Jan Mayen Island is in a triangle between Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland. The entire island is a nature reserve. The Beerenberg Volcano is the most active volcano in the North Atlantic and tops out at 7,470′. We were unable to zodia to the meteorological station but were able to take photos of the volcano as we headed south down the east side of the island. This is what could be seen under the marine layer.
As we headed south, we curved around the island anchored and were able to enjoy the geology and birds of the island.
While we were out on the zodiacs, Larkin was able to catch the Atlantic puffin working his or her way to flying using the webbed feet to paddle and get lift. Both the males and females look the same – colorful heads and feet, short wings, pudgy body and those helpful webbed feet. They had a huge triangular bill and a black collar separates the white belly and face. They remind me of a bumblebee that has to work so hard to stay in flight. However, despite my thought on what they look like, their wicked fast wings can beat up to 400 times a minute and they can fly 50 miles an hour. They spend most of their lives in the ocean water except during breeding season. They can dive up to 300 feet but are usually underwater for 20-30 seconds at a time. Puffins mate for life. Over 60% of the breeding pairs are located on Iceland and we are heading there next! A colony of breeding pairs can sound like a herd of cattle lowing or a small chainsaw.
More puffins here we come…and more geology…and more volcanoes!
THE TRAVELING MARTINI'S 