Blogging from A to Z 2026 - A is for Alexander Selkirk and Austvagoya

 

As I travel the world I take many photos that pique my interest. During the year April 2025 to March 2026 our travels included visits to many islands large and small. My theme for 2026 Island Hopping will give precedence to Islands visited in the past year but for those difficult letters like X and Z I will dig into my photo archives for content.

Our Silversea cruise had promised a visit to Alexander Selkirk Island, but due to adverse conditions for landing that visit turned into a sail by, zodiac ride or kayak adventure. Selkirk is the chap on whom Daniel Defoe based his famous adventure story Robinson Crusoe.

Locals coming over to check us out?

"Alejandro Selkirk Island (Spanish: Isla Alejandro Selkirk), previously known as Más Afuera (Farther Out (to Sea)), is the largest and most westerly island in the Juan Fernández Archipelago of the Valparaíso Region of Chile. The island was renamed after the marooned sailor Alexander Selkirk despite the fact that Selkirk was marooned on what is now Robinson Crusoe Island, situated 180 km (100 nmi; 110 mi) to the east." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alejandro_Selkirk_Island.

We were able to get great shots of the coastline and inhabited areas from the ship. 

First sighting of Alexander Selkirk Island

Rugged landscape

Intrepid explorers boarding the tenders

Crew getting the kayaks ready

The settlement on the Island

My husband, who went out in the zodiacs saw rocky coastlines where Juan Fernández fur seals were cavorting in the water.

Unidentified Shipwreck

The Seals surrounded the Zodiacs. 

Liquid refreshment was served to the Zodiac passengers

Up in the Northern Hemisphere we visited "Austvågøya which is the northeasternmost and largest of the larger islands in the Lofoten archipelago in Nordland county, Norway. It is located between the Vestfjorden and the Norwegian Sea." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austv%C3%A5g%C3%B8ya.

We had to use tenders to access the port of Solvaer. The town has good facilities for tourists as it is the starting point for many "Northern Lights" land and sea tours. As none of the ship's included toura appealed to us we opted for a walk that provided us with many opportunities to snap elements of the Island. 

Fiskarkona (The Fisherman's Wife), a 4.5-meter tall bronze sculpture guards the Harbour entrance

A Reminder that Solvaer is in the Arctic Circle

A handsome house in Solvaer

Beware of the Trolls

No culture today - Gallery closed

Another substantial Dwelling

Jetboats and cruisers ready for whale-watching tours

Protection is necessary in cool climates

One of the Modern Hotels

Rudolf's cousin in the Square

Ticket Box in the Square

Tourist Accommodation across the Bay

Seating made from local items

For real Arctic Souvenirs

Drying racks?

Tender Transport back to our Mother Ship

Sailors waiting on the Tender Platform to welcome us home to the ship 

Other A islands we have visited include ABC Islands, Agilka, Antelope, and Antigua