Monday,

July 11, 2016

No rain today! A reportable event. By the way, in case you were wondering there is no tipping in Iceland which only partially makes up for the jaw dropping prices. There are not many what you might call "restaurants" in the countryside. Most gas stations take the place of fast food joints with hamburgers  and other fast food type items. A piece of grilled fish lying around in a warming tray will set you back about $35.  This is not fine dining. in fact, given that the fish Re jumping into boats around here, the price of fish is outrageous. Literally, highway robbery. 

 Today was spent on Westman Island and what a day it was. We filled up on Icelandic breakfast and headed out for a hike. Having been given directions and a map at the front desk, off we went. Scene 1: looking out our hotel windows we see two hulking volcanoes a stone's throw away. Scene 2: plan a hike to see puffins.  

Scene 3: tell front desk about Scene 2 and get directions to include puffins and volcano all in one. "Do you like hiking?" Front desk asks. "Sure!" I answer.  "Great hike for you" front desk says. He adds, "a little steep". Scene 4: we walk 20 minutes around the harbor to get to the trail head. Scene 5: the hiking crew mutinies. Scene 6: camera scans up from beginning of trail towards the trail above. Camera scans faces of hikers, aghast at site above. Scene 7: ladders up steep mountain. Hikers realize we wouldn't even be hiking the volcano. Scene 8: Everyone wonders what Dad was thinking. Scene 9: alternate hike to other side of island. Scene 10: Puffins!!! Scene 11: Board  boat for tour of cliffs and caves around island with hopes of seeing whales. Scene 12: puffins! caves! no whales. Scene 13: hike back to volcano Eldfell through lava field that buried houses and streets in 1973. Up the black and red lava stone trail to the rim to see the caldera. No steam but evidence of massive explosion. Scene 14: hike down. Scene 15: back on ferry, heading back to main island. Scene 16: try to get into one of the few recommended places to eat between ferry and hotel. Door locked. Scene 17: Lock was broken and they let us in! Scene 18: at hotel. Mix up in room. Finally get in to high tech room with computer, colored LED lights and a shared lounge with people that have no concept that other people don't want to hear them at 1:30 am. Adrian saves the day - calls front desk to complain and it quiets down. In the morning: best Icelandic breakfast of the trip. Scene 19: Sun rising at 3:00 AM.