Day 2 The bus to Gauksmýri

At 7.30 I took the citybus to Mjódd bus station. I was too early because I wanted to be ahead of rush hour as I had luggage with me. Unfortunately there were 2 bikes and a stroller on the bus and was my suitcase still blocking the way. But there were not much people. After half an hour I was at Mjódd, bought my tickets and had to wait some time.

At nine bus 57 departed for my little more than 3 hour ride to Gauksmýri. The bus is comfortable and has free WIFI on board, but the surroundings it drives through are pure entertainment all by itself. Wether it is mount Esja or the farms on the roadside. After crossing Hvalfjorður by tunnel, the world is mainly new for me. Mountains peak and look dramatic with their black rocky slopes, we pass lavafields rivers and see waterfalls. I was amazed by the little town of Bifrost, where houses were build in and on top of this lavafields. Magnificent Grábrok volcano looks as if it erupted the other day with its outstanding cone of solid black lava sand on which nothing grows. I could not take a photo as I was on the wrong side of the bus, but sure will on my way back next week. This country never fails to mesmorise me.

Lavafields in the area of Bífrost, a bit north of Borgarnes. 0

This might be Grábrók in the distance. But the countryside here is stunning nevertheless!

Endless fields of lava. You like it or you don't.... I think it is the best place on earth :-)

We got higher into the mountains and snow appeared on patches that never see sunlight. A river runs next to the road, revealing some waterfalls. The rocks are beautifull in autumn colors, but Im n the wrong side of the bus, where the sun typically shines less. Next time I will take the same place. If possible because I join in later in the schedule, not in Akureyri.

At Staðarskali we have a break where coffee can be bought. It is chilly here up north. And the smell of countryside manure takes away the crisp clean air Iceland is known for. I stay on the bus, afraid it would continue without me. Because it doesnt stop IN the towns, but at the closest connection to ringroad 1. So basicly in the middle of nowhere. You wouldnt want to wait there for 6 hours...

Not long after we arrive at Gauksmýri. The bus stops in front, and I instantly love this place. Horses around everywhere, nestled between some smaller mountains. The houseowner comes pick me up so I dont have to walk all the way. He is very friendly, the house is amazing. So cozy with Icelandic Horse vaganza every where. Even on the rooms. No problem to feel at home here.

And soon I went to check out the stables and the horses. They have 150 here, and you are allowed to help with taking care of them. They were busy with getting horses from the fields and put them in other places. A big ridinggroup of Ishestar would stay the night here, so they had to get these horses in the paddock they use for having groups of horses overnight where they can easily catch them, and leave again next day.

The group wont arrive before dinner time. So I decided to just relax and wait a bit. Once the group arrived I enjoyed some company, and gave me a chance what it is like to do a multiple day riding tour.

Since it drizzled a bit today it was bad luck for my wish to see northern lights. Tonight a stronger magnetic storm would be on the go, but all of Iceland was covered in clouds. And the forecast doesnt look that promising for better weather. What a pitty... But you can't force nature. It will never let itself be forecasted. So we will see....