Iceland 2014 Day 9 ~~ Exploring Reykjanes Peninsula Part 2~~

Today is my last day in Iceland. And I decided to make the best of it. Beautifull weather today for exploring Reykjanes peninsula. I left quite early after I had my breakfast, to drive towards the northwestern point of Reykjanes, a small town named Gardur. It was beautifull calm at the ocean, and I could see Snæfellsnes volcano looming in the distance, capped in white snow. There was no wind and it was low tide, so I took a little walk towards the light house and on the tiny beach which was filled with seaweed and birds finding food. Here I planned my further route to drive, I have no navigation so I need to rely a bit on the maps I have for as far as they are of any use.

Passing by some smaller fisherman towns, the road turned into a gravel road, but of good quality. It lead me through the outskirts, where horses and sheep graze. No lava to be seen, except for some rocks here and there. Its beautifull scenic and I pass by Icelands settlement history with stone walls, ruins and points of interest. Though most are on the south side of the peninsula.

I first planned to see galgar, two cliffs that in Viking time was used to hang people (not very nice thing, it is the second point of excecutions I visit here this time). But it was said to be an impressive place to see. But I could not really find it it seems, or I was confused saying it was on the left (inland) side of the road while I didnt cross water. I took some pictures of old ruins/buildings because I wanted to know what these were (I search them with google maps and find photos which usually give enough clues to find out). Weeks later I discovered this was Galgar... so I did visit it).

Next up it was plan to visit the continental rift where you can stand in nomans land between America and Europe. Also a wonderfull area with trolls and amazing rock formations, hiking trails and some people where flying a drone there to take pictures. I decided to have a selfy session there. In a self declared resting break enjoying this last moments in Iceland. My very own sort of farwell and thank you ritual to Iceland.

At the most southwestern point of Iceland we have the town of Reykjanes. And here the continental rift comes spectacular ashore. It is one of the rare places in the world were the gap between the rifts are visible (the other is Thingvellir). A roadsign to Gunnuhver lead me passed by a geothermal plant, but the road to Reykjanes was a real gravel road with ditches and partly under water. I didnt want to go with my car here, and it was too far to walk. I felt I would not see Gunnuhver too, the sign lead me to this gravel road OR a forbidden road to the geothermal plant. If Gunnuhver was there, it still must be closed for visits after a viewing platform collapsed when a new mud geysir was born 3 weeks ago, causing the area to be closed for time being.

I drove back to continue my way towards Grindavik. I entered the more volcanic area again, steam rose up from the earth, and I saw another sign to Gunnuhver, also a gravel road but better than the other, so in slow speed I decided to just go. It was 1 km they said, it seemed like forever.... I drove slow and carefully feeling some kind of stupid. But if I wanted to see something sometimes you need to take challenges. I arrived and marveled on this wonderfull field of volcanic activity. The new mudgeysir calmed down, but breathed huge plumes of 'sulfur smoke'. I am still not sure if this is the actual Gunnuhver, because I think that one is more in the distance in some sort of crater. In this huge plume of fog, the remains of the collapsed viewing platform remains. It is not possible to get them away as the steam is way too hot to do so. It would be suicide to do.

The earth was wonderfull colored and the earth was damping sulfur wherever you look. The ground is hot at most places, you really shouldnt walk barefoot here, like some stupid people at times try to do. You will loose all the skin you have if you take one step wrong.

After hitting the road again, it is all lava lava and more lava I see. Beautifull formations with ever changing surroundings. In this lava are lots of things to see but I missed some. Its mainly craters from long gone very very very heavy eruptions. The Reykjanes volcano system (as it is not just a volcano, but a rift volcano system) is one of the most powerfull and most feared volcanos of Iceland, yet it is dormant and posses no threat, if it awakes it would cause serious problems for 80% of the Icelandic inhabitants. Lets hope it stays calm for many many many eons. It probably will, its pressure is released more inlands and north, with the shield and strato volcanos, and by the continious release of hot steam in this area.

In Grindavik I buy my lunch and some food for tonight. And I drove on, decided to go back the way I drove yesterday. Then I found another road towards Reykjavik and took that one, and it lead my to Krysuvik. Ahhhh I was so happy I did seem to be able to visit Krysuvik after all!
First up we had Grænavatn, the green lake. Beautifill emerald green, several hiking trails lead into the country side there. I really should keep it in mind for another visit, it is completely lingered with hiking trails here probably worth the effort.

Next to Grænavatn is Séltun, the hotspring area of Krysuvik. And a so needed toilet. In the middle of nowhere, thats how amazing Iceland is.
I was alone aside from one single Chinese person who came here by taxi. If you have a dream you can do this to reach it. He must be rich.... or bored by the regular Chinese tourists who sleep most of the time, only to wake up when something spectacular comes up.
This area was also wonderfull, because it is afoot of 2 mountains meeting, and the hotsprings are therefore with difference in level. Mudpots, waterfalls (tiny), hotsprings. And the noise it made you felt like you were in a bathroom after your bustour got hit with a bowel infection. The sounds and the smells are obvious, the earth endless farting away. The colors were even more outspoken than at Gunnuhver. A wonderfull area this :-)

When I took the road further towards Reykjavik, I drove up next to Kleifervatn, the deepest lake of Iceland. On top of a hill you had to pass between two rock formations, and the road changed to gravel, and instantly dived deep down back to water level. My neckhair rised when I tried to pass, and two ravens came screaming and blocking my way. I parked my car, and the two ravens kept playing around my car, looking to me. Likely they get feed by tourists or people, but I am quite sure they convinced me to turn around. That border from road to gravel is magical... I can feel it. It has to be, the world after those rocks look so different, more dark, more rough then where I came from. That probably caused my hair to rise, not even the fact that it went down very steep into the deep. It didnt feel like a good idea.... so I turned around and drove the same way back that I came from.

It was good to check up on places and sights I missed on the way to here. I ended up at Brimmkettil, which was quite a walk away. I could have drove up by car a bit more, seeing I could not imagine with anything in the world the weather to change from very good to very bad. But I left my car on the roadside, not in the least place for safety concerns. So I walked up, and the lava changed to dunes and the dunes changed to a solid wall of lava bricks, probably basalt boulders, to climb towards the cliffs. Unexpectedly (sort of) a mist of seawater flushed in my face when big waves started to crash on the shore. Maybe it was getting high tide, because I didnt notice them on my walk towards the cliff. But I can tell you, it is a magnificent sight, and even when there is barely any wind and the sea looks calm, still the waves crash with huge force and sprays water high up in the sky.

With my mobility issues I didnt wander off too close to the edge, but reached furthest I could to glimps Brimmkettil. I was quite a walk away from there, but had a good view on this bright blue perfect round nature created lagune. Also known as the trollspool. It is possible to get closer, but like I said, I have not the best mobility in the world, so I played it safe and watched it from here. Endlessly filled up with fresh ocean water. I feel blessed I have this amazing weather here, but sadness also fills my heart. 24 hours and I will be ripped out of the place where I thrive. Back to the insecurity of life in a place I struggle to stay alive. And the sad knowledge that it might be longer than a year away before I am back here.

I walked back to my car, continuing my ride and decided to go for one last sight to see, Hafnarberg. No idea what it is exactly but here you can see a lot of birds and occasionally seals and whales. It is even further walking than Brimmkettil. The path is guided by a lot of stone men, many of which give shelter to tiny birds who flew off in fear when I passed by. Affraid I would destroy their shelter. It was such a long walk that the big stone men in the end didnt seem to come closer at all. And dawn already set in. I was not prepared for this and decided with pain in my heart to go back to my car. So I still have no idea what Hafnarberg is. Of course I could have stayed for an amazing sunset, but you can imagine in places like this there is barely any light, especially not with new Moon, but luckily today would be Full Moon. It would be very tricky to find my way back in complete darkness, and the turn to darkness can go quite quickly here. The Moon is really your guide in the darkness.

On my way back I met some wonderfull horses posing in the sundawn. Unfortunately their patience didnt last long, as their owner came by to check on them, and the turned around and walked away the other direction. I went to Gardur again to finally see the sun dipping the ocean, but a big cloud prevented what I wanted to see. I hoped to see the still visible Snæfellsness being topped in pinkish orange sunlight, but it didnt happen. I waved the sun goodbye, and knew I wouldnt see Iceland by daylight for much too long. I so hate the days I have to leave.


Spending my time, I drove back via the inland road to Keflavik. An amazing gift presented itself in the clear sky. A HUGE full Moon rose over the Blue Mountains. One tiny cloud made it look like a pacman, but I have rarely seen a Full Moon this magnificent, this big. I just had to stop. But of course just now, in the middle of nowhere someone was behind me. I let him pass and stopped in the middle of the road to take a quick photo. The Moon was golden in a pale blue sky and the mountains made it look amazing. This has been a precious gift. I would be so happy if Northern Lights would also make an appearance. But no luck, there was no activity detected. 

And not much later, after I returned to my guesthouse, clouds have taken over the sky. My very last very final attempt was to go drive at 3 in the night, because I had to empty my fuel tank. But no matter what I tried, it didnt want to empty. I wish it was like that one week ago in Myvatn... So I returned my car with half of the fuel still remaining. I never ever will rent this stupid car again. :-( The renting company took me to the airport and then my time had come at last... I again failed to miss the plane. What a shame....

Iceland 2014 Day 9 ~~ Exploring Reykjanes Peninsula Part 1~~

On the 9th day I didnt do a lot due to circumstances. In the previous 8 days I took so many pictures that I didnt have any memory left and I needed to find a new SD card to not be disappointed for too less photos. I didnt take a lot, maybe just 8, photos today. It already felt miserable to me that I couldnt shoot and click unlimited. Also my ipad had problems with its memory, it had 12 of its 16 GB used in some mysterious matter. I had no clue in what as I barely had photo's on it, and deleted almost all of my apps, music and other memory killers. So my spare memory there was gone too.

But where do I find SD cards... I could not find photography stores on internet, I really had no idea, so I decided to go to Reykjavik, to be precise to Smaralind shopping mall to hopefully find a store there. And having to do this I decided also for a short tour back via Blue Lagoon and then go visit the Viking museum in Keflavik. I thought about being smart to see where it is beforehand, but without navigation I could not find it. The first time ever I noticed Iceland was not to clear with road directions to where to go. But I had time, plenty of time with no plans today as the weather forcast was quite windy and much better tomorrow. A day to take it easy and maybe go to Blue Lagoon after all, so I took my bathingsuit & slippers with me. However I was quite sure I wouldnt get there anyway. I just longed for the idea to soak in a hot tub. The one at Skjaldarvik I didnt use with their chlorine infested water. That can only mean some filthy scurfy tourists are prone to use it without cleaning themselves before hand. My first visit to Iceland was to Blue Lagoon and it was shocking to instantly in my first hour be confronted with the bathing rules of Iceland. But it was also life changing for me, because how completely different I look now to swimming pools, and how aware am I for all those people here that on a soarching hot day jump in with all their sweat, dirt and goodness knows what else still attached. No wonder a toxic chlorine cloud is always to be found on our swimmingpools. That terrible smell that lingers around you for days, a nose that hurts when you step outside and inhale fresh air. I am still not very much friends with the Icelandic swimming pool rules but for a clean swimm you have to 'suffer'. Well I do.

At the end of the morning I arrive in Smaralind, to find most shops still closed. What a bummer, but they had a wonderfull wool and handcraft store looking at me like a walhalla. But I wouldnt be me if something screwed the fun. I forgot my creditcard. At least I thought. And I only had about 6000 kronar with me. Oh nightmarish.... that should happen to me :-( So I skipped this store, searched for something that could buy a SD card. I ended up at Hagkaup. They had SD cards, but not the fast speed I looked for. Anything better than nothing, I bought one and put it in my pocket camera, moving some of my better high quality photo's to that card making some free space on my HD SD 400x card. And I bought a lot of wool, knitting needles until I had no more money. I tried using my other bank card but it was not activated for international use. How nice.... :-( But I had my card and wool and needles and some lunch, so I moved on to take a ride to somewhere. In my mind I had to go to Thingvellir, but no navigation.... I found my way to the ringroad (actually I landed on it before I knew it, the only chaos driving without navigation is in greater Reykjavik, outside the cities it is really not necesary to have navigation (but still easier). And instead of going to north, I ended up going south. Whatever Iceland wants me to do... then I go to Hveragerði on the south coast. At least I still wanted to see the area around Þorlákshöfn as it looked so beautifull in the mists when I returned from Thorsmork in 2012. 

As I said it was quite windy today, I followed my way over Hellisheiði where the road crosses the Hengil volcano ridge. It can be spooky there when stormy, but before I could really cross this ridge, the road lead me away to Þorlákshöf. I dont know if it was a smart idea, here it was also spooky, and I was driving alone but saw no way back. I just continued, a car with horse trailer passed me so I thought it was ok to continue. It was a beautifull area, with what I call 'muffin lava' because the formed lava looked like freshly baked muffins with a ridge in their top. In Þorlákshöfn I did some shopping for lunch again. Because my guesthouse has a kitchen I could go for a warm dinner and bought some deep frozen thai food. And my beloved cheese sandwich. The town itself didnt have much to offer, it is situated on a flat land next to the ocean. Windy and well at this point not for me to stay longer. I continued my way along the coast line towards Grindavik. Here winds had free play and not far away I see the coast changing from flat to the fjord like mountains. From this distance it looked like the road was on sealevel, and that looked like my worst nightmare, with this winds driving on such mountainpass like road. I felt like I sealed my fate right here. I thought Hvalfjordur was a nightmare, but this seems to top it. But I survived Hvalfjordur. So on I go, and when I reach this doom road, it was by far not what I expected. Instead a cozy road through yet another lavafield nothing to worry about, but awe and amaze of how beautifull it is and how blessed I feel to be here. Wind or no wind. 

I pass by the road to Krysuvik, it was an F road which made me sad, this toy car cannot and should not take F roads. And even if I had a 4x4 I wouldnt do it. So I had to let go my wish to see Krysuvik and Seltún. Luckily this area has so much beauty to explore tomorrow. Not today because it is too windy to go out (flying stones!) and I proceed my way to Grindavik, Blue Lagoon. It is too late for the Viking museum, and put it on the maybe list for tomorrow. So I drive to Blue Lagoon, not to go bath, but to take pictures outside. They have a park with also the blue waters, ice cold here so no you cant go bath for free. But you dont see that on pictures. Sadly there was a wedding photo shoot going on, and I could not really get to the best spots :-(  Lucky for them, but not for me. 

And then it was almost 18.00 and time for me to go to the guesthouse to have something to eat. Maybe weather would be ok to see northern lights tonight, but clouds appeared. And like it has been all days, I didnt really feel like going out to hunt them. I hunted them here in my own place, moving from one room to another, because my room might be the most beautifull, but it had no good looking out windows to spot the lights. And the neighbours hot tub was widely used and had a huge bright light spoiling any chance to take try out pictures to see if the lights are active. 

I prepared for tomorrow, a feeling of sadness because I have to leave beautifull Iceland so soon. It was my longest stay so far, and it felt like I have been here for ages. But the creepy feeling this might be my last visit for a while makes my heart bleed. Still I will make this promise tomorrow. I always will until that day comes I dont have to leave again. 

Iceland 2014 Day 8 ~~~ Off to Reykjanes Peninsula! ~~~

Today it was my last day at Gauksmyri. After having breakfast with my friends here and having said farewell, it was time to move on, back to the southwest.

I was happy the weather was absolutely amazing. I first drove my bit to Stadarskali to fuel my car and then it would be endless driving in the remote areas of Iceland. The road through Holtavordurheidi was at some points slippery due to frozen patches of water. But not disturbing. Just have to take in mind that this part honors its name as highland, it is really at a high altitude here, though the area itself is completely flat. Not too much long driving later you drive into a canyon again, and it was such a delight to drive here all alone, and finally I got used to it to just stop if I want to take a picture. In the middle of the road if that matters (if you are of course sure there is no one coming ahead or behind you) to take a picture. But mainly I use the parkings which there are plenty en route. And Iceland is great with providing information at such places. So I got to see a part of Icelands oldest carriage roads, the Kattahryggur. A scary looking small road with a deep canyon, but oh so beautifull views. But no thanks, I would not drive it with a car. No way!

The weather was so great I drove a big part with my car window open, sniffing in the fresh air, and even walked outside in t-shirt. Who says Iceland is cold? Ok you got a point that I am a bit crazy ;-) but no one can take away this mighty experience to drive here with the window open. It was such a beautifull day!

On my way I also stopped again at Grábrok and made an attempt to climb to its crater rim. That obviously isnt a very exhausting thing to do, but you know me, I had lots more to see on my way that I had no chance for on the way to Akureyri due to weather (and less time as I needed to drive 400 km more). I really want to give it more time in a next visit. So I enjoyed the views from halfway, ate my skyr and moved on.

Mt Baula

Soon after leaving Bífrost I had to leave the ringroad 1 which increased with travelers with every bigger town you visit. After Bífrost it goes quite fast. You had no idea where all these cars suddenly come from, but I think the roads from the Westfjords also interjunct here somewhere.
I took another road towards Thingvellir, it was my idea, in case I had the time, to drive via Thingvellir to Reykjanes. But main reason was to visit Hraunfossar today.

It was a terrible long drive and since I didnt have navigation with me, I often doubted if I took the right way. I passed by Deildartunguhver and decided to visit there again. I was all alone here. Last time it rained and it was not so funny, but the colors are so epic if the steam goes the right direction. Deildartunguhver is a huge hotspring (hver = hotspring). It is a small rocky mountain in a merely plain valley, from which many hotsprings source, and also some hot waterfalls. Due to its nature, this rock pile is covered in varied types of moss, the rocks have all colors of the rock rainbow. This is Icelands biggest hotspring and produces hot water for Reykjavik, Snaeffellsness that is transported via huge pipelines and still cooking hot when it arrives in Iceland. Therefore you see along the ringroad small houses where the water probably is reheated or controled. Or maybe also tapped for local communities.

I continued my way and passed through Reykholt, where Snorri Sturlson wrote his eddas. I visited that also last year, and besides that it was closed. Later I heard some vandals ruined Snorralaug, the hot tub of Snorri on that day/evening. What a shamefull people exist....

I finally reached Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Again I was all alone, but expectedly, not for very long. Still it wasnt enough people to feel annoyed. In fact you only knew there were other people by the cars, but didnt see them on site. Its great to have time to yourself, and can leave when you want to. Hraunfossar looked beautifull in autumn colors. Now I also discovered the 'park' on the other side, which you sure wouldnt visit in winter. Stairs and roads made of stones, risk of slippery, but amazing views and the strange idea the water for Hraunfossar is streaming with huge force underneath you in lavatubes. Hraunfossar means Lavafalls, and it is a waterfall coming from lavarock. Underground water, there is no visible river feeding it. Well maybe in a distance but not here.

Hraunfossar

I still couldnt take a lot of photo's which I hate so much. I really need to get myself a good quality huge GB card soon. I already took 1000 photo's this week.

Horses on the slopes of Hvalfjordur

Seeing the time I had left to reach my guesthouse (it is a family house who likes to know when you arrive) I decided to not go to Thingvellir and opt that for one of the left days if I really wanted to. So I drove back to the ringroad, and to my sheer happiness I noticed I passed my threaded moment to take the bridge at Borgarness. Scared it would destroy my car even more. For next year I convince myself to take this much longer route again if weather is not friendly. But that idea got destroyed a bit later, when I found out that Borgarfjordur is known for the strongest windgusts in all of Iceland. Bye bye other option....

I thought of taking the short route that we took last year to Hvalfjordur. But I was not sure if it was a decent road to drive. It had 2 digits, and the exit from the current road looked good (no gravel) but that doesnt mean it is completely gravel free. Usualy its paved until the next farm or community and then gravel again. I took the ringroad and took the road over Hvalfjordur again, which was now beautifull and calm compared to the horror of one week ago.

I could not find Fossarétt and really wondered where the hell it was. I first passed another waterfall I wanted to picture on the way to Akureyri, but there the winds were sweeping up so much water, I didnt want to. But now I did. And this happened to be the way to Glymur. For a moment I was tempted. The weather was so good... But I got my happiness from this waterfall in the beginning. Hlymur will wait. Im sure of it. So off again, and not much later I finally found Fossarétt again.

Fossarétt last week Sunday. Even in the pooring rain worth a picture

Fossarétt and its sheepcoral it got its name from rétt = coral/sorting.

Upstream Fossarétt

Now I took my chance to walk up to this waterfall, and noticed this waterfall was much much more than just what you see from the road. it had 2 or 3 more waterfalls upstream, and Iceland experts say it is worth it to walk further upstream because there is more. Sure I believe that with these hills and mountains. But still no time. I have to be in time in Keflavik. Beautifull Fossarétt put on the to do list once more. Visiting Iceland is so much easier if you dont travel too much distance at once.

After Fossarétt I didnt visit any more places. Soon after you re enter the ringroad, it gets more and more crowdy, and I really had to get used to it to drive in Reykjavik again. I followed the route to Keflavik airport, and exactly 17.30 I found my guesthouse quite easily. They said it is difficult but somehow my iphone navigation worked (I thought it only works with internet connection).

I felt a bit rude when I just walked into the house of the owners. Forgetting they are a family renting out their own house for tourists. And there I was in a huge hall way thinking that was the guesthouse :-p But the people were so friendly. The room was downstairs and it was amazingly cozy. I was stunned to find a home like place, with a kitchen and 4 private rooms to it connected. I had a cozy room with a bed I would have loved to take home. Self service breakfast and a fridge full of skyr. Those friendly Icelanders trust in it you only use it for breakfast. Of course I did, but I could buy food and prepare it here for dinner, which is great. Iceland sells this great Swedish toko food, square boxes like a take away with Asian dishes for just 400 kronar (thats about 2.50). And delicious!

I was all alone at this place, and instantly felt at home. I stayed home that evening, still tired after this day full of impressions. Yep it takes time for me to reload it all. But it is such a great thing! Tomorrow new adventures wait. However it will be a calm day. The weather on Tuesday will be much better than tomorrow. So tomorrow I go find an SD card at Smaralind in Reykjavik, maybe visit Lífland the equestrian store, and then I go to Viking World. Maybe go to Blue Lagoon in the evening. Not to visit, just to take pictures maybe if Aurora Borealis is out to play.

Iceland 2014 Day 7 ~~ Sorting of the Horses ~~

Today it is the day of sorting the horses. After breakfast we quickly went to the sorting, we were with less in the bus this time as some people decided to go in their own ways to there. It can be a long haul and freezing cold to spend whole day there, and if you have been here year after year after year, it might get boring (not for me though!).

We were luckily in time again to see the horses arrive from the meadows, but the sun was not in favor to make a movie so nice as last year. But we cant have it all. When nearly all horses had passed, there was one paint foal who probaly lost its mother in the herd and wanted to join the horses in the field next to the sorting coral. He jumped the barbwire fence but got tangled in it. I must say the guards were really quickly to sort this situation out, but the Icelandic cool mentality let nature follow its own course. The foal got free and was chased back into its herd. The fence was damaged and we helped out to fix it, because as you see, there are horses in it, the good riding horses. In situations like this I am amazed by the calmth of the people involved, no stress no panic no stupidity. Just a steady plan to act. Amazing, Iceland has some really modest horsemanship. On the other hand, it is hard to find an adult horse not having scars on its legs due to barbwire accidents. If you traveled the country you know there is much more km on barbwire fences than roads. You see it everywhere to keep sheep and horses to a certain often huge area, to make rounding them up a bit easier. And also during the many relocations of herds of horses, riding them with your spare horses running loose, and flocks of sheep that need to go from A to B. So besides lots of regular roads, there are many cattle roads and riding tracks as well.

After the herd is settled into the 2 paddocks for the sorting, I went to bring my ridinghelmet and other things not yet needed to the sheepshed. I decided to take my srl camera with me as we wouldnt be crossing rivers and I dared to take the risk. I saw other people doing so as well. And my srl takes much more beautifull pictures than my pocket camera. I only had a problem that I didnt have much spare space anymore on my SD cards, so I couldnt be too wild taking pictures. So I only searched for odd colors, long manes and otherwise attractive shots. I have plenty of brown and black horse photo's at home now.

At lunch it was my first time ever to eat an Icelandic pylsar, hot dog. They say they are the best in the world. And despite my rejection for such sausages and sausages in general, I tried it and liked it. It even gave a ticket for the lottery to win a horse. :-) I also took money in case I wanted to buy a lopapeysa here as there are very cheap at this place. But the one I liked was just sold right in front of my face. One with nice autumn colors.

I did not win the horse, nor anything else. Sooner than last year, the sorting was finished and our herd was quickly ready to go. So we hurried back to get our horses. They wanted to have me Auma again. But since Crystelle got another horse, I asked for Thorri. Both Thorri and Auma didnt want to be caught, they sticked together in a field with no options to isolate them. It took almost half an hour before we finally got them, and I could quickly saddle Thorri as the rest was already waiting to go. We rode off to the sorting coral of Vididalstunga II the horses which we herd home every year. I noticed that Eva was riding Auma this time and had a hard time with her waiting for the herd to be ready. I was so happy I didnt change my mind, because at first I thought it was no problem to ride her again today, her energy pleased me and if we could just go go go it would sure not be a disaster. But looking at miss bouncy I felt good I took steady Thorri instead. He may be slower but relaxes me a bit more.

We rode off and we of course had to ride on the ringroad again with our herd. Which is always so amazing. Where in Europe can you ride with 100 horses on a 'high' way? In Iceland! But we had too less guards with us, or they did not spread well enough, as the herd decided to split and go to the Vididalstunga II farm, their home. And to make the mess complete, again a horse got tangled in the barbwire not carried away well enough and spread it over the road, so the whole herd ran over this flat barbwire fence. And really that is nervewrecking to watch because there isnt anything at all you can do than just watch a possible disaster evolve in front of your eyes. But luckily no horse got tangled or injured and in a quick moment a group of left behind horses could be lead away from it.

And then it was everybody for itself. wide open spaces, a horse track on the river bed and just go as you please. Thorri of course isnt the fastest, however I am sure he could, but I felt no need to exhaust myself by pushing him to go faster. Instead I enjoyed another moment of happiness when at a certain moment the herd disappeared behind a mountain and I had a hundred meter completely empty in front of me. In complete silence I just felt so incredible happy, everything so perfect and so blissfull to be here on a nice horse in such surroundings. My calling. I wish it lasted forever, but on top of the hill it was glorious to see the herd finding their way over the meadows to their winter pasture in the distance. Stable was calling. And a tear of sadness rolled down my face. It probably will take a whole year before I sit on or even touch a horse again... Why cant luck be on my side, why cant I find the job I want so badly, why cant I have 2 or more horses. Why is life so cruel on me, besides my happiness to be here. I hope I am wrong....

I say goodbye to Thorri, as he vanishes and when we drive off, I nowhere see a horse. I really have no idea where they went so quickly. They cant be far, because Eva and Steini will work hard tomorrow to take their shoes off before they really go to their winterpastures for their well deserved vacations. Happy horses :-)

Back at Gauksmyri we have the barbeque again. The food is good, but I so miss the kjótsupa, but luckily I took it at the Viking Hotel. Dont have to go without it! Tomorrow my journey back south begins, so I better start packing things and my car a bit. So much sadness to leave the horses behind. But looking forward to my last 3 days 'touristing' around in Reykjanes.

I did not plan to go to the round up ball. It was really not my thing, and someone else told me what I could agree to, it is an Icelandic thing and as foreigner, you are a foreigner there and will probably never understand it completely. No I wont.... and thats why I say I experienced it last year, and that is enough for me, for sure for now.