Reykjavik to the Westman Islands

Today dawned bright and sunny, but still windy. The hotel was busy this morning, as several tours were departing. Our group is 29 people from many countries, US, Britain, Australia, Hong Kong, Brazil and Canada. Quite a range of ages too.
We drive south from Reykjavik through farms and pastures. Many sheep and Icelandic ponys. Lots of thermal vents steaming up, and greenhouses warmed by thermal power. They even grow bananas! I'ts a very clear day, so we have a great view of Eyjafallajokull in the distance. After about a 2 hour drive we come to Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that comes straight off the cliff. It's one of the few waterfalls that you can walk behind. (if you don't mind getting wet!) It's a very popular spot, and very pretty. From there it was only a few minutes drive to the ferry to get to the Westman Islands, a 35 min ride.  The wind is not as strong here, but there was a bit of swell. I saw either a small whale or a porpoise jumping in the distance. There is a lot of sea life in this area, it's one of the major fishing areas. The harbour entrance to Heimaey Island is impressive with it's narrow entrance and high cliffs. We could see sheep grazing on the steep slopes.  After some free time in the little town, we went up to a wonderful museum about the volcanic eruption here in 1973. It destroyed the town, but the people were evacuated and saved. Since then the town has been rebuilt, and the population is almost back to what it was previously. (It was about 5,000 now it's about 4,000.) In the late afternoon I climbed to the top of the volcano- what a fantastic view!
We are staying at the Hotel Vestmannaeyjar, a very nice hotel with spacious rooms. Mom & I go down the street to Fiskibarren for dinner. Mom had halibut and I had sole in a white sauce - both served with new potates,  very good. Almost 10pm by the time we finish, so no Jacuzzi or sauna for us!(closed) Time to get orginized for an early start tomorrow. We were really lucky with the weather today, so sunny & warm. Tomorrow rain is predicted!