The Eldfell Eruption, 1973

If I may quote an article from The Atlantic…

on January 23, 1973, a previously-unknown fissure in the Earth beneath the small Icelandic island of Heimaey opened up less than a mile from the town of Vestmannaeyjar, which had a population of about 5,000 at the time. Within a day’s time, almost the entire island was safely evacuated, and geologists began to monitor the eruption. The newly-formed Eldfell volcano erupted for about six months, covering much of Vestmannaeyjar in ash, destroying several hundred homes, and sending lava flows toward the harbor—at one point raising the water temperature to 111° F (44° C). An enormous and largely-successful effort was made to slow and control the lava flow by pumping seawater and spraying the leading edge of the flows. 

This only came to my attention while visiting with two lovely ladies after lighting the fire (again) at the Grimsborgir lounge. They came over to the bar to thank me because they had been a little chilly, then shared their story, and that of the numerous other patrons gathering in the lounge.

From The “everything happens for a reason” file, it turns out there was a severe storm on 22JAN1973 that drove all the fishing vessels into the harbor, frustrating their captains. However, the next day when the fissure opened and the eruption began, the Entire population of the island was able to flee to the harbor and get to Iceland on the fishing vessels!

We happened to be at the Grimsborgir while the “captains” and their spouses celebrated their annual reunion. Unfortunately, only 11 captains attended this year, but hats off to them and those who have moved on, for their life saving efforts.

My lady friend (whose name unfortunately escapes me), is now a tour guide on the Island. Her home was excavated and included as part of the exhibit…she said when they removed the layers of ash, the inside was relatively unaffected, like grocery lists still sitting on the kitchen table. But she, her Captain husband (May he Rest In Peace) and their child made it to safety.

As it turns out, the owner of the Grimsborgir was a classmate with our new friend (3rd grade I think) and they agreed to have their photo taken.

https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2017/01/the-eldfell-eruption-of-1973/514394/

Oh, we fished that day as well, at a small lake where we saw a couple of big browns early, but ended up battling the wind until we simply called calf-rope about 15:00 and sat around the truck out of the wind, telling fish stories and thawing out with some medicinal products. 

First time to ever attempt seven straight days of fishing…it’s a challenge. 

There are micro muscles in the hips, back and shoulders that just get tired from shivering, casting into the wind while standing on a mossy rock in swift-flowing knee deep water, or mending fly line. Our enthusiasm never waned, but eventually there’s a limit…think mine might be 6.75 days now!