The overnight flight makes for a long day, coffee helps.
Clearly had to stop at duty free and pick up some Icelandic beers.
Had a good breakfast at The Laudrymat Cafe. Everything is pricey in Reykjavik.
Was a little apprehensive when I saw our beast of a van…lol also had to remember how to drive stick, which I found to be beneficial in Iceland as it keeps you engaged. Down shifting on the hills helps too.
Our first stop in Holmavik was a nice spot over looking the bay and village.
Sleeping for 12 hours definitely helps any jet lag. The jury is still out on instant coffee.
The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft was interesting
The trip to the “viking fortress” was our first off road adventure, would definitely get the 4×4. The wind almost knocked me over.
Using a charcoal grill takes some patience.
Whale watching in Husavik, saw 3 different humpback whates, no breaches.
Then the theme of the trip “just pull over when you see something interesting” a quick stop and hike in Vatnajokill national park.
Then a long rainy drive to Arctic henge. which was remarkable. Just wish I had brought a metatron’s cube and blood of a virgin. Cthulhu fhtagn.
Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn
Now on to Dettifoss, scenes from Prometheus where filmed there. However on the long and bumpy ride there we saw the point of interest sign and pulled over to find Hafragilsfoss which was incredible and NO people!
If you need to see a geothermal area/mud pit see one and move on. Gross yet interesting in other planet kind of way.
Searched for Yule lads at Dimmuborgir with no luck.
Day 5: The Ostakar, Caves and failed plans
Great way to start the day off with a hotpot soak at the Ostakar.
For the Game of Thrones fans a quick stop at Grjotagja.
Then a failed attempt to Laugarfell. Iceland thinks guard rails are for sissys. Almost comparable drive to Haleakala in Maui. Sarah did not like the drive down. I would have to say at least 7 switchbacks at a 12% grade.
Found a basically deserted camp site and slept beneath the wall, pics do it no justice.
Day 6: Hengifoss, road side stops, and Hofn
Another good way to start a day with a 5km hike to Hengifoss. Start to take beautiful waterfalls for granted here.
There was a short rest stop near by so we pulled in. Noticed a lighthouse and tried the door. Well, it opened so clearly we went in and up.
Day 7: Hoffell, a large glacier and Vik
Another hike and hotpot morning. Good times.
Lunch on the beach was a nice stop.
Getting close to the tour bus range. So busy compared to the rest of the country. But every tourist thing is like this.
East watch by the sea
Up early to try to beat the crowds to Seljavallalaug aka Seljvavellir pool. Nice hike but gross pool, wear water shoes if you have to go here. Only warmish water. Meh.
Headed to Þingvellir National Park to find the Bloody Gate for you Game of Thrones fans.
Only real interesting thing at Geysir is the ice cream, also Geysir has been broken since an earthquake in 2009.
Odin
Day 9: Hiking, hot springs, and geothermal cooking
All is lost, we are out of coffee and had to buy Nescafe instant which awful. This is a nightmare.
Found a challenging 7km hike to a geothermal river. Once there found a comfortable spot/water temperature and sat down. Was great.
For lunch at Kjot and Kunst where they specializes in geothermic cooking (using the natural ground heat and water to cook the food). Sarah had Icelandic fish stew with Iceland geothermic rye bread. Excellent. Seriously eat here! We bought banana bread!
Finally had some gas station hotdogs…lol…gas station coffee not so good
Can’t believe how much we did. There are probably things I missed. I know there a few place we missed as we didn’t have a 4×4 and didn’t trust the van.
Much like Hawaii, Iceland has a kind of magic to it, every time you turn a corner there is something new and breathtaking.
The silence here is one of my favorite things. The beer is good too.
I love that Sarah is my adventure partner. She is my love.
