Hvammstangi to Snaefellsnes

What a glorious day from start to finish, and such a fantastic day to have just as the end of our trip is in sight. Weather forecasts looked grim, so I was somewhat staggered to see some sun streaming through the curtains in the morning. I have got used to it being light all day and night, but sunshine has been rare. Apparently this is the coldest start to summer in one hundred years, but it has been okay the majority of the time apart from our one day of continuous rain.

Leaving Hvammstangi, we had a beautiful view up the fjord as we started on our journey south.

The weather continued to improve at just the right moments, giving us our first view of yet another huge glacier, Langjokull. Another busy day on the Ring Road!

It was a fabulous area, very varied with, at times, snow- capped peaks and glaciers, and at others, gently rolling slopes covered with shrubs or moss, with an occasional waterfall to enjoy, of course! This stop was called Cat's Bridge. The bridge was part of an old road used after the 1930s for horses and carriages. Apparently, pretty dangerous in winter.

Suddenly, we were back into the heart of the volcanic region. The Icelanders have done a magnificent job providing safe and pleasant hikes for tourists, whilst at the same time protecting the fragile landscape from the massive tourist invasion.  The walk up to Grabrok crater was very easy thanks to the small, wide steps winding their way up through the lava flows

to this dramatic and breathtaking view of the crater and the beautiful surrounding hills and valley. Just below, we could see the stone- walled areas used to separate out the sheep after they had been herded up.

Here a better view of the crater and other craters and volcanoes in this protected area. Fabulous place, and such luck with the weather!

We turned off the Ring Road to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. I am so delighted that I decided to add this to our itinerary. I had thought about the Western Fjords region but was put off by the gravel roads and lack of accommodation. It must be a marvelously remote area of Iceland, rather like our fjords, but Snaefellsnes proved to be a truly spectacular part of Iceland, well visited, but perhaps a little less busy in summer. It was certainly the highlight of this latter part of our trip and we were so lucky to see it in sunshine much of the time.

My picnic spot had an awesome view and reminded me a little of the Mackenzie country in NZ. 

Not far along the road, we came to a fantastic wee spot with views to the glaciers on the one side

And on the other, from the road, this absolutely spectacular vista of the mountain ranges we were to pass close by to  en route to Olafsvik.

The road was once again fantastic - it was considered a secondary road on the map, so we were very pleasantly surprised. I got the feeling that Snaefellsjokull National Park was Iceland's little secret, a little bit like our Catlins in NZ. Of course, you have to leave the Ring Road and this immediately puts people who have only a week in Iceland off. 

The peninsula was made a National Park only at the start of this century and has the very beautiful, conical, dormant, 1,445metre volcano at its core. It has been dormant since the third century, so I am pleased it stayed that way! The coastline is rugged and spectacular, with lava flows reaching to the sea. The contrast of colours was breathtakingly beautiful.

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I could not get over how lovely the lava flows were. The moss which covers most of them lights up when the sun shines - and luckily it did for most of the two days there.

There was so much to see and explore. I was so grateful to the lady in a small info centre who circled four ' must- see' areas. They were incredible. The first was Hellnar on the tip of the peninsula.  Here the cliffs are the homes of tens of thousands of gulls, guillemots and others - sadly no puffins. Not only is it fascinating watching the birds gliding around and returning to their nests tucked into the cliffs, but the scenery is so dramatic and so very beautiful.

You can walk for miles along the cliffs on wonderfully constructed walkways. By making good paths, people tend to stick to them rather than trample the fragile plantlife around them. 

I loved the name of this little bay. I cannot put into words how wonderful and fulfilling it was to be there. All I know is that this was a very special day for me and equal to that unforgettable day at the glacial lagoon.

It must be fantastic to go hiking or horseriding in this area. We did not have time to explore more than the coastal routes, but I was more than happy with just these.

This is the pretty little harbour of Amarstapi, a tiny fishing village.

This fabulous rocky arch known as Gatklettur stands out to sea. Wow, it is all so spectacular, almost overwhelming.

The cliffs reminded me of some of the cliffs on the Isle of Skye. In fact, some of this area is very similar, but luckily not yet as crowded.

Pretty wild flowers grow in every nook and cranny and also snuggle into the grassy tussocks.

I started up these steps to a crater, but unfortunately I once again let my fear of heights get the better of me. Trudi made it to the top where there was a spectacular 360 degree view. Never mind, I enjoyed the view from half way up too!

We saw the first rain of the day as we reached Bikers' Paradise guesthouse in Olafsvik. It was a gorgeous place, very cosy and comfortable, with really friendly families staying. We had a delicious meal of fresh fish, cod, and chips in a great restaurant overlooking the little harbour with its colouful fishing boats. The fish was probably the best I have ever had.

What a late night I had. I did not feel at all tired and so sat sorting photos, trying to write my blog, but constantly being distracted by the setting sun.

Midnight! The sun was still trying to set.

A quarter of an hour later this was my view from the lounge. Sensational.

Good night!