Today was earmarked to take the ferry across to Grimsey Island. It has stopped raining but the wind is still pretty wild. Its a real nuisance to have to delay the trip as there is no ferry tomorrow but we have been on enough dive boats to know that if the bay is rough, the open sea is going to be horrendous. Apparently the ferry always leaves whatever the weather. Its three hours there and three hours back. We decide to delay!
So what to do now? We decide to follow the scenic route around the coast and see what happens. The scenery is very nice and we can see the ferry making its way through the inlet - its almost at the point of open sea, but not quite. It does look like its quite bouncy down there!
We have reached our first single lane tunnel. traffic (ie us) have to give way to traffic. Its 7.5km long. Fortunately Fiona pre warned us about these last night so its less of a shock than it might have been. It turns out well as the speed limit is 50km and there are plenty of passing places. Its
actually harder when following someone else as there may be others in frontthere is only so much room in each bayenough to house an artic though and really not that much traffic so its fine.
At the end of the first tunnel we arrive at a scenic bay where we learn about a tragic plane crash on the mountainside in 1947. Weather conditions were poor and all twenty five lives were lost although a dangerous rescue operation was put in place.
Ian has spotted a place of interestthe oldest church in Iceland. We stop to look at the traditional turf roofed building. It dates back to the 17th century and was deconsecrated in 1765, though the building we see today is not the original but a in 1953.
Now I feel a on. We are very near to the village of Hofsos which claims to have an amazing infinity swimming pool. The pool lives up to its name and I spend a happy hour swimming lengths in 31 degree water. The pool is empty and its position above the water makes it feel like you are swimming in the seajust a lovely warm
A quick dash from pool to hot tubthe wind is icyand Im relaxing in a 38 degree tub talking to a couple of German tourists.
Meanwhile Ian has checked out the village with little to report and is happily watching a BBC film that was filmed in Iceland. Apparently he recognised many of the places.
Weathers wise, the day has improved greatly and we now have nice sunshine. We drive to Glaumber, an old turf house farm that has been turned into a living museum. Its interesting and a pleasant stop off. The visit includes a 3D experience using one of those head contraption. There are some scenes filmed inside the farmhouse which require spinning on a stool to see the different parts of the building. I particularly enjoyed an outdoor scene which gave us a sleigh ride in the snow!
We are almost back when we have our first near miss on the roadnot our fault I hasten to add! A tourist decided to do a U turn using a side road but didnt bother to stop. Even when Ian sounds the horn they
do not stop! Fortunately there was so Ian managed to swerve around him, as did the car behind! Much swearing followed.
Back at camp we go to the kitchen to cook dinner. Here we meet Florence and Ray. Florence is French and Ray is from Taiwan but they met in America and live there nowalthough they have lived all over. Ray is an epidemiologist and has some interesting insights on covid. They were living in China at the time of the outbreak.
Travelmates near
