Today has been a long day of driving. Having said that, I might have given you the idea that it was not a pleasant day, but you would be wrong. It was a great day. The scenery by itself is enough to give much inspiration, but we also took the time to explore lava tube caves in the center of the country, where we learned much about the geological history of Iceland.
We also stopped at thermal springs where we had lunch and met a most personable cat and where vegetables can be grown in geothermally heated greenhouses.
Literally, we drove from the southeast of the country to one of the northernmost towns in the country, situated only 30 miles from the Arctic Circle. As expected, the drive provided many changes of scenery. Although the basic concept remains that of a very pastoral setting, the central part is clearly defined by spectacular, timeless lava field, stemming from a powerful eruption that took place about 1100 years ago. It was an eruption that stemmed, not from a volcano, but from fissures within the earth, that essentially saw lava flow for miles and miles in all directions.
View of Langyökull glacier
We then entered a mellow valley that one would probably not associate with Iceland. While it was not exceptionally eye-catching, it provided a pleasant flow. This however was not to last.
Autumn is quite advanced in Iceland
As we ventured further north, the temperature dropped until it hovered around the freezing point. The low-lying mountains were covered with freshly fallen light snow, and the craggy coastline was a sight to behold.
Black sand beach at Saudarkrokur
We arrived at Siglufjörður past sunset. The town is home to 1,100 people. It is a fishing port and it has quite a semi-arctic feel, though still retaining its European charm. We had a late dinner by the small harbor at a place called Torgið, and checked in at our home for the night, an inn called Soffia’s House. I will try to stay awake late, to see if we can spot the Northern Lights. They say that last night they were simply spectacular. I did see them in Reykjavik, but very faintly and they were anything but very active.
Arriving at Siglufjörður
Being here is really exciting to me. Although I had been to this country several times before, I always wanted to venture to its far north, and I finally made it. We are all having a very good time, and it’s great having Eric with us. Ciao everyone. Until tomorrow.
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