Today I woke early and made my way – on bus and foot – to Nice Travel’s office. There I met our guide and driver, David, and found out my bags were small enough to bring along, and that I could have been picked up at my hotel. But I got to see the quiet morning of Reykjavik, which was peaceful but cold.
After picking up the rest of the tour – we were a full bus of nineteen passengers – we started on the southern portion of Route 1. David doesn’t normally drive tours anymore (he’s the Fleet and Operations Manager), but he does occasionally because he loves it, and it shows. He told us all about the five volcanic systems near Reykjavik, previous eruptions, and how the Icelandic people utilize the geothermal energy for electricity, heat and hot water.
In what felt like no time (probably because I had a short nap) we arrived at Seljalandsfoss, a spectacular waterfall. In addition to viewing it from the front you can walk behind it. The people who braved the icy steps were soaked, and quickly became coated in a sheath of ice, so I decided to save that for a summer trip.
Next was the huge waterfall Skógafoss. After viewing this spectacular curtain, we had lunch at the restaurant. I enjoyed the lamb burger, which was surprisingly the same price as beef.
After lunch we made our way to Reynisfjara black sand beach, while hearing about Katla volcano, a nearby shield volcano predicted to erupt soon.
Next was an overlook of Vik, showcasing the unique formations near Reynisfjara. Then it was quickly onwards to catch sunset over the moss covered lava beds of Eldhraun.
Driving through twilight, we eventually arrived at Hotel Smyrlabjorg. We quickly dropped our bags in our rooms and assembled in the restaurant, where I enjoyed arctic char.
After dinner it was outside for a faint glimpse of the aurora. Tomorrow is an early morning – breakfasted and in the van for 7:30 to go to the ice cave.
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