Expedition Guide Jon Danielsson has a story worthy of its own film. Born in Iceland, in the Westmann islands, Danielsson was a witness to the volcanic eruption of 63 that gave birth to Surtsey island, and later was also a survivor of the Heimaey eruption which began without warning on the eastern side of Heimaey, in the Westman Islands, on 23 January 1973.

The eruption caused a major crisis for the island and nearly led to its immediate evacuation. Ash fell over most of the island, destroying around 400 homes, and a lava flow threatened to close off the harbour... but the people of Heimaey are resilient, and Jon tells us how they not only survived, but also rebuilt and now thrive together in this beautiful island.  Oh yeah, Jon has witnessed other eruptions too. He calls them "tourist eruptions", and smiles. Thank you, Jon, for sharing your story with us.