This morning Tara and I departed Húsavík for destination Ásbyrgi Canyon. Today it was a much smaller group, less than 15 and I definitely enjoyed it. All their hikes are not very strenuous. I’ve decided I need to get out and hike more when at home because these are really just a tease before we head back to the buses.
Ásbyrgi Canyon was another location that I think was in Game of Thrones. Can’t say myself as I haven’t seen the show. Lovely views, interesting geology, and warm weather. I enjoyed the ability to chat with our guides on a more personal level.
The drive back we stopped out at an overlook along the cliffs. Far below you could see puffins swimming around. Along the cliff side nests of another bird were nearly level to our spot. Tara asked if we could stop to try to get lamb pictures. They tried, but they were still too far away. At least the pictures I did get were not blurry due to the bus being in motion.
After lunch Mom, Tara and I headed out for some whale watching. And boy, we got sooooo close! First we motored out to Puffin Island for puffins galore. It was nearly really swarms of them.
We then headed out further, getting wind blasted on the way. Our first whale was a rare mixed breed Blue whale and Fin whale. Our guide said she formerly worked on whale research so she actually had some interesting things to say with regards to whales in addition to being able to determine the specific species. Before our second whale sighting we saw a few dolphins popping out of the water. They moved off quickly so we didn’t really get a good view of them.
Our second sighting was a pair of humpbacks. We didn’t get any breaches which my mom was hoping for, but they stuck around for quite a while blowing and diving, then coming back up again. They did quite a bit of grumbling at a dolphin or two that were harassing them as they swam along.
After dinner the cruise threw an Arctic Circle party outside on the deck. They had shots of Icelandic beverages as well as hot chocolate, and they played traditional Icelandic music. From the bridge, via the radio to the deck and into the microphone, the captain counted down to the line crossing like it was New Year’s Eve. Yay! Shots all around and dancing to traditional Icelandic folk music 40’s style. It was quite hilarious if I may say so myself. Most people headed in quickly, we did just cross into the Arctic you know. Some ladies and I, along with some staff danced until the playlist ended before we all headed back inside. That was about as lively as it gets on this ship.
Ásbyrgi Canyon - Dad's Excursion
Drive back to ship
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