So after a lovely nights sleep we woke at 7am. It is Sunday after all. After last night’s meal we were a bit hesitant about breakfast but normal service had  resumed. Hot and cold buffet, teas, coffee and fruit juice, different breads, jams, fruit, chocolate cake and the most delicious blueberry sykr yoghurt. The family next to us obviously were new to buffet breakfast as they pilled their plates high and left half. One of them also had a bowl of milk with loads of chocolate digestives floating in it. Each to their own.

After breakfast we set out to Svartifoss. The weather was glorious so we left the waterproofs in the car. A 35 minute walk up a fairly steep hill meant layers of clothing were removed. The bird life in Iceland is minimal. Lots of sea birds, ducks, swans and geese. Today we saw loads of Redwings and Snipes. On route we passed a couple of waterfall’s before reaching Svartifoss.  The waterfall drops into a gully of basalt columns. A beautiful backdrop for the water.

It took less time to walk down the hill going back, then it was back in the car to Svinafellsjokull glacier, part of the massive Vatnajokull ice cap. The road to the car park is only possible with a 4WD. We parked the car and started walking thinking we would not get very close to the glacier. How wrong we were. After a 5 minute walk and up over a small hill we were met with a breathtaking sight. All that separated us from the edge of the glacier was a small lagoon with some small icebergs in. And guess what, no one else there.

A quick pit stop back at the hotel for Michael’s boots and a coffee before heading further along the coast. A very quick stop at Fjallsarlon, another glacier and lagoon with icebergs. You can doing rides around the lagoon during certain times of the year, then it was onto Jokulsarlon and the Diamonds Beach. The beach is fine black sand with icebergs floating past from Jokulsarlon. Sometimes they get beached and look like diamonds.

Just across the bridge is Jokulsarlon the birth place of the icebergs. We sat just watching, with the sun beating down on our faces watching the Eider ducks and seals. You could sit for hours. Very cathartic.

After last night’s meal we decided on a simpler meal tonight. Fish and chips from Nailed it Fish and Chips while watching icebergs floating past. Back to the hotel via the petrol station and a drink and snack at the bar. I was going to have a cocktail but they didn’t have all the ingredients so a glass of wine each and a chicken and bacon sandwich with fries to share. It was delicious. Wish we had known about the bar food last night. Back to the room to try an identity some of the birds we have seen today. On the move again tomorrow.

Today we left Hotel Ork and headed out on the 1 towards Vik. We were were coming up on Skogafoss and decided to have a quick pit stop and a cuppa. To our complete surprise it was practically empty so it would seem mad not to take a couple more photos with no one in the background.

We pressed on to Vik and the Lava show. This is an hour long experience run by a husband and wife. Having witnessed real volcanic explosions they felt everyone should be able to experience it and eventually opened the centre in 2018. You get a wonderful personal explanation of Iceland, her volcanic history and how the people of Vik live along side one of the worlds most dangerous volcanoes who is 104 years over due an eruption. There is then a couple of short videos including one telling the story of the owners great grandfather’s escape from an eruption in 1918.  Finally the main event, molten lava flowing into the room. Amazing. The owner was extremely knowledgeable but explained everything so people understood. After the show we had a private behind the scenes tour. We saw where the lava was melted and the process involved. This was an amazing experience.

After a quick coffee we drove up to Vik church to take some photos then on to Reynisfjara beach, more commonly known as the Black sand beach. As the name suggests it is completely black with towering basalt caves and obelisks rising out of the sea. The beach is very dangerous due to sneaker waves and a steep drop so you are warned not to turn your back on the sea. Again not huge numbers of people about.

We set off to our next hotel which should have taken 2 hours however Iceland had other ideas. We had planned a couple of quick stops but around each corner the landscape just kept getting better and better. We stopped for a quick hot dog, a staple snack in Iceland, before going to Kirkjugolf, a basalt carpet and then moved on to Dwarf Crags Dverghamrar where Trolls live. We also passed the beautiful Foss A Sidu so we had to stop and photograph it.

The rest of the journey we drove in sheer awe at the immense snow capped mountain and glaciers. We arrived at the Fosshotel Glacier at 6pm having left Vik at 2pm. A very imposing hotel with nothing around other than another waterfall. Our initial room was an economy room but was on the lower floor with no view so we upgraded to a standard room, same floor but looking out to the sea. We ate in the hotel restaurant which was nice but very expensive and not our normal type of food. Michael had baked brie with honey and bread and then torched salted cod with potatoes and bechamel sauce. I had a pear, walnut and goat cheese salad then lamb, barley and vegetables. A short walk to the waterfall then back to the room and maybe some northern lights, we’ll keep everything crossed.

Today was our 26th Wedding Anniversary. We should have been in Iceland last year to celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary so better late than never.

After breakfast we were picked up by Arctic Adventures for our snorkelling experience in the Silfra Fissure. This is where the North America and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart from each other by 2cm per year.

It’s about a 50 minute bus ride through the rugged landscape. Our driver Siggi, was very informative, pointing out places of interest, including a waterfall used to execute people. Once on site the staff ensured everyone was given the correct equipment making sure it fitted properly before giving us a safety briefing. They made sure everyone was happy before walking us to the entry point.

The water is from the glacier and the temperature is about 2 degrees Celsius however the dry suit keeps you relatively warm. Once in the fissure you have a 30 minute snorkelling experience in a group of 6. Our instructor was very patient and took plenty of photos. Once we were out of the water we were assisted our of our dry suits and warmed up with hot chocolate. An amazing experience with very experienced friendly staff.

Once back in Reykjavik we had a quick cuppa and a slice of happy marriage cake (a local cake made with rhubarb jam) before going on a search for Icelandic jumpers. Once purchased Michael surprised me by telling me he had arranged for us to have a blessing in the Cathedral. We met with Sigurður Árni Þórðarson one of the three cathedral vicars. We lit candles then went to the alter where we actually ended up renewing our vows. Very emotional.

We decided to splash out for tea and went to Harry’s. I had a set menu of spring rolls to start, lamb tenderloin with baked potato and vegetables then french chocolate cake for dessert. Michael had spring rolls, then chicken with baked potato and vegetables and blueberry cheesecake to finish. Absolutely delicious. A wonderful way to finish our Anniversary and our time in Reykjavik. Tomorrow we head out onto the ring road.

Today was our whale watching trip. A brisk walk along to the harbour to pick up our tickets for Elding whale watching company. We set off at 9am and had staked a spot on the upper deck right at the front. There was a crew member who did a commentary about the company, boat, Iceland and whales. After about 45 minutes we spotted our 1st water spout. We travelled closer and managed to see 4 humpback whales and a minke whale. AWESOME. We also managed to see gannets and puffins.

We eventually moved away form the whale and the boat took part in a coastguard helicopter exercise. A crew member winched onto the boat, then a stretcher, then both winched back on to the helicopter.

Back to port after an amazing 3 hour cruise witnessing these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

We then walked around the harbour to the Grandi foodhall. 7 food booths from all around the world to choose from and food made to order. Michael had a hawaiian pizza and I had Korean chicken tacos.

Following a delicious lunch we booked a trip on Fly Iceland. This is a hang gliding simulator which took you on a 20 minute flight over Iceland. (Just like Sorin if you have been to Disney). Prior to the flight you get 2 short pre shows telling you a little bit about Iceland and the Trolls.

We walked back to the hotel and chiled for a bit before heading out for tea. After much deliberation we settled on Bistro 101. Fish and chips for Michael and I had a chicken platter. Once again the food was delicious.

An early night tonight as we are snorkelling between the North America and European techtonic plates in the morning.

Today was our 1st full day in Reykjavik. Breakfast in the hotel was a bit manic. We had booking for 8 and I think so had the rest of the hotel guests did aswell. We ended up sharing our table with a lovely Indian man and his daughter on holiday from New Jersey. Breakfast offering was cold meats, cheese and salad, beans, bacon, sausages and scrambled eggs, multiple types of bread, fruit and yoghurt, hot and cold drinks.

Once full we set off to meet our Viking guide for a tour around the city. The trip was booked through Trip Advisor and Stefan our guide arrived promptly. He then informed us we were the only guest’s so it would be a private tour. It lasted 2 hours and Stefan told us the history of Iceland including the story of the elves whilst taking us to some of the most important sites in the city. Very knowledgeable and entertaining.Well worth doing if you are visiting Reykjavik.

A coffee and cinnamon roll stop before we headed up to the famous Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral. Stunning both outside and inside. Then we checked out some of the gift shops before heading down to the harbour and The Harp concert hall.

After a fancy meal last night we decided on fish and chips tonight. We chose Reykjavik Street Food 101 and were not disappointed. We even got a free biscuit when we left.

The weather today has been bright blue skies with a bit of a cold breeze. Steps walked 20,000.