Arrived!

Saturday Sept 17
Our day begins with little or no sleep on the plane. It's 2:30am our time, but 6:30am here and Iceland has greeted us with a gray rainy mist and 51 degrees. With luggage, rental car and a little breakfast, we set out for Vikingaheimer or Viking World. What else would Floridians do? We had to see the replica of a Viking longship that had actually sailed from Iceland to North America. With an intriguing presentation on the old Norse gods, we now have melded the series "Vikings" with Iceland. Who would have known there was a creation story involving Odin. Following the ring road to Borgames, we branched toward the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It seems the weather here changes by the instant. We are treated to some dramatic views as the sun slips in and out of the clouds. We both spot an amazing reflection of mountains in a small lake and find a place to pull off this shoulderless road. Even with my iPhone, the shot is dramatic. Just a few miles further, a rainbow appears. Onward we go to Hellnar and our lodging at the Hellnar Hotel. Quickly we check in and head out for the coastal walk to Arnarstapi. The moss covered lava formations take on a life of their own. We see faces and shapes - no wonder spirits, trolls and little people abound here. Again the views are spectacular and the light perfect! As the sun is setting we drive to old Budir church and cemetery. Thirty six hours awake now, we hope that the beer won't cause a face plant into our delicious dinner.