We sail back to Liverpool away from Reykjavik port just after 5 PM and head South West around the Reykjanes Peninsula. It was all quiet then, but since has had huge volcanic activity toward the south near Grindavik. The fissures that erupted are linked to the ones we visited in Thingvellir as Iceland is being pulled apart. Although expected, still traumatic when it happens.
So as we clear the tip of Iceland and say goodbye, it is with some fond memories and a desire to dig a little deeper that I leave Iceland for the open North Atlantic Ocean. We head back in a more westerly path than the one we took to get to Iceland. This takes us into deeper waters of about 8000ft. A moderate storm builds and the sea is quite choppy and some areas of the promenade deck are restricted. So time to see what there is to photograph out here. Lots of birds spend their lives out at sea so plenty of birds to observe.
About half way back, in line with the Hebrides, we will pass Rockall although not close enough to see it. A small rocky islet in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Previously the only time I had heard about Rockall was in the shipping forecast. However, Rockall was in the news at the time as a man named Cam Cameron was attempting to break the record for staying on the small rock, previously 45 days. Given the fact that things were getting stormy I was a little concerned for his welfare. He managed 30 days before calling in the coastguards. Still a very brave effort. We were all rolling in comfort.
After a day at sea, we are treated to some late sun glistening on the North Atlantic waters as the sea builds in the breezy conditions. Even at 9:20 PM the sun is still quite high in the sky.
The next morning the sea is choppy and the wind is blowing freely. With the sun out and the birds keeping their distance it seems watching the waves and photographing the horse tails is the most interesting thing to do out on deck. Of course there are always games going on inside of one sort or another but just too nice a day not to be outside in the fresh breeze.
As we sail south past the Inner Hebrides and shallow waters the sea calms and we can see some of the features in the distance. We pass by Rinns of Islay, Lighthouse with Portnahaven near by, although on separate islands.
Continuing down towards Ireland and the Scottish mainland, we get a good clear view of Rathlin Island that lay north of the County Antrim mainland. It has two lighthouses with the more noticeable Rathlin East Lighthouse. These close-up images were taken with an 800mm lens on a full-frame Canon RP.
Moving closer to Rathlin Island we get the view down the North Channel and its narrowest point between Ireland and Scotland, just 12 miles across. This narrow point being defined as Scotlands Mull of Kintyre to Torr Head in Northern Ireland.
Night closes in and a storm hits County Antrim providing a dramatic finish to the last day.
We arrive back in Liverpool to a beautiful calm and clear morning.
Disembarking is an orderly affair and we are soon ashore with luggage intact and on our way to the carpark. A long drive home but a lot to remember and think over in the months to come. Liverpool is a fine city.
So having come to an end of the Iceland cruise, what did we see of the whales and other Icelandic Flora and fauna? That’s next.
