As we approached Heimaey Island, we sailed through an archipelago which formed as  result of volcanic activity under the ocean.  The water was a little rough, but it was a beautiful day to be out on the deck.  We saw Surtsey Island (second picture), which emerged from the ocean in 1963 as a result of a volcanic eruption under the sea.  Since the eruption ended, the island has been eroding because of heavy seas.  Access to the island is highly controlled so scientists can study how life develops on the island.  We also sailed by stacks where hundreds – maybe thousands – of gannets were gathered.  They are called “Queens of the Atlantic” because of their grace.

After we docked, we went to Heimaey Island where we learned about the eruption of Mt. Eldfell in 1973.  At the time, Mt. Eldfell was not considered an active volcano, so its eruption was a surprise.  The eruption occurred at night so fire sirens were used to alert residents.  Fortunately, there had been a storm so there were many fishing boats in the harbor.  These carried residents to safety.  Volunteers used a pumping system, trying to cool the lava and stop its flow to the harbor.  The harbor was saved and Heimaey has become one of the most important fishing communities in Iceland.  The pictures below are of Mt. Eldfell (some individuals hiked to the top), the community as it is today with lava still visible and a picture I took of a picture showing the pumps spraying sea water on the lava in an effort to save the harbor.  When looking at the picture of the cooling of the lava, note the smoke and spewing lava in the background.

It is estimated that 200 million tons of ash and lava fell on Heimaey destroying hundreds of houses.  Excavation of some of these houses began in 2006.  A museum, Eldheimar, which means “worlds of fire” was constructed around one of these houses.  Outside the museum, another cottage has been excavated with ash pouring from the windows.  The volcano can be seen in the background of this picture.  I have also included two “pictures of pictures” depicting the city and harbor during the actual eruption.

Before returning to our ship we took a boat trip, exploring the archipelago.  These are pictures from that excursion.