Destination: Mykines
My second Excursion Thursday was a little different from the first, in that it took place on a Saturday. Today it wasn’t just me either – the band from The Salvation Army made a trip out to Mykines Island. In the words of the Bradt Guide to the Faroe Islands (I never leave home without it):
Mykines really is something special. Geographically the Faroes’ most westerly outpost, the rugged isle, barely 10km², is certainly the most enigmatic of the 18 Faroe Islands and the one that ranks, time and again, as the absolute favourite among Faroese and visitors alike.
and
Mykines is the most remote of all the Faroe Islands and certainly the most beautiful.
and
It’s Mykines that really steals the show. A must for any visitor to the islands, this remote outpost is quite simply the best of all the Faroes... This is the most verdant of all the islands and, without a doubt, the most enjoyable destination in the entire country.
Not a bad write-up, eh? So I was feeling pretty excited about the opportunity to visit Mykines. Even better, most of the band hadn’t been there either, so we would all be discovering something together. And I feel a certain affinity with the island, as its name is pronounced ‘mitchiness’, and I always think people are talking about me when they mention it.
However, in times of bad weather (not too infrequent on the Faroe Islands), Mykines can also be cut off for days, so no matter how far in advance you plan your trip, there’s always a chance you won’t be able to go anyway. After two weeks of really good weather (not even just by Faroese standards), the weather took a turn for the worse in the days leading up to the trip, so I was a little worried that we wouldn’t get to go at all.
But go we did, and it turned out to be – in all honesty – one of the best days I’ve ever had. And I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves (with the odd extra comment...)
The boat to Mykines - a 45 minute journey on some fairly choppy waters...
The two of us had unfortunately chosen the wettest place to sit on the boat (but unlike practically everyone else, we didn't need the sick boxes :) )
At Mykines - we made it! - and started off with a pretty steep climb up to the village.
The instruments on the lift (but I carried mine myself :D )
Mykines Village
Getting our bearings (which didn't take too long).
And we set off to explore! More to follow...
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