The Wild West...man Islands

The Westman Islands is a small cluster of about 15 islands off the southwest coast of Iceland, only one of which is inhabited. We took a 40 minute fairy ride to Vestmannaeyjar, a town on the coast of the largest island, called Heimaey, with a population of just over 4,000 people. This town has an interesting history, as it's bordered by an active volcano that erupted in the 1970s. The eruption destroyed part of the town, laying a fresh layer of ground that the newer part of the city now rests upon. We explored the city and hiked up to the top of the newest volcanic mountain, where we took some time to meditate atop the pourous, orange-red rock and soil. We peered over the edge of the mountain to the vast glimmering ocean, spotted with the other islands as the harsh wind whipped by. But we were never cold! The underlying magma deep within the earth radiates its energy up through the mountain. We layed on top of the warm ground and found dips and holes acting as thermal vents that endlessly breathe outhot air. Back in Vestmannaeyjar, the CELL group visted a nature conservancy museum where lost and injured young puffins are rehabilitated. Due to its harsh climate, Iceland is only home to 85 species of birds, the most widespread of which is the iconic puffin!