The Faroes are a group of 18 islands owned by Denmark. The capital is Torshavn and while the Faroes are self governing they do have 2 elected representatives in the Danish government. The islands are barren, hilly, wind blown, with many creeks running down the hill sides. The islands are connected bay series of bridges, tunnels and ferries. The islanders claim to have the only bridge over the Atlantic.

There is so much wind that 2 of the 4 windmills were blown over last year. There are only 2 crops that grow on the islands – potatoes and rhubarb. There are 40,000 people and 80,000 sheep. The sheep wander freely all summer and basically fend for themselves. They are put into the inner fields for winter and are only tended twice a year for shots,separating out the animals for slaughter and tagging the lambs.

We travelled through the beautiful countryside dotted with small villages, around the fiords and mountains. The main industry is fishing and fish farming. Like Iceland there appears to be a strong belief in trolls and homage is paid to their presence in a number of ways. We heard a few tales of the trolls here and in Iceland.

They have their own language, similar to Norse but also speak Danish and learn English in school from an early age. The British were here during WW11 and Denmark has some army and navy personnel here – but no planes or ships.

There is no underground water supply and all drinking water comes from rain of which there is usually plenty. Currently, however, there is a drought – 16 days without rain and the reservoirs are getting low.

Colleen, you wanted to know what happened to your mom. I am attaching a couple of pictures – one of her at happy hour ( note the number of glasses, the drinks are free). The second is of her and Sharon following their initiation into the ” Blue nose Society”.