Isafjordur, Iceland

Early this morning, we glided into the harbor at Isafjordur (which means “ice fjord”), in the northern part of Iceland.  It is very beautiful here in a stark sort of way, with great steep-sided mountains rising up from the sea.  The remote town of Isafjordur only has a population of about 2600 people, and its main industry is fishing.

We took a boat ride out to the small island of Vigur, which is known as the Bird Island.  One family has farmed this land for five generations, and they harvest eider down from the ducks who live there. One kilogram of eider down is worth $70,000.00!   It’s a charming place to visit, with a quaint old yellow farmhouse which has been added on to over time, and a cute little windmill that was built in the 1800’s.  You can see all this in the main picture. The extra shows some harbour seals lolling around in the water near the shingle beach. Unfortunately, all the puffins which nest here have already left for the winter.

Most humorous line of the day:  Fellow (British) passenger to Mr. W:  “I don’t really understand American politics …”  Mr. W to Fellow passenger (without missing a beat):  “Neither did your King George!"

PS:  Internet access is severely limited right now.  My apologies for not commenting on your journals ... I will atone when I can!