Melrakkasetur - News

Still renovating - and painting

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:35:00 +0000

We have been renovating the old house of Eyrardalur, where the Arctic Fox Centre is located, since last November. When we first opened in June 2010 the house was not yet ready so we had to continue now when there was time. The loft has now been panelled and lined around windows and doors. Now we are painting upstairs and at the café and kitchen downstairs. The Grand Commity room and the exhibition will not be painted but when we clean and refresh, we will add some new things..
We are sorry that we have not managed to open the doors for visitors but we look forward to open again during Easter, with a new program and lovely "new old fashion" café !

In memorian of two sentinels

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:53:00 +0000

Two of our greatest sentinels departed this life late last year, with only one month interval: professor Pall Hersteinsson, (b. 22.3. 1951, d. 13.10. 2011) and Kristjana Guðný Samúelsdóttir, our "Jana Sam" (b. 12.5. 1918, d. 13.11. 2011).

Kristjana came to the centre on the opening summer 2010 and became thrilled - for two reasons. Firstly, she knew the house from the past and was delighted to see how well it had been renovated. Secondly, the idea and the concept of The Arctic Fox Centre pleased her a lot, being an entrepreneur herself, both in heart and practice. She insisted on donating money to the centre and so she did, before she went to sleep that same day. We were grateful to Jana and the "Jana´s Fund" was established. From the beginning, we have deposit all free donations given to the centre into this fund.
After Jana´s departure, her friends and family have donated us through "Jana´s Fund" in her memory. We are grateful for the support and proud in behalf of late Jana, since this was her will. We will use the money from "Jana´s" fund to improve the Arctic Fox Centre and do our best to use the money well.

Pall Hersteinsson was a respected and efficient scientist, both in Iceland and abroad. His studies on the arctic fox, since the early 80´s, have resulted in valuable information on the biology and population dynamics of the species in Iceland and worldwide.

In the memory of Pall Hersteinsson, his colleagues from Northern Norway (e.g. at The Norwegian Polar Institute & The University of Tromso) have donated The Arctic Fox Centre a generous amount. We are largely grateful for this donation and proud to keep up Pall´s name by continuing his work on studying the arctic foxes in Iceland.

The amount from the Norwegian scientist group will serve as an establishment of a new fund in the name of Pall Hersteinsson. We will have this fund open so that everyone can donate into it, in the name of our late mentor. The aim of this fund will be to promote studies on the arctic fox in Iceland and enhance international collaboration in arctic fox research.

For those who want to honour the memory of Páll or Jana, we have the account numbers and further information on the "Support us" page, to the left. Those who want their name to be mentioned or wish to have a donation card sent, please contact us at (melrakki[@]melrakki.is).

With kindest regards and great gratitude

On the behalf of the arctic fox centre

Ester Rut Unnsteinsdóttir, director
tel: +354 862 8219, e-mail: melrakki[@]melrakki.is

Further information:

JANA´S FUND - IBAN: IS58 0154 1525 0394 6609 0710 60 - SWIFT: NBIIISRE

PALL´S MEMORIAN FUND - IBAN: IS96 0154 1520 0526 6609 0710 60 - SWIFT: NBIIISRE

Merry Christmas

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:45:00 +0000

Dear friends
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Thanks for visiting and taking part in our project
We will publish the annual review soon - so you can see it all in text and photos

looking forward to open again after months of reconstructing - it looks great !

See you next year

The Arctic Fox Centre

A great scientist and good friend is gone

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:34:00 +0000

Prof. Pall Hersteinsson, the inventor and guardian of The Arctic Fox Centre, passed away, after short but severe illness, at The University Hospital of Iceland on October 13th.

Pall was a respected and efficient scientist, both in Iceland and abroad. His studies on the arctic fox since the early 80´s have resulted in valuable information on the biology and population dynamics of the species in Iceland and worldwide. Pall´s work was based on long-term hunting statistics and dissections on carcasses from foxhunters in the past 32 years. This collaboration between hunters and a scientist has shown to be extremely important and practical.

In the summer of 1998 a year-long collaboration was established between the Westfjords Natural History institute and Pall Hersteinsson, on behalf of The University of Iceland. The first project was a thorough study on arctic fox behaviour in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, where the arctic fox had been protected by law in 1995. The institutes hired two biology students, Ester Rut Unnsteinsdóttir and Hólmfríður Sigþórsdóttir. Their main job was to monitor two arctic fox dens and record all behavioural activity seen. The pups were "trap trained" so that they would willingly enter traps when they were large enough to carry transmitters for dispersal studies. The next summer, another expedition was conducted to Hornstrandir, this time on the old sailboat Neisti with Captain Guðmundur Jakobsson. That summer was used for visiting all known den sites within Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to see if they were occupied. Jón Oddsson, a former foxhunter of Hornstrandir, was on the boat and explained the locations of the dens, remembering all details and never failed, he was more than 80 years old. After these two summers, several other projects were conducted and friendship was formed between the people involved. Ester Rut kept on working on arctic fox projects in collaboration with both institutes and it was always Pall who was the scientific consultant of the projects. During the summers 2002-2007 an international study was conducted on the arctic foxes in Hornstrandir. This project was a collaboration between Israel (Dr. Eli Geffen), Sweden (Dr. Anders Angerbjorn), Norway (Dr. Eva Fuglei) and Iceland (Dr. Pall Hersteinsson). The major aims of the studies were to estimate the cost of reproduction and the proportionaltime each parent spent rearing pups and bringing food.

In April 2005, Pall was asked to give a presentation at a tourism conference in Isafjordur. The aim was to find new activities and specialities that could enhance increasing tourism in the region. Pall couldn't come and asked Ester Rut, his student, to go instead. At this conference, the idea of The Arctic Fox Centre was first mentioned in public and the people in Westfjords was encouraged to make the arctic fox a characteristic animal of the region, let it become a valuable resource in tourism and build up a research and exhibition centre, focusing on the arctic fox, the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland.

In short, this has now been done with the help and good will of the locals in Súðavík who understand the importance of creating something new and special to gain attention and get more visitors to stop and stay in the area. From the beginning, Pall helped creating the project, gave all his data and some of his old research material and from the beginning served as theoretical consultant of the centre. His contribution was vital for the project and gave it a special value. Former studies on the arctic fox status in the Nature Reserve have continued and others began. Pall leaves a gap in the group that will not be filled up again. His insight and knowledge was amazing and it will be a challenge for the rest of us to continue his important work for over 30 years.

We have lost an outstanding partner, colleague and friend. We send Pall´s wife and family our deepest condolences in these difficult times.

On behalf of The Arctic Fox Centre and the Westfjords Natural History institute, shareholders, staff and board members,

Ester Rut Unnsteinsdóttir and Þorleifur Eiríksson

The Centre during the Winter

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:46:00 +0000

We have open by agreement and if no one is at the house, it is ok to call us at 456-4922 /862-8219 to open for you (if we are here).
More and Less (our arctic foxes) will be here at least into October and it is fun to see them grow winter fur.

There are several events taking place in September, such as lecture about the Grand General Committee (in Icelandic) and the autumn theatre tour by the Comedia theatre (in Icelandic). The house is rented out for meetings and other events and if you want to place an order, please call us or send e-mail to melrakki@melrakki.is.

Thank you for a great summer and hope to see you soon - special thanks to those who decided to donate us and help around with the project.

The International Blueberry Festival - August 26th - 28th

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:19:00 +0000

In Sudavik we will celebrate our first annual Blueberry festival during the weekend 26th to 28th of August.

We start on Friday and you can come to The Arctic Fox Centre ot get a blueberry map from 10-17.
At 20.00 we have concerts with great mucicians in three locations in Sudavik: The Arctic Fox Centre (open until 24), Amma Habby (open until 03) and Jón Indíafari (open until 03). The Blueberry Train will drive you between places if you don´t feel like walking ...

On Saturday (27th) we begin early with mountain climbing (Kofri - 3 shoes), be at the gas station at 9.00. Or you can walk to Valagil (in the bottom of the fjord), an easy route with a lot of berries - bring a bucket..

At 10.00 we start the first and only Blueberry Run (21.1km, 10km and 3km). Register on www.hlaup.is. If you don´t feel like running, be at the Centre and shout and greet the runners on their last meters to the goal (around 12)...

11.00- 16.00. Flea market and handcraft and home made goodies at the Samkomuhús (in front of the harbour)..

13.30. For The first time in Iceland: Blueberry pie eating contest ! at The Arctic Fox Centre. Face painting etc...

14.30. Introducing the "to become Blueberry Association" and the wonder pot at the Arctic Fox Centre.- Filling contest, The largest berry etc.

14.00.-17.00. Games at the football plane - competition in all sort of games.

* 13.00-14.30 Delivering competing dishes to the Samkomuhúsið. The Best Blueberry dish of whatever edible ...

17.30-19.00. Potlock in Raggagarður. Everyone brings their dish of various food and goodies, we share the potlock and enjoy eating all the good food and berries...

The blueberry winners get rewarded.

21.00-22.30. A bonfire at the Beach below the School. We always sing at bonfires..

23.00-03.00. A Country Ball/Dance in Samkomuhúsinu. Entrance fee 2.000,-kr

On Sunday (28th)

10.00-17.00. Blueberry pancakes by Eggert Nielsen, Blueberry waffles, Blueberry muffins and Blueberry pie with Blueberry smoothie at The Arctic Fox Centre. Art Exhibition and market.

Everyone is out in the field, picking berries or playing in Raggagarður.

14.00. An annual Church ceremony in Eyrakirkja Church in Seyðisfjordur (next fjord).

Troubadour Olympics !!

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:27:00 +0000

Melodica acoustic festival The International Troubadour conspirecy proudly announce The international Troubadour Olympics. We will have troubadours from USA, Australia, Italy, Germany, etc. etc.... besides all those who will join in on the way up here.

Those are for example:
Owls of the swamp (AU) www.soundcloud.com/owlsoftheswamp
Torben Stock (ÞÝS) www.soundcloud.com/torbenstock
...Athebustop (IT) www.soundcloud.com/athebustop
Kendy Gable (USA) www.myspace.com/kendygable
Elliot Rayman (USA) www.myspace.com/elliotrayman
Joshua Teicher (AU) www.videodaymusic.com
Phia (AU) www.listentophia.com/
Friday night idols (IS) www.myspace.com/thefridaynightidols
Daníel Jón (IS)

The Olympic team will be at The Arctic Fox Cenre next Friday, August 19th, at 21.00
Entrance fee only 1.000,- (for the traveling costs)

Be there and enjoy great music with us !!

we have fun in August

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:14:00 +0000

In August we will not take it easy rather than in other months - and there will be some music at the Centre !

Next sunday, August 7th we will have Skúli mennski, the very human Trubador Skúli, who has the deapest voice and the most ironic lyrics in the region. Skúli will be accompanied with our good friend Mugison and together they will probably form the most creative duet in the history of this town ...
the concert starts at 20.00 and the entrance fee is only 1.000,- we have filled the cooler with cold beer and white wine, the coffee is also great !!

On Saturday, August 13th we will play as many types of games and cards as possible, we bring some for you to join in and you can also bring your own or whatever - this will be a nice treat for us who love joining others in various table games and playing cards ... we will start at 20.00

The Blueberry festival takes place in Súðavík on the weekend 26. - 28. of August ... more of that later ... further on www.blaberjadagar.com

Arctic fox summer, concerts and pub roaming

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:01:00 +0000

July has been busy at the Arctic Fox Centre - we have finished one week´s monitoring in Hornvik with great volunteers: Edwin, Carla, William, Dotan and Moritz and are soon heading for the next one next week with a new group.

We have been to two daytours with West tours and one 5-day tour with Borea Adventures to see the foxes in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve - running around us, busy feeding young pups who were born late or small this cold spring - but weather has been extremely nice in July, lot´s of food and everything is fine.. next daytour is on Thursday 26.7. with West tours.

Tatjana from Orkney island has done a miracle in our garden, piling up the heavy stones and making a nice flower bed for Icelandic herbs and plants. Aslo a stone bench and seats down by the river, this will last forever and is totally in harmony with our natural surrounding, we want to keep Tatjana.

Moritz has now left us after two months here, helping around as well as working on a nice study on "den geography" where he mapped various den sites in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Hopefully his study will become a basic for a larger study on the den sites in Westfjords, how they are formed and what structures are useful for foxes in a long term perspective, as permanent den sites...

Westfjords Vikings came for a visit but they had been lifting stones in Raggagardur earlier. Altogether they weighted something over 3 tons but the house is strong and well built ... nice vikings :-)

We have had one beautiful concert on our loft, with Svavar Knútur, melodic sweed guitar and soft voice with great stories behind each song and filling the house of nice tones... more of that later if we can fool him out here again :-)

Next weekend we will offer our visitors a music festival in collaboration with Amma Habby - we will have a concert at 21.00 on Saturday 23th. Eggert and Michelle Nielsen with our friend Skundi Litli, will come and play and then around 23 we will move on to Amma Habby and continoue the concert there, singing into the night ... this will be fun

Our little arctic fox pups, More and Less, are growing fast on the good food from Murr - they love visits ...

See you at the centre...

Arctic Fox Centre for one year - celebration, monday 13th

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:19:00 +0000

The Arctic Fox Centre will celebrate it´s one years anniversary on Monday, June 13th from 1 to 5. Amazing how time flies ..

We will have open house from 1-5 and free access to the exhibition. There will be a birthday cake and coffee on the house and Olgerdin will give the yellow summer drink MIX.

Three documentary films will be showed, one German (by Tobias Mennle) and two French (Marie-Helene Baconnet, Ecomedia and Cecile Favier, Ushuaya tv). These films were partly produced in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve with our help.

At five o´clock Eggert og Michelle will join us with acustic music and happy faces.

- Welcome, we look forward seeing you