In search of Northern Lights

Jun 15

Rainbows and Waterfalls

This defines much of Iceland experiences. It seemed every where we turned was another waterfall and if the sun was shining an attached rainbow.

Iceland: A remote island that kisses the arctic circle. A place that for the longest time few people we knew thought of as a vacation destination.

In 2011 we began hearing friends talk about their upcoming trips to Iceland. Although it seemed odd, the curiosity was peaked. What does this very remote island have to offer? It isn’t exactly a sunny beach experience and its cold. Yet in October 2013 our 2 week adventure to Iceland was on its way.

The adventure was expensive, filled with all sorts of weather, sun, rain, snow and uncommon topography. A culture unlike many and a great place to explore. Enjoy the photos in no particular order as we ventured from and then back to Reykjavik.

Vintage Thatched roof traditional Icelandic shack — Wilderness stone & wood shacks

A random find on our travels around the *Stykkishólmur* peninsula finding these two possible living spaces. They were in really good shape and the speculation was everything from a camp for hunters to huts for those that herded sheep at the end of the season. Iceland architecture was either primitive or quite modern as in the churches both in *Reykjavik* and *Stykkishólmur* .

In our search for northern lights our desire was to rent a camper truck to spend our nights and explore the island. This sounded like a blast which fits our fly by the seat of our pants type of vacation. Yet with winter beginning in a few weeks, the camper was not available so plan B; travel the ring road. A nearly 825 miles on the route that we chose.

House tucked into the side of the mountain. — Tucked in the cliffside

Watching the sheep cross the road, this little home snuggled itself into the cliff.
All around this country sheep dotted the landscape. Up in the hills, and across the plains these horned fluffy creatures were ever present.

The beauty of Iceland is quite different than most places we had traveled. The country sits atop nearly 130 volcanos. This past year has shown how alive those volcanoes can be.

Because of these volcanoes, hot springs seem to be close by where ever you happen to be. These warm outside baths are like swimming in a hot tub. Although since this is a natural body of water, it also lends itself to REALLY hot spots.

Without a doubt one should be on the list of places to visit. Although the popular Blue Lagoon is conveniently located a short drive from Reykjavik, we opted for a smaller one along our journey near Akureyji. It was off the main road and south of Akureyji. There are many others much smaller than either of these more commercial facilities.

Rainbows, double rainbows all over Iceland — Huge Rainbow

One of more than 40 (we stopped counting) along the perimeter of *Stykkishólmur* .
The day was perfect for following the rainbows from the tip to where the peninsula ended. The ride to the peninsula was to see the mountain where the original film Journey to the Center of the Earth was filmed.

One of the many Fluffy sheep

This little guy didn’t sport the double set of horns, as we heard was traditional, but he sure was ready for winter.

Sun shining on an Icelandic horse. — Icelandic Horse greets us at the fence

Icelandic horses are similar to cows in the U.S. They use them for food. We did not taste it. But these lovely creatures were everywhere and this young man was willing to say hello.
Some traditional Icelandic food includes many exotic foods not eaten in the states; seal, sheep face and *fermented shark*. With food being expensive we opted not to taste some of these imagining still requiring a meal if we didn’t like something. I know where IS OUR SENSE OF ADVENTURE.

Winter mountains

Some of the weather we encountered as well as enjoying its beauty.

Along the way to each “destination” were many interesting things.

Signage for hikes, bridges, waterfalls, light houses and interesting rock formations dotted the route. Most nights we lodged in hostels which offered gatherings with other travelers. A two night stay in Seydisfjordir where the ferries from Norway would dock and return home was a fun place to see art work from the area until taking off the second day through a winter storm.