Not a great start to the day weather wise as we were battered with more sleet and strong winds, but we set off all togged up and with a change of outer wear, but thankfully never needed it. There is a little story though but I will leave that until later.
One walk that we both wanted to do was Helnar to Arnarstapi, a stunning coastal walk of around 2+ miles each way so not too far, but most of that is on a trail through a lava field that is a couple of thousand years old. We had waited until today based on the weather forecast, that said it is hard to rely on forecasts up here as it's just so changeable. But, we stuck to our plan and also expected to have our first meal out of the week, the fish & chip van in Arnarstapi that has great reviews. Alas though, due to the morning weather they had decided not to open, so homemade tuna/mayo sandwiches it would be.
We had a stop on the way to check out the crashing waves and a small building that we had seen that sort of looked like sheep pens, or some sort of pens at least.There was an abandoned building about a 15 minute walk away but as the weather was getting worse we decided to jump back in the car.
However, by around 10:30am we were parked above the bay in Helnar and togged up for our walk, the sun was now shining but who knows what would lie ahead. The walk through the lava field was mind blowing; I mean, to be walking through what would have been flowing lava around a hundred feet deep, so unreal. And as is a feature of the landscape in Iceland, juts of sharp grey rock poking through the green moss. So iconic.
As we approached Arnarstapi we were aghast at the amazing coast, high basalt cliffs, unusual rock formations, greeny blue sea, waves crashing up the face of the cliffs, it was stunning and worth the walk there. But, and a big but, it was when I was trying to get a good view of one feature where the sea enters through an arch low down the cliff then charges up through a hole in the cliff top, that I got soaked. And I really mean soaked, in fact the weight of water was quite scary.
I came away from it completely soaked, but the worst thing was that my camera was dead. I have a weather sealed camera body and lens, but gallons of sea water defeated it. I was distraught. It entertained Donna though, I just wish she had recorded it as I'm sure I would have laughed my socks off seeing it. I suppose though you just get on with it, that is, steal your wife's camera
Ok, Donna kindly told me to use it and I gladly accepted. We had a quick look down at the small harbour before setting off back on the return leg, only stopping for lunch near the famous statue in Arnarstapi. The walk back was a little brisker as we didn't stop for too many photos, and although we had thought about spending some time in Helnar we were both a little tired so decided to head back.
We came back over the snowy hills on the way back to Hellisandur, stopping off for fuel and some groceries, now a relaxing evening ready for the long trip to Reykjavik tomorrow.
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