What a way to start the day after a day feeling rather queasy and sleeping! I woke to perfect weather without a cloud in the sky. The clocks had gone back so getting up at 6 did not seem too difficult and it was definitely worth it - for the spectacular cliffs and first views of Iceland, the weather with its amazingly mild temperatures and the spa pool on the top deck with only two people on the deck instead of the usual dozens.
A heavenly way to get going! Just as i got out of the spa we entered the Seydisfjord which we were followed down by a more local ferry just as the sun lit up the water once again with that wonderful silvery light. Just awesome.
And the rest of the day was equally magical, though I did miss Alan, our great Rabbie's driver and guide, who would have stopped so often and told us more fascinating and funny stories. Unfortunately, tours can never match our Islands of Scotland tour. Certainly the scenery and weather were incredible. I did struggle a little with the passengers, who were nowhere like our wonderful group in Scotland. As I said, hard to match!
Our first stop after over an hour of driving was at an area where puffins usually nest. Sadly they had already flown south it seemed, but nevertheless the scenery was marvelous.
Below a little introduction to the icelandic language.
Our lunch stop was a pretty little village , Bakkagerol , on the east coast of Iceland. The landscape was spectacular and the colours so rich. We had an hour to explore so I took the opportunity to walk back to a beautiful bay we had passed.
I was pleased I had made the effort. It was just brilliant sitting there completely on my own with such views and only the gentle sound of the waves .
We had lunch at the one and only cafe in the area. A delicious meal of fresh soup, followed by a wonderful fish dish with salad. Very simple but very good.
Outside the restaurant were rows and rows of dried fish, mostly heads. They did not look very inviting, but I am sure they have some special recipes !
The road back to the ship was also fantastic. I must be getting braver as I was not at all phased by the talk of rock slides and the narrow road with sheer drops. It did not seem so bad even to me . The guide told us lots of elf and troll tales fron the area. They really seem to believe in them here.
Return to the ship and time to set sail again, once again to the most magical lighting effects.
It is just unbelievable how beautiful and how different the patterns on the water are.
I sat outside on the deck from the time I got back to past sunset. It is just too nice to go inside. I am sure we will have some nights when I will be happy to head to the warmth of the restaurant. Tonight I met a very friendly elderly couple in their late seventies, married 52 years. We chatted for hours. Was great. I love how everyone here asks me if I am Swiss!,😀
The end of a fantastic day.
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