Husavik + Myvatn

Saturday was bright and mild, no wind. Perfect conditions for whale watching. 

We had an hour drive to Husavik for our 8:30 tour. We got up early ... But still three hours after sunrise - LOL!

The seas were like glass when we put on our waterproof coveralls. Too hot for all that clothes! We saw white-nosed dolphin, humpback whales and a minke whale. Spectacular!




And puffin!




It was so much fun!

We had a quick lunch of fish and chips with this guy keeping us company:


Next stop Geoseas Thermal Bath. Lovely! 



One thing that cracks us up every time we see it are these blue road signs that I guess are to be helpful. Going 90kph (around 55mph) it is too much to take in!

This one isn't even the most complex we have seen! LOL

Sunday we moved our base to Lake Myvatn. This is in the heart of the Diamond Circle. We have a lot to see in this area!

We started with Godafoss, the highest volume waterfall in Europe. It is beautiful.


We took a little walk near the lake. There was excellent ice cream nearby - best we have had since we arrived. 




Namafjall is an interesting geological area.


Little hot pots and mud pots:


Finally we arrived at our bed and breakfast. It is not the largest room we have ever had...


I tried to hold my arms out like this is in the bathroom but it was not possible (not even close).

Oh well, it has everything thing we need - as long as we keep our suitcases in the car - LOL!

Monday was a packed itinerary! 

After breakfast the first stop was at the store to buy mesh net hats. This is for the swarms of midges that fly all around your face when you are walking around. The area, Myvatn, is actually named after this bugs.


Next came a debate about whether the road Google maps was sending us down was an "F" road. We are not allowed to use such roads. The rental company told us they would know via GPS tracking if we did. The map we bought in Houston shows an F but it is a little dated. To be careful we decided to take the more eastern route which was a sure thing.

The east side of Dettifoss is less crowded and really a bit closer. It was a good choice.


Hafragilsfoss

Asbyrgi Canyon

Hlijodaklettar

This is what forms when lava hits water and cools rapidly. 



Selfoss

Dettifoss from the Westside.

Now time for showers, dinner and the Germany game.

Welp ... This is what the sky looks like here at midnight (after a Germany loss).


We woke to a Toy Story sky this morning. It is absolutely gorgeous!


Today is Tuesday June 30 (how is half the year gone already?!) and our first stop was Grjotagja Cave. This used to be a popular hot pot for locals until recent (the 70s) volcanic activity increased the water temperature to 60° C (140° F) YIKES! 😳 Now it is just a little cave to explore and see the clear (hot) water. 


Next stop is Haverfjall. Haverfjall is a tuff ring, a type of explosive crater formed when erupting lava meets fast flowing groundwater or surface lake water. It is a big crater filled with ash. (Personally I think it has vibes of a giant kitty litter box.)

It is about 100m up to the top and takes about an hour to walk around the rim. Today with the gorgeous weather the views were spectacular!



The litter box itself:


Final stop of the day is Dimmuborgir. This place has lava columns that form as magma heats water creating steam that blows rock and ash up. (or something like that - Google it if you want to learn more).


We had a lighter agenda today which is good, we need a little break.

Wednesday morning, another beautiful day! The breakfast at our B&B is very nice, lots of choices. There are only eight rooms so it is not crowded with people. We have also used the breakfast room to play Carcassone, you have to have a large table. Apparently I cannot win in Iceland. 😡 

The only funny thing about the room is that it is always HOT in there! You would be hot in a t-shirt and shorts, unfortunately that is not appropriate attire for Iceland. The temps have been low 40°- high 50°. 

We headed out to see Viti Crater. This one has water in it.

Next up is Leirhnjukur. Basically a lava field with steam vents, mud pots and the smell of hydrogen sulfide in the air.



Also, the fault line separating Europe and North America geologically.

We took a little 2.9 mile hike. Perfect length and not stressful.

Tomorrow we move to the Egilsstadir area.

Take care,
Sheri and Carsten 



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