We packed up and left Stykkishólmur very early to get a jump on our long day of driving. After getting back to the ring road, we spent several hours in the car heading to Goðafoss, a stunning waterfall. We could see the spray from the waterfall from quite a distance and were able to get very close to the falls for a very good look at them. Despite it being rather dull for most of the drive, once we got to Goðafoss, the sun peaked out through the clouds and we seemed to leave the rain behind us.
After Goðafoss, headed to Mývatn. As we got closer to the lake - and closer to the volcano - the landscape changed to crazy lava formations, which were really something to see. After checking in to our remote hotel (so remote, they don't need to put a password on their wifi) we wandered around some psuedocraters, which were created when lava flowed into the lake and set off a series of gas explosions, leading to the water under the surface boiled and popped. They were very interesting but the fun part for me was that sheep were sharingo the area and we got to get very close to a few. From there, we went to the Mývatn Nature Baths where we relaxed in the hot water, excellent after a long day of driving. Then, after some dinner, we hunkered down at our remote hotel to see if the Northern Lights would show themselves.
And they did.
They weren't very bright but it was cool to see them get stronger and then fade, moving across the sky. We went back out for a second look but they seemed weaker so I headed back in for some sleep. But EDP stayed out quite a while and said they got quite strong for a while and he managed to get some red in his photos, whereas before, we were just getting green.
Today was a bit less driving but we stopped at Dettifoss and Selfoss. Dettifoss is the waterfall with the most volume in Europe and given how much that water thundered over the falls, I don't doubt it. Because it was a sunny but very windy day, we saw several rainbows over the base of the falls as the spray came up the canyon. We then made our way to Selfoss, which we both thought was much better than Dettifoss. Yes, it wasn't as big but it was almost v-shaped so the water tumbled over the edge and into itself. Plus, we could get incredibly close, which was awesome.
Then, it was on to Seyðisfjörður, driving through mountains to get here. Seyðisfjörður is right at the base of one of the fjords and is a darling little town. Our guesthouse is beautiful with a great view of the bay. Sadly, the wind has kept us off the balcony but we have nice big windows to enjoy the view from. The drive down into the town had amazing views and little waterfalls all over the place. The town has pretty much closed up for winter, though, so there's not much happening but it's been nice to have a little break and just wander and relax. It's off to dinner soon before heading off for a really full day tomorrow - with a hike, checking out a glacier lagoon and nearly 7 hours of driving. Yikes.
Goðafoss. Not half bad, eh?
Selfoss. Even better, right?
And this one was just on the side of the road!
And this one was on our way to our final destination for the day