And so a lovely start to Donna's birthday, lovely blue skies and cold crisp air; just as we like it. A great day to get out and about. The day had actually started after midnight last night when we were out on the veranda watching the northern lights over the sea and above us; a great start to Donna's birthday.
The Snaefellsjokull national park comprises the western end of the peninsula, including Snaefellsjokull itself and the surrounding area. We would be heading around the coast of the peninsula and stopping off at a few places along the way.
Our planned first stop off at a stunning yellow lighthouse didn't happen as the gravel road was a little too rough and bumpy, although along the route we came upon Skardsvik Beach where we stopped for a stroll and some photos, it's fairly unique in that it's a golden sand beach and not the black ones that are the norm in Iceland. It was a lovely little serene stop-off to start the day.
About 20 minutes further around the peninsula we came to Saxholl which is the crater remains of a long extinct volcano. This area is scattered with old crater tops but as this is close to the road, it has become a bit of a tourist spot; in fact it has metal steps that 'spirals' you up to the summit. The views from here were stunning, and just seeing all the colours in the old volcanic spoil were amazing.
They say that timing is of the essence, and today we were passing Vatnshellir Cave around 15 minutes before their first tour of the day. And, as we were 'owed' a tour from the booking we made last October but never made it to, down the cave we went. You have to climb down on some ladders through a hole in the snow, then it's metal spiral staircases taking you down into the cave system; it was amazing down there seeing all the different colours and textures in the rock, and listening to the guide explaining how it was all formed. Well worth a visit.
We had also intended to to visit Dritvik which comprises remains of an old fishing port, but instead headed down a track to Londrangar Cliffs to see the rock formations covered in nesting birds, The way the forces of nature have crumpled rock layers down here is a sight to see. In the area there was also a lighthouse and a few other points of interest, so with the walk to the cliffs we covered around 3 miles. This areas is also covered in the Icelandic moss that grows on top of the old lava flows.It really is like being in another world. We also both had a go in a zip-wire that was there; Donna managed to stay on the seat, I did but not without hitting the floor towards the end of the wire...ouch!
After about 90 minutes here we headed to Hellnar for a look around the small village, and also as we hadn't had a meal since breakfast we needed to refuel. The only place open for miles was the Primus Cafe, but our visit will be our last. We had lamb soup each, and I had a black coffee and it cost the equivalent of £30.70 - robbery! Anyway, after recovering from being stunned at the price we spent some time looking around, in particular a visit to the 'singing cave' which is another mesmerising rock formation that forms an aural cave.
We were going to walk from here to Arnarstapi along the 2 mile path through the lave fields, but it was around 5pm so a little late and to be honest we were shattered. So instead, we drove to Arnarstapi and had look around the small fishing village before heading back. And of course the 1hr drive back was splintered with the usual stop-offs to take more photos; I really need to cut down on how many I take.
As a great end to Donna's birthday, not long after we got back to our holiday rental next to the sea Donna shouted me as about 1/2 mile out to sea she had seen a spout of water shoot from the surface, then seconds later we both saw another. Ok we didn't really see what had actually created them, but as this area is famous for whale sightings, we can only assume.....
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