The sun was shining this morning but the winds were extremely strong – so strong we could barely stand as we explored the Vik area.
Iceland Southern Shores
Driving to the highest point along the shores we found it very difficult to walk the cliff edge let alone keep the camera steady but the views were definitely worth the effort.
Vik Gates
After being blown about for awhile we headed out enjoy some more waterfalls in the area. It’s really very hard to go anywhere in Iceland without seeing a waterfall somewhere – be it a roadside or in a park that one has to hike into. Skogafoss, a very popular stop for those exploring Iceland was one of those roadside stops. We found the parking lot behind some restaurants and walked the few hundred feet to its base. We are lucky as we have chosen a not so busy season so the crowds are minimal.
Mighty Skogafoss
I patiently waited for that window of opportunity when no one was right at the base directly in my shot to get some photos while at other times I took photos with other tourists in them.
Our final stop before we headed to Reykjavik to find a place to lie our heads is Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall allows one to walk behind it and get completely soaked. At certain times I’m told you can walk behind and not get that wet. I decided against going there as I watched person after person come out dripping from head to toe. Today was not the day to venture there.
Seljalandsfoss
It was very impressive from the front so I spent quite a bit of time photographing it before exploring some smaller waterfalls not too far away from it before we headed to the big city and our final leg of our trip.
Last night we got in later than expected to Blönduós but were able to get in a late night dinner before our host for the evening closed up shop. Our comfy little house, part of the Kiljan Guesthouse, is highly recommended if you travel though that area. Having paid for breakfast at her restaurant the previous evening we indulged in some great food before setingt off towards Akureryi, our home base for the next two nights. But first there were things to see before we made our way there.
To the Left
Mostly we saw many an Icelandic horse as we travelled along the ring road and then up into the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Our first encounter with the iconic horses this morning we stopped to spend some time with them and discovered they don’t like apples. What?! I mean what kind of horse won’t eat an apple. Well, I guess when there are no apple trees growing on the island and the cost for fruits and vegetables are exorbitant you don’t waste them on the livestock. As we got back into the car we prepared ourselves for meeting our first Icelandic troll.
He Rises
Near the north end of the peninsula below the cliffs stands a troll whose attempt to reach land was thwarted when the sun rose and turned him to stone. Hvítserkur stands 15 metres high and is impressive from the first glance. As you get closer its size becomes daunting. Finding the right location for a photo was challenging as everything had potential. I choose this view because of the clouds and how they pointed you into the photo.
On Top of the World
Continuing along the peninsula we came across another colourful lighthouse but our hopes were to see some seals. I think we may have been tad too early in the season as not one was around for us to photograph. But luckily there were more horses to snap some shots of by the road. lol
