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!

Reykjavik views

Had a great sleep last night, about 12 hours. Walked up the hill to Perlan before breakfast, cloudy day with lots of wind! Perlan is in a wooded park with many trails right across from our hotel. Good views from the top.We had a leisurely breakfast buffet at our hotel, including sklar which tasted exactly like yogurt to me!
Apparently their was a power outage overnight, this morning the internet was down, also most of the phone service. We were finally ready to go out about 11:00am, and took the local bus downtown. Our friends hotel was right across from the bus loop. We headed out together along Laugavegur, one of the main shopping streets, and down to Harpa, the beautiful concert hall. Here we got on the Hop on Hop bus. The loop takes about 1 hour, as Reykjavik is not that big! We got a good over-view of the city then went to a bakery for a light lunch. Then back on the bus up to Hallgrimskirkja church, the tower is one of the tallest buildings in Reykjavik, and is a good landmark. It's a Lutheran church, so simple and stark, but lovely lines, and a huge organ! We went up the tower for a panoramic view of the city. On the bus again to Perlan, this time we go in to the coffee shop which also has a great view. (Mom had to have her ice cream fix). By this time the sun has come out, but the wind is as fierce as ever. We were certainly glad to have brought long underwear and windbreakers! We walked down the hill from Perlan to our hotel, and spent a few hours relaxing. Finally decided to take the bus back into town for dinner. Went to a bistro on Laugavegur St for a rich fish soup with whipped cream (not sweetened!) and heavy bread with pesto. I tried a local wheat beer, Solveig. All very good. 10pm by the time we get back to our hotel. Now to get ready for tomorrows tour.

Arrival day

Smooth flight on Icelandair, we even arrived early! Full flight and no food unless you pay. Leg room isn't too bad though. Clear and cool for our 5:30am arrival, with a beautiful sunrise. The airport is very busy, still lots of visitors in September. We caught the bus to the Blue Lagoon, arriving for  their 8:00am opening time.
Because it's just opening, lineup to check suitcases, and lineup to check in. Lots of room once you get inside though. It's an eerie setting in the middle of lava fields, and the steam rising. I'ts often hard to see across the lagoon. We try the silica and the algae facials that are included, I must say it makes your skin feel wonderful! And it's sure a great way to get over jet lag.
The setup is a little confusing though, especially getting from one area to another. After about 3 hours we head in to our Reykjavik Hotel, the Icelandair Natura. It's on the outskirts of town, probably about a 1/2 hour walk. Rooms are nice but simple. There are some quirky art pieces in the lobby. Mom has a rest, and I go for a walk to the center. This afternoon it's clouded up, and there has been some rain. I think we can expect the weather to be very changeable! We go down to the hotel restaurant for dinner, delicious squash soup & bread. I'm definitely ready for an early night.

Packing

It's always more of a challenge packing for a cool climate than a hot one. Sweaters and hiking boots take up a lot of room! It will still all fit in my small suitcase though.

Planning our trip

My mother grew up in a small town in Saskatchewan with many Icelandic people, including her best friend.
Although she has traveled widely, she had never made it to Iceland. We decided that this year was the year to go! I had to plan carefully so the itinerary wasn't too busy for Mom, but allowing me to see as much as possible. We are spending several days in Reykjavik at the beginning and end, with a 4 day tour of the South Coast in the middle. I'll give you our impressions as we go.