Faroe Island Day Four : birthdays and more mountains!
Posted on 26th July, 2014
Our fourth day here was also Rob’s 50th birthday and the reason for our holiday so it was, give or take, his choice of how we spent the day. We were both keen to explore the northern islands so then it was a case of seeing where we ended up.
The northernmost settlement of Vidareidi with Malinsfjall behind - Fuji XE1, 18-55mm, 2 stop grad
It took us no time at all to get to Vidoy - the most northerly of the islands and, on reaching Vidareidi, Rob worked out how he wanted to spend his birthday - as yesterday, my response was ‘no way’ (or similar!) but once again I found myself trudging up an impossibly steep mountain in the hot sunshine. I guess I knew it was coming! ;) I tried to ignore my aching knees and hamstrings and focus on the warbling whimbrels and the fabulous views!
the summit of Villingadalsfjall - the Faroes 3rd highest peak (I think) - Fuji XE-1 and 14mm lens
Today’s mountain combined two of my pet hates - patches of scree and false summits! It was incredibly tough going but, as ever, the views at the top made it worthwhile. It was also fun knowing we were the two most northerly people in the Faroes at that moment…
The birthday boy! - Fuji XE-1 and 55-200mm lens
I’d again opted for my lightweight Fuji gear, leaving the tripod behind this time - a good move as I didn’t need it. We spent a bit of time at the top, watching the weather come and go and wandering along some of the sea cliffs. Then time for what I knew would be a very tricky descent with all that loose scree around.
Bordoy and Kunoy - Fuji XE-1 and 18-55mm lens, in cam velvia jpeg
I was happy to negotiate the scree without any falls and finally we made it back down - in time for some atmospheric sea mist spreading its way down the fjords.
Fish and mist, Hvannasund - Fuji XE-1 with 18-55mm lens, in cam velvia jpeg
We drove through the usual mix of sun and cloud as we made our way back to our hotel. Only when we actually arrived in Gjogv did we get the impression the weather was perhaps about to change - a matter of minutes ago it had been largely clear and sunny, now the mist and fog had rolled in. This time it looked here to stay.
A hint of the mountains of Kalsoy (view from outside our room) - Nikon D800e and 70-200 f4 lens
Great timing, given the last two days had been all about getting out into the hills! Some of the strong sunlight had been a little challenging photographically but we felt very lucky to have had such good visibility whilst climbing those mountains.
