January 10

Skogafoss & The Black Sand Beach

Today we were able to sleep in as the bus did not leave until 9:45 am.  And with our adjusted schedule we were heading nearby to see the Skogafoss Waterfall and then to the museum complex there where they had an outdoor portion with homes that were built hundreds of years ago.  As we set out there was a reall cool blue hue to the sky over the glacier, so of course I snapped a couple of photos.

We arrived at the waterfall and it was really cool.  There was a lot of ice so we wore our crampons - we had no idea about these but once we arrived our guide Cinthia was insistent that everyone have them and wear them so we would not fall.   You simply slip them over your shoes and you walk on the ice like it's nothing (well, let's just say you're very secure).  Fortunately for us this morning there was no wind and it was a "balmy" 37 degrees as we admired the waterfall and the ice formations on the cliffs.

First pose with the waterfall

The "cramp-ons"

Closer pose of the waterfall

More "panoramic" pose with the waterfall :)

From there we headed over to the museum.  We first had a narration from the host in the maritime museum and then we were turned loose to explore either inside or outside and to have our lunch.  The lunch was a delicious lamb goulash and a waffle with non-sweetened whip cream and a small scoop of ice cream.  We went outside and saw the earthen houses that were built hundreds of years ago - so small - and then I waded through the snow to try and find the "elf house" that was there.  THOUGHT we saw it, but not so sure.

Left:  The "Christmas Trolls" that bring gifts or an old potatoe / Right:  Old fishing boat

Posing on the bridge

This is specifically for our realtor, Dorthea - we'd like something like this :)

Once we were all on board we headed to the Black Sand Beach.  As we got closer to the beach the rain began to drizzle and then the wind began to pick up.  We saw the formation in the sea, which legend has it that it's a troll turned to stone for trying to steal a boat.  We saw off in the distance the arch in the rocks; and near the "troll" the squared off rock formations that were used in "Game of Thrones" filming.  Bob, Pam, and I braved it .... Kim opted to stay on the bus.  The walk down and on the beach we made the wise decision.  The walk back - the wind really picked up and it was frigid and hard to walk into the wind, BUT it was not on slick ice.  Was glad we did it.

We then went to a shopping area for a brief stop and then back to the hotel.  We had purchased our Christmas ornament to commemorate our Iceland trip and I got my souvenir socks.  Also, you see the "cramp-ons" with the spikes on the bottom pictured here.  Then we went for a brief happy hour before having a demonstration and tasting of the Icelandic delicacy "cured shark" and Icelandic schnapps made from potatoes.  Yes....we tried.  At dinner we were told that we would try again to see the Northern Lights.  And tonight we definitely saw a glow in the sky.  NOT like what you'll see in photos when you google "Northern Lights," but definitely we saw some hint of Northern Lights.

Tomorrow we head off to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon where we SHOULD see some spectacular ice formations!