Iceland Day 6 - Secret Lagoon

Today was a day of relaxation. We've been doing so much since we arrived that we desperately needed some time off. So today we slept in, did some laundry, cleaned the house, and generally relaxed. James fixed the swing in the front yard and the kids spent most of the day swinging and chasing each other around the house.

James using a rock to hammer

Jon and Christian love the swings

Late in the afternoon James and I took the boys to the local hot spring for a swim. We were a little nervous about it because the one thing Icelanders are firm on is that you have to shower naked before entering a pool and in some places they even have shower monitors who watch you to make sure you are washing off thoroughly. I appreciate the need for a shower before entering the unchlorinated pools but I very much prefer to avoid any public nudity. I worried about it all day but when we arrived I found that there were a bunch of tourists there who were all showering in their bathing suits so I fit right in. Thank goodness for British modesty!

Christian in the hot spring pool

Jon floating in the secret lagoon

Christian gets a ride from Mommy

The secret lagoon is really a very old pool (Iceland's first!) that is fed by hot springs bubbling nearby. The water was wonderfully warm when we entered, about as warm as a hot tub, although there were some warmer spots.The bottom of the pool was just rocks, small ones near the entrance and large slimy rocks at the far end. The water was probably four feet deep although there was a shallow side that Christian called his area. 

James and Christian by the side of the pool

Christian hangs out in his area

The secret lagoon provided free pool noodles and goggles for anyone to use and the kids had a lot of fun with them. Jon was a master at using pool noodles to make himself a chair or bed in the water.

Will and Jon relax in the hot spring

Jon floats in the pool

The pool was covered in steam from the hot springs bubbling just a few feet away. When the water got too hot for us we cooled off with a walk around to see the hot springs and mini geyser. James and I enjoyed the walk but the kids were eager to get back in the warm water. 

Bubbling hot spring

It is hard to tell here but this water was boiling!

After the pool we came home for a nice dinner and a game of Steampunk Munchkin. It was Will's first game and he did really well! 

We've have really been enjoying Iceland but it was nice to take a day off and relax. The secret lagoon was wonderful and I am glad that we braved it and equally glad that other tourists were there. Tomorrow is another busy day though so I am off to bed.

Goodnight!