Extension-Back to Reykjavik

Dec 14: Sunrise 11:14a - Sunset 3:29p

West Iceland & Langjökull Glacier was the plan but due to weather the ice caves and the special ice truck drive on the Langjökull Glacier was canceled. We are beyond disappointed. That was the main reason we decided to do the extension. However, they have put in place replacements for our enjoyment. 1) Lava Cave, 2) complementary Lunch, 3) museum visit back to Perlan with farewell drink. They cannot control the weather for sure, but it is very disappointing. 

I realized what this is, so I wanted to add it. I "assumed" this was olive oil when I saw it with other condiment-type things at buffets. I even poured a bit on some fresh veggies one day and thought it wasn't very good olive oil! Well, surprise to me, this is Cod Liver Oil!!! It certainly doesn't taste that bad considering what it is. One typically drinks a shot glass of this followed by juice or something else. Gunnur was shocked I didn't think it was awful! I should come home quite healthy! 

There is cute decor at the hotel, fur Christmas tree!

So after breakfast we went on to the Víðgelmir Lava Caves, which was better than I thought it would be. I pictured the lava tunnel we went in when we were in Hawaii. It was more like a limestone cave in structure but different in looks. Quite interesting. 

Walking across the windy lava fields to the cave opening, I marvel at the flowers that persist in growing despite the harsh conditions.

After the Lava Cafe adventure we stopped at the hotel so we could see it in the daylight and take a photo. It was right on the way to our Hraunfossar stop. Hraunfossar are clear falls that stream over a lava field that is just over the lava cave we were in! 

You had the option to walk to other nearby falls and John went on to one of them but I went to the Restaurant Cafe up on the hill. This lovely young woman pictured made all these baked goods herself. Gunnur says this is how it is in the country, family owned businesses where everyone works and makes a living. Even though the sign doesn't say it, the name of it would be Hraunfossar Restaurant Cafe. I told her I would put a good review on TripAdvisor for her and she was happy about that. We couldn't resist buying a couple cookies and a few well priced souvenirs from such a place. I wanted a cupcake but John wouldn't eat it now so I didn't get one! (our next stop is lunch)

Heading back to Borgarnes where we will stop for lunch. It was supposed to take 45 minute to eat and then back to Reykjavik but of course it took longer than planned to be served. The food was very good, they do make great hamburgers in Iceland! Of course, John had the dessert as well. I love the look of the shiny sprinkles they put on almost all desserts.

We skipped the stop at Perlan and bid farewell to our traveling companions, Gunnur, and Jon took those who wanted to go back to the hotel directly. We were going to use our complementary ticket for the Northern Lights cruise tonight... but the tour is canceled as there is no chance to see them. If I knew "then" what I know now, we would have come closer to the Equinox, as there is more chance to see them.

We repacked our suitcases for the trip home, we are pretty well set on that. We went to bed then, even though it was early we were not hungry. I suppose I will wake up in the wee hours again, wide awake! 

For some reason my photos are all over the place but I am posting this anyway!