Dec 2. We had breakfast at 7, right when it opened. Same stuff as the day before. I then went back to the room and took my first shower on this whole trip. I wonder if the Hawaii people took a shower every day? It’s too cold and dry here to do that. I’d have to moisturize like crazy.
We all got on the bus and left at 9. In other words, in the dark.
We set out Merrianne’s carry-on bag in the hall for delivery, but I decided to keep mine with me.
Learned that “Takk” means thanks in Icelandic. “Takk Fyrir” is Thanks to you.
The bus took us on the Golden Circle today. Golden prices, of course, as it’s the most popular route for tourists, and can be completed in 1 day.
Temperature outside was consistent, about 1 ℃. We stopped at Þingvellir (“Thingvellir”) National Park, which lies on the boundary between two tectonic plates, and did 20-minute trail walk. Merrianne pulled a muscle behind her knee. She was not wearing thermals, so could have been a combination of the cold and the stress of pushing herself to walk fast. I was wearing my Extend Mercy hoodie only, and it was cold. Put on hat and gloves later, and even later, my regular jacket. Marcus and Susan were close behind, and had each brought a walking stick, which they lent to Merrianne.
1308 Stopped at Golden Falls. Merrianne tried to see about walking to it, but it was too far.
Had lunch at Geysir Center. “Geysir” is derived from the name of the farm that had hot springs. An Icelandic contribution to the English language. I had a bowl of Icelandic Meat Soup, made with lamb and vegetables. It was a lot like Irish Stew. Good, but a bowl was 2800 KR = about $24. Merrianne shared it, and also ate some of the food she saved from breakfast. I also had one of the Granola bars.
1547 We made it to the Lava Center.
Wi-Fi is available free at all tourist attractions, it seems. And at many stores in town. There’s absolutely no need to use the phone network. And the Bus had good wi-fi, too.
We finally arrived at Hotel Dyrholaey about 1830, long past sunset. Dinner buffet at 1900. Merrianne was still using the walking sticks, but had improved slightly. After dinner, we found that the hotel had a wheelchair, so were able to use that.
2100 got on bus again for 10-min drive to a lookout point to attempt to see aurora again. Full moon, so never dark. Relatively clear sky, then clouds rolled in. There was another Collette tour group there. They gave up once the clouds appeared. The night had warmed to perhaps 6 or even 7 ℃. But there were powerful winds, leading to sandstorms. Many just stayed on the bus, including Merrianne. The whole bus was rocking in the gusts. We gave up and got back about 2230. No auroras.
