It’s funny when we showed the picture of our snow covered car to our friends, the first question they ask is “Will the car start?”. The simple answer is Yes. First ignition. Don’t have to try and try again. This is a very modern world we’re living in. Fuels are protected with anti freeze solution 😉
This morning, yes, the car started, but we had a little trouble trying to get out from the parking spot. The tyres couldn’t grip onto the snow covered road properly. I think God knew what was going to happen, and along came a local man. He saw us in trouble, and he quickly ran behind the car and started pushing. I couldn’t have done it. Mat was at the wheel. The man didn’t give up. He just kept helping to push and push the car till it got properly on the road for us to drive off. Kind man. Did I tell you Icelandic people are such nice people?
Even though the snow stopped since yesterday, and snow ploughing trucks went over and over the roads, it was still a challenge to drive. Powdery snow kept being blown over the road. So some parts of the road were still slippery. It was still very challenging for Mat to drive. More over, the car that we rented wasn’t a 4wd.
This is the car we rented. A hyundai.
First stop of the day, Djúpalónssandur. It’s suppose to be a beautiful pebbled beach. But as you can see, it’s not at the moment.
If we hiked a few kilometers, maybe 2km, we will reach a pebbled beach, where four famous stones used by fishermen to test their strength. They are Fullsterkur (“full strength”) weighing 154 kg, Hálfsterkur (“half strength”) at 100 kg, hálfdrættingur (“weakling”) at 54 kg and Amlóði (“Useless”) 23 kg. They were traditionally used to qualify men for work on fishing boats, with the Hálfdrættingur being the minimum weight a man would have to lift onto a ledge at hip-height to qualify. The bay is now unused.
Unfortunately, because of the snow, we will just appreciate the information on the board.
Lovely views from our drive along the west coast.
Next stop, Arnarstapi, a small fishing village at the foot of Mt. Stapafell.
The beach holds a particular attraction called Gatklettur, and three rifts, Hundagjá, Miðgjá and Músagjá. It’s very much like the London Bridge at Great Ocean Road. As for the rocks, very much like the rocks on Jeju Island. I guess, lava stones have their similarities.
Views around Arnarstapi.
You can’t really tell, but these 2 next pictures are taken from the mountain top.
We didn’t get to do much, or should I say, get down of the car much. One: there’s snow everywhere. Even though we were wearing proper hiking shoes, it would be safer if we wore crampons, those “spikes” that keeps your feet planted on the ground. Two: The wind is really strong. You can’t tell from the pictures, but, I-kid-you-not. Three: With the wind blowing, your face is constantly hit by icy waters. Not fun. So I think I’ll enjoy the view from inside the car.
We made it back safely to our hotel for a rest.
Tonight, we have a reservation with the Blue Lagoon!
Tip: If you have only limited days to spend in Iceland, you’ll only have to visit these three places: Reykjavik city, The Golden Circle, and The Blue Lagoon.
A time slot reservation is required when visiting Blue Lagoon. Book early to avoid disappointment.
If I were to visit Blue Lagoon again, I would have booked the day time slot, in order to see the blueness of the lagoon. At night, you can’t see a single hint of blue.
But, if your aim is to HOPEFULLY catch a glimpse of the northern lights/Aurora, then, book the night slot. (FYI: Auroras do not appear every night and everywhere).
And you know what, of all the three nights that we stayed in Iceland, and of all the time slots that Mat could have got us in Blue Lagoon, how perfect timing could it be. God must have known the desires our hearts, because, it was only at THIS destination, THIS time 7-8pm, we saw the aurora with our very own eyes.
I’m sorry for the quality of the photo because all we had was an iPhone camera. It’s much better enjoyed in person.
What a perfect end to our trip in Iceland.
A few tips about Blue Lagoon:
- Bring your own towel, even if it’s the hotel’s towel. Don’t waste your money renting the one at Blue Lagoon. Don’t even need to bring your toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner and body shampoo are all provided. USE IT. It’s spa quality!
- It’s not that bad walking in the cold(if you come in winter). Only takes 2 seconds, and you’ll be in the warm waters.
- Remember to put on the mud mask. Put it on till it dries up, then wash them off in the water you’re soaking in (yes, along with other people’s dead skin). lols!
- If waiting for the aurora to appear, find a good spot to sit, sit back, relax, and enjoy.
- Best way to end the night after a good soak in the blue lagoon? Go back to your hotel and make yourself a nice cup of Shin Ramyun Noodles (that you packed with you before flying to Iceland). Bliss.
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