Seyðisfjörður is a small fjord that is on the southern side of the much larger Ísafjörður. The National Geographic Explorer anchored as far into the fjord as depth would allow. The weather was overcast but calm which allowed kayaking and a landing to be offered to the guests. A group of hardy individuals set off for the first round of kayaking, while others were ferried along the shore to a beach at the base of the Hestur ridge.
One group of hikers made their way towards the rocky high point as all around them snipe called and drummed their territorial display. The noise is like a vibrating hum and is made by the bird’s tail feathers. It’s surprisingly loud for such a small bird. Other hiking groups explored the area immediately behind the landing beach, where there was evidence of a recent Arctic fox kill. Arctic skuas flew overhead and a herd of Icelandic horses could be seen on the far side of the ridge. Our photo experts, Michael Nolan and Macduff Everton, spent the morning with a group of keen photographers as they explored the old drystone wall enclosures that were close to the landing site.
The view from the top of the ridge down to the neighbouring fjord was spectacular. We saw small, isolated farm houses and we could only speculate what life must be like in such a place during the long dark Icelandic winter.
We were all back on the ship by midday and guests were offered the chance to take part in a semi-Polar Plunge! We then navigated north west to the town of Ísafjörður. Once we landed, buses whisked groups away for their chosen tour destinations. Two groups went to the Arctic Fox Centre and a Valagil hike. The hike to Valagil waterfall was spectacular and we walked along a wide glaciated valley, to a steep gully cut into the ridge by a tumbling waterfall.
Another bus took a group to a tiny botanical oasis near the town of Flateyri, a small town situated on the side of a neighbouring fjord. The gardens were the passion of a local vicar. The many poppies, geraniums and delicate plants in the garden are all protected by a stone wall and trees and bushes, which protect them from the worst of the weather.
The group then moved on to Flateyri town where they watched a young Icelandic lady sing two Icelandic songs in a small church. went in to the small church, where they were treated to a wonderful musical experience.
Yet another group of people went on a guided walking tour around Ísafjörður.
We were all back on the ship by 5 p.m. and guest speaker David Helfand gave a fascinating presentation about the universe, which left us enthralled and well aware of our tiny place in the vastness of Sspace.
Our action-pacled day ended with a performance in the lounge from Icelandic duo Gigja, who entertained us with their wonderful, haunting harmonies.
