Iceland! Today we continued our circumnavigation of this land of fire and ice, Iceland. National Geographic Explorer pulled into Djupivogur Harbor at 7:00am to a nice cool and calm morning greeting. Plenty had been planned for today, with guests choosing between a full day excursion to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a black sand beach hike, a valley of the waterfalls 4x4 Jeep excursion, and a cultural walk. Guests were thrilled to get out and adventure in this eastern side of Iceland. Again, the weather was brilliant with periods of blue sky appearing through the clouds and the sunrays. I had the pleasure of accompanying our guests to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which entailed a scenic bus excursion to the lagoon of icebergs, an amazing walk along Diamond Beach, and a very well-prepared Icelandic lunch before heading back to our home away from home, National Geographic Explorer. Lindblad Expeditions is about sharing unique moments and experiences and today was one of those days. It was absolutely beautiful.