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

Journal of Isaac Sharp - May 3, 1862

Midvagur

At this season of the year the people are very busily occupied with their little plots, in preparing the land, planting potatoes, and sowing seed, barley or big (barley is bygg in Faroese) only being grown; the produce in good years is from ten to twelve fold. Sea-weed is much used as manure.

Finding on inquiry last evening, an early hour would best suit the convenience of the people, our plans were arranged accordingly, and at seven this morning from 110 to 120 persons assembled at our lodgings.

Our minds are often under much exercise, for the best welfare of the people among whom, for a little space, we dwell, and not the least for the inhabitants of this place. After the meeting we called for a short time on the minister and his wife, which appeared due, in Christian courtesy; they were quite agreeable, and we were informed he had intended being at the meeting, but was not quite well, and therefore gave it up. In answer to an inquiry made of our captain, we were informed that in the present state of the weather, it would be impossible to land either at Kolter (Koltur) or Hestoe (Hestur), both of which islands we were to pass on our way. The "Sornskriver," or magistrate, who is here on official business from Thorshaven (Torshavn), prefers to remain a day or two, rather than encounter the Waagoe (Vagur) Fiord in the present aspect of the sky. He was at meeting this morning, serious in deportment and respectful afterwards, kindly accompanying us to the water's edge.

We left at ten, and after a tossing among the waves of the North Atlantic, not soon to be forgotten, we were favoured to reach Thorshaven (Torshavn) in safety at half-past two. After taking some refreshment and re-arranging our luggage, we embarked at six in the evening for Tofte (Toftir) in Osteroe (Eysturoy), arriving there after a pleasant sail at half-past seven, the weather having moderated since the morning. We were kindly received and cared for by Ole Michaelson and his wife, who during the day had been busily engaged on their little farm.