A long drive to Hellnar which is close to the Snaefellsnes National Park.
Temperature 10c but expected to reach 20c.
We drove along a wide glacial valley with small patches of snow. Farmland on both sides. Very green but not much pasture.
On the way the guide told us that the Icelandic word for computer is "fortune teller" Not bad I think.
Temperature 10c but expected to reach 20c.
We drove along a wide glacial valley with small patches of snow. Farmland on both sides. Very green but not much pasture.
On the way the guide told us that the Icelandic word for computer is "fortune teller" Not bad I think.
Our first stop was a restored farm at Glaumbair which had peat walls and turf roof. This form of building evolved from the 13c and the materials were much more efficient than rock (lava)
Lunch was a lovely fishing village Hvammstangi. Had a good fish soup.
Finally arrived about 6pm just as it started to rain. Unfortunately our room was about 50m walk in the rain to a separate building. Nice room when we got there.
Next day was a tour of the Snaefellsnses National park . We stopped at a little fishing village Anarstapi to see terns and a lovely little harbour. A short bus ride took us to a walk down onto the Djupalonssandur beach this had four stones of various sizes where the young men could show off their strength. We didn't walk down but admired the beach (black).
Stopped to look at another waterfall.
Stopped to look at another waterfall.
A very good meal at the hotel
Our final bus day to Reykjavik, longish drive via Deildartunguhver hot springs.
These consisted of a natural outpouring of hot water some of which is collected and piped away to nearby towns for heating for many years. A couple heated green houses sold vegetables.
These consisted of a natural outpouring of hot water some of which is collected and piped away to nearby towns for heating for many years. A couple heated green houses sold vegetables.
Then the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss falls. These were incredible.
The former were falls of water falling from the sides of an existing river valley. These went on for about 600m along the valley walls. Not high but I have never seen anything like it. The Barnafoss was a water fall a 100m or so upstream.
Arrived into Reykjavik in time for quick visit into the Hallgrimskirkja which is a Lutheran Church in the centre of town. It is a very inspiring building.
The entrance to our hotel in Reykjavik was underground that is several steps down (there was stair lift) and the dining room windows looked up from pavement level. Bedroom was on the 4th level (I think) and a view of roofs
We had a full day exploring the golden circle. This is a day trip from Reykjavik named after the route taken to show off the sights to the King of Denmark or perhaps after the Gulllfoss (gold) waterfalls.
First was the Þingvellir National Park which shows off where Iceland is being split apart by the continental plates colliding and also the seat of the Icelandic parliament from 930 to 1798.
Second were the Geysir and Strokkur geysers We and several hundred others hung about to see the Strokkur erupt which it does every 8-9 minutes.
Third was the Gullfoss waterfall, Another magnificent fall a little like Niagara. Again very crowded.
Finally about 6pm we arrived at the Blue Lagoon. Another geothermal spa which had many tourists. I didn't go in but Leith and many from our group did; she got a face mask and free drink for her troubles see photos. It was said that the face mask made you look twenty years younger. She said afterwards that the water had a different feel than the spa we went into a few days before and you didn't have to have the mask or drink.
Got back to the hotel about 9:30pm for a late dinner
Got back to the hotel about 9:30pm for a late dinner
We had a few hours the next day before boarding the Silver Wind a boat managed by the Silver Seas group. It is capacity of only 294 passengers, which is more to our liking.
I spent the time getting the first blog out whereas Leith walked down to their Opera House/Conference centre. More about the ship in the next blog
I spent the time getting the first blog out whereas Leith walked down to their Opera House/Conference centre. More about the ship in the next blog
Oliver Raymond
2019-08-20
Now I know where all of Australia's water has gone! Send some to Gippsland, Icelanders.
Deb Ringe
2019-08-21
Worth suffering the cold for these wonderful experiences. Travel safe xo