Isaac Sharp and Asbjorn Kloster in the Faroe Islands (April – June 1862)

Journal of Isaac Sharp - May 19, 1862

Kunoy

Taking leave of our kind friends, we left Klaksvig (Klaksvik) about nine. Soon after starting, the wind began to blow, and it was very wild and stormy before we reached Kunoe (Kunoy), the place of our destination. Sixteen men of this little hamlet are out fishing, but expected to return this afternoon. At an humble dwelling of one of the inhabitants we were kindly cared for. After a time, the first boat landed in safety; but, as hour after hour passed by, no small anxiety was felt for the other, as the storm had been heavy in the night. It was touchingly interesting to see the poor women come to the edge of the cliff to catch the first glimpse of the homeward bound. Our hostess, a widow, told us, with tears, of the loss of one of her sons.

At length, about five, after nine hours of hard rowing, the wind being contrary, the boat got back in safety. Now were seen the women with hasty steps descending the rocks, with milk and other needful supplies to refresh the weary ones on landing. At a quarter to seven in the evening, about sixty-eight persons assembled in the neat little kirk, built near the edge of a precipice, at the foot of which the waves were lashing. It was a comfort to believe we had not met in vain. The people appeared grateful for the visit, and peace was mercifully permitted us in the retrospect. Here we rested for the night, the poor men being too weary to leave home again without rest. The neighbouring island of Kalsoe (Kalsoy) is a mountainous range, with a perpendicular face to the sea.