Today, a fabulous bus tour out to Mývatn Lake and surrounding areas. Eight o’clock delayed departure of course (I don’t get to sleep in ever, too many excursions).
The bus took us east over one pass into an endless valley. We had the wonderful
Steini again as our tour guide. Our first stop was at Goðafoss, Gods Waterfall. There are so many stories, definitely can’t keep them all straight. We also saw the two houses of brothers the movie Ram was
based on as we drove by. I’ll have to see the movie someday, you know, when I have time. They offer us so many activities I don’t even have time to chill in front of the TV on the ship.
The falls were lovely. Black sand, lava stones, thundering water and oh yes, freezing wind. Even more lovely, a young man proposed to his honey overlooking the falls. Their whole
party was in the know except her. I had overheard the the parents asking the tour guide the day before where the best place would be. She said yes of course.
The next stop was after we had gone a ways around the lake. The very flat land made for a very wandering lake, a very interesting landscape. I think in terms of unusual landscapes
this is my top location so far. We did a short hike among the unique lava landscape at Dimmuborgir I loved it. Lots of trees, unique rock formations. I also definitely remember why I don’t love large group tours. If Steini said much of interest during the tour I probably missed most of it. What I found to be one of the most interesting arches, I felt people were everywhere. I also discovered it was a landscape in the Game of Thrones, which I don’t watch. Ahhhh... I can’t complain,
I am here in Iceland.
We then went to the Mývatn Naturebath. Another thermal bath, this time not so touristy. After bathing and a lunch there, we made a last stop on the way back at the ‘false craters’ called Skútustaðagígar. Not actual
volcanic craters, but you could easily mistake them for one. Once back in town we had a couple stops in Akureyri for the views and a drive through downtown before returning to the ship.
This night we left port late, at 10:30 pm so Tara and I headed back out to town. It really was not happening at all. We walked up the church for the lovely views. Back on the Main Street
I think the most exciting thing was what looked to be a local book shop/cafe. A cute girl was sitting in the window having a snack next to the children’s books. Quite a few locals were hanging out there.
Back in the ship I went to the lounge with my computer for a bit. Then dinner, where the engaged couple had special decorations and a traditional Icelandic (love?) song sang for
them and we enjoyed the company of an extensively traveled English couple. I’ve had the Icelandic fish specialty the last three nights. Fantastic!!
After dinner, entertainment was a local teen musician, Birkir Blær. He played a mix of his own music and covers of others. He’s going places, fantastic voice, loved the songs he
wrote way better than his covers. And then, goodnight! I got early excursions in the am!!
Red Lights in Akureyri
Goðafoss
Dimmuborgir
"Troll Cave"
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