July 2014 – (with Gemma) Amazing day. After breakfast we took a hike to the top of Heimaklettur the highest point on Heimaey. This took us above a stupendous seacliff, nearly a thousand feet high, for coastal scenery that was breathtaking. It also took us above Heimaey's famous volcano, Eldfell, and gave us the ideal perch to take in the lava flow from the 1973 eruption that nearly blocked the harbour of Iceland's top fishing port. The route up involves several fixed ladders, some of which were near vertical and wet with a great deal of exposure. After this the hike top was excellent with loads of Puffins curious about our presence. The ridge to the top had some incredible sheer drops. Gemma realised that the magnetic security tag was still in the groin of her new waterproof trousers (we eventually got this off later!) The descent of the ladders was twice as nerve wracking. After a quick break, we ascended via an exhilarating rope/chain route to the summit of Storaklif where the coastal views were astounding. The volcanic scree was excellent to run down. Finally, we climbed to the summit of Eldfell, a volcano, through landscapes I cannot even describe! The summit rock holes were hot, some too hot to place your hand in. As we began our descent, a red light on a strange beacon started to flash. Gemma was worried that the volcano was about to erupt. Classic!