Iceland: Day 11 - Grímsey
July 5, 2004
On the island of Grímsey is a community with about 100 inhabitants that lives mainly off the fisheries, but also on limited agriculture and the bird cliffs, which saved them several times from famine and the scurvy grass growing there from scorbutic disease.
The church, which was built from drfitwood in 1867 and renovated in 1956, is now under the parish of Akureyri.
In 1793 the island was almost abandoned when a disease killed all but 6 of the male population. The remaining 6 were sent to the mainland to fetch more of their kind. On the way back the boat was lost at sea and everyone drowned leaving the clergyman the as the only one remaining of the male species.
In the late 19th century the people of Grímsey were known for their prowess in chess. An American, Willard Fiske, presented them with chess sets, a library and a sum of money.
A little chick hiding in the grass next to the road... judging by the aerial attacks, we assumed it was a baby tern.
This one is a little less shy...
check out the size of the tiny thing compared to the dandelion!
Walking along the basalt column cliffs, a bigger 'bird' flies overhead.
The church built from driftwood.
Once again a simple but colourful church interior.
At the dock, the seagulls are also enjoying the sunny day.
We watched the seagulls while waiting for the ferry...
it's amazing how territorial they got!
The ferry at the dock. The sailboat in front of the ferry was actually from Quebec!
Two local kids playing around in their boat.
On the way back we spotted a few whales.
Not sure if this was a whale or a dolphin.
Rubby takes a nap in the sun on the ferry ride back.
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