“We left Thorshaven at 1 p.m. passing through Hestöe and Westmanshaven
Fiords, and anchored in Westmanshaven in the evening. The scenery in
these fiords is very magnificent, and as we steamed through with a
strong head wind and weather tide, the surface of the water covered
with sea-birds, the lofty hills on either hand rising to the height
of 1500 to 2000 feet, with vast basaltic caverns and columns in the
cliffs, formed a picture not easily forgotten. As I had heard that
Sir Leopold M‘Clintock had already examined this port, I did not deem
it necessary to delay the ship for that purpose. The fiord appears
clean and clear, with deep water close into either shore. I was
informed that there is 70 fathoms water in the middle, a little north
of Welbestad, and the stream in strongest spring tides runs six knots
through the fiord. The rise of water is much influenced by the winds
outside--it has reached ten feet at spring tides, and has been known as
low as four, but the mean rise appears to be from six to eight feet.
Westmanshaven is said to be the best harbour in the islands; it is
completely landlocked, with a bar, probably formed of the débris washed
down from the surrounding hills, and accumulated by the action of the
streams and eddies in the fiord. I fear the current in this fiord would
be disadvantageous.”