Iceland Day 8 - Day off

The busyness of our traveling is catching up to us. We had another day off and spent our time relaxing at home. We all got to sleep in and take naps and generally putter. After a late pancake breakfast James and David left to do some shopping in the next town over. They were late coming back because they did a little exploring too. Iceland is a wonderful place to explore.

Icelandic lighthouse

field flowers

While they were gone the kids and I hung around the house. The boys spent a lot of time on the swing, they even did their reading on it! Today was warm and sunny and the view from the front porch is just beautiful. You can see clearly over the plans to the snowy mountains beyond. I sat on the porch writing and watching the kids swing, it was perfect and peaceful.

Our view

David gives the kids a push

One of David's goals for Iceland is to taste some of the local delicacies. So while they were out he bought some Hakarl which is fermented shark that has been buried and dried for about five months. To wash it down he bought an Icelandic liquor called Brennivin, also known as Black Death.

                                                    Christian tries the shark

Only David was brave enough to eat the rotten shark although Christian did taste it. We were all waiting for David to spit it out or at least make a face but he ate it very quietly. Then he and James both had a shot of Black Death. This was more entertaining to watch because they both hated it! David said that it was worse than the shark. So naturally we are bringing some home so that everyone can try it.

                                                David tries rotten shark

                                                                  Shots


David took some time for his stomach to settle while James made a delicious chicken dinner. David said that it was better than the shark which James did not take as a compliment. 

Typical view from an Icelandic road

High river on a mountain plain

After dinner David offered to watch the kids so that James and I could take a drive. We took a road that we'd never been down before and drove off into the mountains. Once again Iceland did not disappoint and we found beautiful views around every corner. We were in the middle of nowhere, there were no houses or farms nearby, but we found a beautiful little waterfall on a small side street.

Little waterfall

James and Bethany

We drove up into the mountains too and came to a large and desolate plain between the peaks. Not even grass grew up here but there was a fast flowing river and the view was wild and beautiful. The sun was setting (a two or three hour process here) as we came down and cast a rosy glow over the land. The birds were very active when we came out of the mountain and were singing and chattering away. 

Lupines by the lake

I love the reflection of this mountain

Still lake

Now the kids are in bed and David, James, and I are going to watch a movie. It might not make for an interesting blog post but this was a wonderful day. I love being able to rest and relax in this beautiful country.

This bird chased us down the road

1:30 am in Iceland