We crossed the Arctic Circle last night and woke up this morning in Akureyri.

The clouds are hovering low this morning. As we left for a tour, we could see our ship in the bay. Akureyri is set at the end of the Eyjafjordur and enjoys a mild climate. Can you imagine? “Mild” climate just 62 miles from the Arctic Circle. Well, I was surprised to see farms with giant hay bales out in their field. Interesting. I’m guessing hay fields back home (upstate NY) have not been baled yet.

We made our way up and over some rolling hills until we arrived at a glacial river and the famous Godafoss waterfalls. We hiked out a trail until we could see the falls. Reminded me of a shorter version of the horseshoe falls in Niagara. The sound of the mighty flow of water was almost deafening as we got closer. I know you’re going to be disappointed, but I can’t find any lupines for photos today.

We drove through an area that was fairly flat. We could see snow covered mountains in the distance and small lakes that dotted the landscape. We saw many pairs of beautiful, white swans. Then, more thermal power plants. Ah, yes, makes sense because we’re now seeing volcanoes poking out here and there. Some were tall and cone shaped but not that big in diameter. We did see a few that were gigantic and flattened out like they had exploded and blew their tops off. Soon we pulled into an area that was noticeably a different color. The ground was a golden color. Many steam vents that reminded me a bit of Yellowstone, especially when we walked up to a mud pot with that unforgettable smell of sulfur. Gross. Held our breath, took a picture and escaped quickly.

No lupines here. lol.

We saw some trees today. Iceland doesn’t have forests like we are used to. I’m sure volcanic activity has much to do with that. Our guide told us, ‘if you ever get lost in the forest of Iceland, stand up’.

We did learn that both Iceland and Norway believe in folklore of trolls (hidden people). Our guide took us on a short hike (trail at Dimmuborgir) to show us some of the hidden people that were out too long, hit by sunlight and turned to stone. Can you see them??

Stopped for lunch where they had prepared some homemade tomatoe soup, fish and potatoes. We had time to go next door and get some strawberry rhubarb ice cream.

When we came back to town, we noticed that the red lights were shaped like a heart. Our guide told us that during their economic crash in 2008, someone came up with that idea just to make people smile. It was such a hit, they left them as hearts.

We didn’t have time to explore the town itself. We were told they had some really great spas and natural hot springs. Popular for whale watching, hiking, botanical gardens and northern light viewing in the winter.

We boarded our ship and decided to have a casual dinner tonight so we could watch sail away. Bob was very happy with more seafood and I had a fabulous steak.

The sea is very calm tonight. I was hoping for some waves to rock us to sleep. Maybe tomorrow. Sweet dreams ❤️