Reykjavik, Stykkisholmur, and Grundarfjörður (and back)
August 12-20, 2011
Why Iceland? Together Jenna and George have flown over Iceland a total of 28 times. They felt that the time had come to visit Europe's western-most country, home to the world's oldest still-functioning parliament, the most viable proof of the great Atlantic Ridge and plate tectonics in action, and some of the most dramatic, breath-taking landscapes. The trip began in Keflavik, took them to Reykjavik, and Stykkisholmur and Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. They camped the entire time.
George and Jenna arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland. Our campsite is a short walk from the downtown and the inner harbor. Jenna is excited about the mountains in the distance.
George and the Reykjavik skyline as seen from the deck of “The Pearl”, which house the city’s geothermal hot water tanks and the Saga Museum.
A scene from the Saga Museum.
The Inner harbor. Schools of Mackerel, which have been pushed further north due to global warming, were swimming throughout the harbor during our time in Reykjavik.
Jenna and the Solfar Suncraft Sculpture by Jon Gunnar Arnason
Completed in 1974, Hallgrimskirkja, is meant to resemble the basaltic lava columns found throughout Iceland.
Leifur Eiriksson, discoverer of America, proudly stands facing the surf and, further west, Vinland. A gift from the United States.
George standing in front of the Alþingi, Iceland’s national parliament, which is the longest functioning parliament in the world.
Reykjavik Bike Tours (www.icelandbike.com) with Stefan! Great tour of the Reykjavik coast and some stories about Iceland.
The weather started to turn against George and Jenna as they started their bike tour. Hats, gloves, and winter jackets are customary in Iceland even in August (at least with the tourists).
Off Roman (Roamin’)! Notice George's pant leg rolled up like the hipsters (bikers) do in Minneapolis.
George at the campsite in Stykkisholmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The campsite was rated 5 stars! George and Jenna set up in the morning in an almost-empty valley to try and escape the wind. The thermal baths are just over the hill (think Blue Lagoon, but with locals).
The view from George and Jenna's tent at the Stykkisholmur campground. The reader might think the Icelanders the luckiest people on earth, but they tell George and Jenna this view is customary with all campsites. Point Beach eat your heart out.
George enjoying Skyr, an Icelandic yogurt-like dessert.
Downtown Stykkisholmur
Súgandisey protecting the Stykkisholmur harbor
Jenna atop Súgandisey. Following the collapse of their bullish economy in 2008, the wind seems to be the only constant in Iceland.
The Volcano Museum in Stykkisholmur. Jenny is might not care about the rocks that she got (she is still Jenny from the block), but Iceland, on the other hand, sure is concerned. We learn all about Icelandic geology, history, politics, and economics from the curator.
George in front of Kirkjufell during a day trip to Grundarfjörður. The Heritage Center in the center of town (also a coffee shop and tourist information) is well worth the visit.
Leaving the harbor at Stykkisholmur on a boat tour of the islands in the Borgarfjörður bay.
Close to 3,000 islands dot the bay. This only accounts for the ones with some sort of vegetation (something of a rarity in Iceland) covering their basaltic lava .
Fresh-caught seafood during the boat tour. The only way to eat seafood is fresh from the bay!
Keeping cool in the Arctic breeze.
Helgafell, of Laxdaela saga fame, was a short walk (and then climb) from our campsite.
George trods in the footsteps of wish-seekers (and stands where many have surely posed for this same photo)!
Thanks for a great trip, Iceland!
No comments:
Post a Comment