HORNSTRANDIR WILD LIFE

Transcription

1 HORNSTRANDIR WILD LIFE Experience the wildlife and history of this fantastic fjord-landscape. Iceland s West Fjords region is one of the country s most remote areas and offers endless outdoor pursuits in its mountains, sheltered fjords and bays. The West Fjords is geologically the oldest part of Iceland around 16 million years old but still very young compared to most parts of the world. AURORA s favourite area in the West Fjords is the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, with its rich history and unspoilt landscapes. The area is virtually inaccessible. There are no roads in the nature reserve the only way to venture there is by boat. Due to its remote location it is very possible to stay there for days without meeting a single soul. Doing so, you will discover the essence of remote Iceland. The fjords are deep and dramatic, marine and aviary life abound, and an abundance of silence and unexplored landscapes about for the curious and adventurous explorer. TRIP PROFILE The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve offers adventure seekers the perfect opportunity to fulfil their dreams. Situated on the NW tip of Iceland, the area has been uninhabited for more than 60 years, and with no roads, boats represent the only way to access the area. On this trip we will use our expedition sailboat AURORA as our mother ship. The ship will allow us to experience new, inspiring adventures every day, while anchoring in a different magical place each night. You will find lush valleys filled with wild flowers, beautiful sandy beaches, deep fjords and towering cliffs. Great hiking and walking routes wind their way between the desolated fjords and bays, with spectacular views from the mountains to the sea. The island of Vigur is a unique place where man and nature have coexisted in balance and harmony and where thousands of birds such as Puffins, Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots come to breed during the short summer. Hesteyri has a rich history and offers opportunities for wonderful hikes to such enchanting places as Aðalvík Bay to the north. From here we will sail along the northern capes to the spectacular landscape of Hornvík Bay. Two of the largest bird- cliffs in Iceland exist here, as well as the world's largest colonies of Guillemots and major populations of Kittiwake, Razorbill and Fulmars. This is also the kingdom of the Arctic Fox and the only place in Iceland where they are fully protected, resulting in them having a fairly relaxed temperament around humans. We re confident the time spent exploring the Hornstrandir will leave you fascinated and inspired.

2 The Expedition sailboat AURORA is our movable backcountry hut and awaits us every day with gourmet meals and warm and comfortable bunks, and friendly conversation. ITINERARY Even though we may not be far from home this is still true exploration and the final itinerary will only be decided upon when we leave Ísafjörður harbour. Below is the most likely itinerary but we will take into account weather and other conditions and always look for the best possible option. Day 1 We start our journey departing from Ísafjörður at 7pm on the expedition sailboat AURORA. Sailing to Seyðisfjörður Fjord which will take 1-2 hours, and we will anchor either at Eyri or Folafótur. Onshore we will take a short walk with the opportunity to observe the many different species of birds found here such as: Puffin, Black Guillemot, Whooper Swan, Eider, Fulmar, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Common Snipe, Common Redshank, Glaucous Gull, Great Black- backed Gull, Arctic Tern, Pied Wagtail, Redwing, Raven, Cormorant, Shag and many others. Day 2 After a short sail, we will arrive at the small island of Vigur and take an excursion ashore. This is a very unique place where man and nature have coexisted in balance and harmony. Here, thousands of seabirds come ashore to breed during the short summer. Vigur is home to large colonies of Eiders, Puffins, Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots. Along with these birds, there are a number of passerine species such as Snow Bunting, Pied Wagtail and Meadow Pipits. With luck, we will catch sight of a White Tailed Eagle or Gyrfalcon. It may also be possible to spot King Eiders. They often pair with common Eider females, producing exquisite looking hybrids. The island also has a cultural and architectural history worth exploring. Here, the only windmill in Iceland can be found, as can the oldest house on the island the recently renovated Viktoría House which was built in 1860, and Vigurbreiður(an eight- person, 200 year old rowboat). We will spend a few hours walking around the island and stop for coffee and freshly baked cakes in the Viktoría house. In the afternoon we will sail towards the Jökulfirðir Fjords (Glacier Fjords). Our passage takes us along the coast of Snæfjallaströnd and around the headland of Bjarnanúpur. We will be able to sail in close proximity to the towering cliffs, which house large Fulmar colonies, and we will also observe ocean birds such as Kittiwake, Arctic Tern and Guillemots. There may be an option to hike across the mountain to Grunnavík Bay to meet up with AURORA. Continuing our journey we will enter Jökulfirðir and sail to the abandoned settlement of Hesteyri, where we will anchor for the night. While the last residents of Hesteyri moved away in the 1950 s, many of them maintain their old residences and use them as summerhouses. We will explore the old village and take a short walk along its exquisite sandy beaches. We will be watchful for Harlequin Ducks, which are both beautiful and engaging to observe. Iceland is their only breeding ground in Europe. We also hope to see Purple Sandpipers, Ringed Plovers, Golden Plovers, Common Snipe, Oystercatcher and Long Tailed Ducks. Given this rich profusion of bird life, we expect to see the Arctic Foxes that inhabit this area.

3 Day 3 We will now be in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, where flora and fauna rule unchallenged and unspoiled. The last permanent residents moved away in 1952, with only summer houses remaining. There are no roads in this area and the only access is by boat. The vegetation is surprisingly lush. Over two meter high Angelica grows down to the coast, and the lowlands and slopes are decorated by spreading patches of Wood Crane s- bill, Fleabanes, Cotton Grass, Lady Smock and a profusion of other wildflowers. In the rocky and sandy areas we also have flowers such as Wild Thyme, Oysterplant, Arctic Poppy, Roseroot, Moss Campion and Thrift. Later in the summer and in the hills, we can find Crowberries (Blackberries) and Blueberries (Bilberries). During the morning we have several options for wonderful walks/hikes. We can walk to the ruins of the old whaling station where Norwegians processed around 12,000 barrels of whale- oil between 1894 and 1915 when the Icelandic government passed a law on the protection of whales in Icelandic waters. Subsequently, Icelandic companies processed herring in the same plant until it was finally shut down around There is also an option of a 5-6 hour hike across the mountain pass to Aðalvík, as well as the option to stay on board AURORA as she continues to sail around the peninsula. Later, we continue our sail along the coast of Grænahlíð, where we may see the remains of wrecks of two British and one Icelandic trawler that ran aground during the fifties and sixties. Our voyage continues around the headland of Ritur and into Aðalvík Bay, where we will anchor at Sæból. Sailing time today will be approximately four hours. En route, we may glimpse Minke Whales, porpoises and dolphins. We may also try some sea angling whilst underway and see if we can catch cod or haddock for dinner. For those who opt for the hike we will walk from Hesteyri to the abandoned farm of Slétta, where stunning vistas over the surrounding bays await us. Continuing upwards and across the mountain pass, we will visit the old church at Staður, which is situated next to a serene lake. In exploring around the old priest residence, we are likely to encounter ankle- deep Birch shrubs, Wood Crane s- Bill and Lady s Mantle. On the lake we may observe such birds as Whooper Swans, Red- Throated Diver and Great Northern Diver. We will continue onwards, rejoining AURORA where she will be anchored off Sæból. Day 4 We will sail from Sæból in Aðalvík Bay towards the headland of Straumnes. Underneath the majestic cliffs we will see remains from the wreck of the coaster Goðafoss that ran aground here in We will continue east and sail past the headland of Kögur and the bays of Fljótavík and Hlöðuvík. Entering the bay of Hornvík, under the vast cliffs of Hælavíkurbjarg, are the world s largest colonies of Common Guillemot and Brünnich Guillemot and also major populations of Kittiwake, Razorbill and Fulmars. We will sail in close proximity to the 300m cliffs towering overhead. Weather and sea- state permitting, we will continue through the narrow pass behind the rock of Súlnastapi. This gives us an opportunity to see thousands of birds up close as they swoop and dive under the boat.

4 In addition to the birds previously mentioned, we may also see Puffins, Ravens, Gyrfalcon and Arctic Skua. More rare are Great Skua and Gannets. We will continue towards the head of the bay and anchor there for the night. Hornvík is a prime location to see Arctic Foxes, and if we are at anchor early, we may go ashore for a short walk. Day 5 We will not sail today. We will focus on the magnificent bird cliffs of Hornbjarg to survey the seabird colonies nesting here. We will walk up and along the length of the cliffs, where we will primarily see in the cliffs Common Guillemot, Brünnich Guillemot, Razorbill, Fulmar and Kittiwake. It is estimated that there are about 1 million breeding pairs of Guillemot in Hornvík and Hælavík. Twice every day huge flocks of Kittiwake gather for a fresh water bath in the river and in a particular lake. This is a very captivating sight and we will try to make time for a short walk into the valley to see this. We may also see Whooper Swans, Ringed Plover, Arctic Skua, Snow Bunting, Purple Sandpipers and Red Necked Phalaropes. Hornvík is home to many Arctic Foxes we will be on the lookout for their dens, where we hope to observe the adult foxes and their cubs. This walk will take approximately 3-5 hours. Day 6 We will depart our anchorage around 9am and head towards Ísafjörður. Depending on the weather and interests of the group, we will have the option of a small detour to the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is 5 nautical miles north of Hornvík Bay at around 66º N. En route we may see Orcas, Minke and Humpback whales as well as porpoises and dolphins. After approximately 7-8 hours of sailing we will conclude our journey in Ísafjörður, arriving around 4pm. WEATHER Iceland is a land of very mixed weather. As they say, if you don t like the weather, wait for ten minutes! Usually the spring and summer brings higher pressure and settled weather but be prepared for everything from dead calm and warm sunny days to cold horizontal rain! TRAVELLING TO ÍSAFJÖRÐUR There are a few airlines with scheduled flights into Iceland. Check their websites for prices and schedules. From the domestic airport in Reykjavík, there are 2-3 daily 40- minute flights to Ísafjörður. You can take the Fly- Bus ( ) between the airports and, depending on flight arrivals and departures, it may be possible to continue onwards to Ísafjörður the same day. Browse Air Iceland ( ) for schedules and special offers. You can also rent a car and drive to Ísafjörður. The drive is 450 km (on paved roads in its entirety), and normally takes approximately six hours.

5 We strongly recommend spending a few extra days visiting the West Fjords near Ísafjörður as well as other parts of Iceland. We are happy to help you plan your trip in more detail. Please arrive in Ísafjörður ahead of our planned sailing time of (7pm) to meet the crew, stow your gear aboard our sailboat and pick up any last minute supplies. Arrival transfers are included from Ísafjörður Airport to the harbour. Let us know in advance your arrival time in Ísafjörður so we can arrange to collect you. FINISHING POINT Ísafjörður Harbour. Transfer to Ísafjörður airport included if leaving on the same day. A cheap Fly- Bus ( )is available for those staying extra days in the area. EXPEDITION SAILBOAT AURORA The sailboat is a 60 foot sloop built by Colvic Craft in the UK in She was designed by David Pedrick for the Clipper Round the World Race and has been raced around the world four times. AURORA s previous owner, Clipper Ventures was founded by the legendary sailor, Sir Robin Knox- Johnston, who in 1969 became the first person to singlehandedly sail around the world non- stop. Sir Robin was in Ísafjörður on the sailboat (then named Antiope Clipper) in the summer of 2005, together with Sir Chris Bonington and other friends, en route to Greenland. Over some chicken curry and beer on- board, we decided to fulfill an old dream and buy the boat! Accommodation is seamanlike simple and utilitarian but the vessel is very sturdy and spacious.there are ten single berths, one of which can be turned into a double. Sleeping bags are required for this expedition. The sailboat has good heaters, hot and cold water, good galley and spacious communal areas, two heads (toilets) and one shower. There is 220V electricity to charge batteries and other electronic devices. The vessel was initially fitted out for 15 crew, but can now accommodate 12 people 2 crew and 10 guests. The boat is equipped according to strict Icelandic regulations in regards to emergency equipment. ACTIVITIES INCLUDED This is a list of included activities on this trip. Airport transfer in Ísafjörður 6 days (5 nights) on a sailboat Sailing instruction Services of guides and crew Guided walks and land excursions Use of wet weather sailing clothing Use of sea kayaks (optional, please enquire) Guided paddling in sea kayaks amongst the fjords All meals for the duration of the trip. Dinner is not served the first day. Alcohol is not included. WILDLIFE IN ICELAND The wildlife is surprisingly rich in the Hornstrandir reserve. There are over 50 birds that breed in the Westfjords, two species of seals are very common and 12 species of whales can be spotted off the

6 coast of North Iceland. Few land mammals can be found in Iceland but the beautiful Arctic Fox can easily be spotted in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve where it is protected. ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSFER AURORA- ARKTIKA can help with arranging accommodation in Reykjavík, please enquire. For accommodation in Ísafjörður, we recommend Gamla Guesthouse ( in the centre of town. Good atmosphere in an old refurbished house. Also Hotel Isafjordur, a modern hotel with all amenities ( Please mention that you re coming on a trip with us in order to receive a 15% discount. COMMUNICATION There is good mobile phone coverage and internet service in Ísafjörður. Mobile coverage is not good where we travel, though most days there is reception on the mountain tops! On board AURORA we have a satellite phone that can be used for urgent calls or s. SEA SICKNESS We only sail short distances during this trip, and sea sickness has not proven to be problematic. Still, it s a good idea to bring medication if you know you are prone to seasickness or you think it will be helpful. BOOKING CONDITIONS AND INSURANCES The AURORA- ARKTIKA s trips/voyages are of an adventurous nature given the relatively remote places throughout Iceland, Greenland and beyond that we travel. AURORA- ARKTIKA makes its best effort to stick to the planned itinerary, but participants should appreciate and acknowledge that the trip/voyage requires considerable flexibility. Further, given the unpredictability of travel in such locations, the captain or AURORA- ARKTIKA cannot be held responsible for incidents, accidents or physical injuries.the company and captain of the vessel reserve the right to adjust the itinerary without notice for reasons beyond their control, such as weather, ice- conditions or other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances. Upon departure, the captain will have the final say on all decisions affecting safety, etc., and this must be accepted by all participants. Sailing and other outdoor activities in the trips can be dangerous and require an average level of fitness and good health. It is the responsibility of all participants to ensure that they obtain proper and detailed medical advice. In case of a medical problem arising during the voyage, either on- board or onshore, which results in medical expenses including but not limited to costs for evacuation with use of aircraft or boat and repatriation the responsibility for payment of these costs belongs solely to the respective participant. We require that the participants ensure that such eventualities are covered by travel insurance. If for any reason an incident is not covered by travel insurance, the responsibility still remains with the participant. Be aware that a normal travel policy may not cover you for some geographical areas that we travel and there may be exclusions for what they describe as "hazardous sports," which may include sailing, climbing, skiing and diving (especially in remote areas). Before arrival, participants must provide the name, address and telephone numbers for emergency contacts who can be reached should it prove necessary.

7 Any personal belongings taken on- board the sailboat by participants are taken entirely at the participants risk. As such, AURORA- ARKTIKA shall not be liable for any loss or damage occurring to them. VISAS No visa is required for trips to Iceland of up to 3 months for most nationalities. Please check with your consulate in advance of your proposed travel date. HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If, in the opinion of our captain or guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, AURORA- ARKTIKA reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self- assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts. PHYSICAL PREPARATION While no specific physical preparation is required for this voyage, to get the most out of the land and sea activities, a better than average fitness level is recommended. We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Walking, jogging, rowing/paddling, or swimming are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy all the activities to the fullest degree. Be prepared for some physical activity. This may be treks of up to 6 hours per day in wild terrain, or sea kayaking in mostly flat water. Still, you don t have to be a serious sailor, mountaineer or sea kayaker to enjoy the trip. As with all trips off the beaten track, you ll enjoy the trip more if you re in reasonably good shape. ISSUES ON YOUR TRIP While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our captain straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS As you travel in a group trip you will be exposed to both the pleasures and as well as the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to cover a range of age groups. We ask that you be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember that you have certain responsibilities to the group. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well this only takes a little effort on your part. Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

8 GROUP LEADER - GUIDE From departure from Ísafjörður until our sailboat docks again in Ísafjörður, you are accompanied by knowledgeable yachtsmen and outdoor adventure specialists. Experienced in sailing, skiing, mountaineering and kayaking, rest assured that you are in very capable hands. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. LAUNDRY There is no laundry service on this expedition, but given the hot water on board, you can wash clothes occasionally, if needed. Laundry service is available in Ísafjörður. SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST Thermal underwear, at least two sets Wool or fleece thermal mid layer Hiking pants. We recommend no cotton clothing as they take too long to dry if wet Thermal jacket (down or synthetic) optional Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket for hiking onshore Wool/fleece hat Two pairs of gloves and one pair of mittens 3 to 4 pairs thick wool/synthetic socks and 2 to 3 pairs thinner socks Casual clothes to wear ashore Boat shoes or slippers with rubber soles for below decks Hiking boots (Vibram sole). Suggest high ankle to offer additional support Sleeping bag (comfortable to +5 C (40 F)...can be rented locally if needs be Soft travel bag (no hard suitcases) Dark sun glasses Sunscreen/aftersun and sun hat Swim suit and towels Ear plugs Small backpack for day hikes. 30L is a good size. Personal medical kit to include personal medication, bandaids, throat lozenges, lip salves, sea- sickness tablets, etc. Don't forget regular medication you may need (e.g. Asthma, bring your inhaler, even if you do not always need it). 1 litre water bottle...and don't forget your camera! FOOD We take great pride in the food we serve on board AURORA and use local produce and ingredients as much as we can. Arctic char, cod, lamb and berries and rhubarb pies for desserts are common. We can cater for vegetarians and guests with dietary restrictions. Please let us know in advance. It s a good idea to take some of your own dietary substitutes if you have a specialist diet. Welcome aboard!