Iceland Day #8

I have noticed that the Olis, the corner gas station found in every town, has a gathering spot for locals to come drink coffee and chit chat. It’s the Herschel’s of Iceland. I find it so wholesome. In many ways all of Iceland has this small town vibe that seems unbothered by the outside world.

We drove four hours south to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which is nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature” because you can find just about every geological feature in this small contained area. It rained on us again, but we drove through gorgeous farmland. My goal today was to see seals, puffins, and hike a trail in the national park. 

✅ Seals 

✅ Hiked a trail

We walked along a very unstable rocky shoreline at Ytri Tunga Beach to see the seals. You know the meme that says to test your age you should fall in public. If others laugh, you are young. If others rush to your aid, you are old. I slipped on a wet rock covered in moss and fell down. “Let me help you up,” was the first thing I heard followed by, “You must be very careful. This is dangerous.” No laughter was heard. That settles that.

We had to get the obligatory Bjanararfoss picture, but nobody was interested in walking to the base. Remember what I said about falling water? Yeah, that.

We found a picturesque church on the coast. 

We visited the fishing village, Arnarstapi, for the sole purpose of finding a public bathroom. Keagan says if he ruled the world bathrooms would be open to anyone (not just guests) and you’d never be expected to pay. 

Our Air B&B is adjacent to what appears to be a legit art gallery, but this is the view from my room. 

We are staying the night with a handful of tourists in the fishing village Hellissandur that has been in operation since the 9th century.

👎🏻 Puffins 

Time’s running out to see a puffin up close. I’ve seen them from afar on the water, but I was hoping to see one land at my feet. I still have tomorrow…