We’re still in Reykjavik, but we left our ship at 8:30 am, saying good-bye to the wonderful crew and staff.  Here’s a final shot of the harbor as we headed out.

For our final day of the cruise, we chose a shore excursion that took us through the geothermal landscape of Krysuvik-Solfataras.

We also visited the famous Blue Lagoon for a warm dip, followed by a farewell lunch at the Lagoon’s Lava Restaurant.

Before going to our hotel, we visited the Viking Museum, which included a replica of an ancient 70-crew Viking vessel.

At this point, Terri went to the airport for her flight home, and we went to the Grand Hotel for one night in downtown Reyjkavik.

Today, our blue dot is located at Heimaey, an island off the southern coast of Iceland.

It is the only one of 15 Westman Islands inhabited by humans, but since they’re in a very active volcanic area, there is definitely a risk!

Here are some shots around the island:

In 1973, an eruption on the island covered one-third of the houses in lava and most of the rest of the homes were buried in ash.  Fortunately, the fishing fleet was in the harbor and the entire population was evacuated without loss of life.  The following map shows in red the areas covered by lava.  The black area is new land created by the eruption.

Six months later, the inhabitants returned and rebuilt the town.  The Eldheimar “Worlds of Fire” Museum gave us interesting perspectives on the island’s volcanic history.

In the evening, we had our “farewell” dinner a night early because tomorrow night we’ll be busy packing..  Two ladies gave Jay “the bird” – a puffin hat!

Today we’ve sailed just a short distance, and as you can see, our blue dot is at Akureyri, back on the mainland of Iceland.

Often called the capital of northern Iceland, Akureyri has been a major trading post since the 9^thcentury and has become the administrative, commercial and cultural center of the north.

The outing we signed up for was a trip to a warm mineral bath, but on the way we stopped to visit a waterfall called Godafoss, which means waterfall of the gods.

Next, we went to Myvatn Nature Baths.  These pools are warmed by natural hot springs. They say they’re good for your health… Don’t know about that, but they sure feel good!

When we got back to the ship, Jay and Terri walked a mile or so into old town Akureyri.  They discovered two important trolls.  I’m sorry I don’t remember their names, but they are the parents of 13 little trolls who come 13 days before Christmas.  (They also have names I can’t remember, reminiscent of the 7 dwarves in Sleeping Beauty.)  The one on the right with Jay is the mother, and the Icelandic tale says she makes broth of the bad little boys and girls!  The second photo shows a typical stoplight in Akureyri — After the Icelandic financial crisis in 2008, some women in town started making the red lights into hearts to symbolize how the people were helping each other.

Then we had a surprise at about midnight:  a large iceberg from Greenland was in our path, and the  captain circumnavigated it so those who were still awake could take photos.

Tomorrow, we visit the Westfjords Peninsula in the NorthWest corner of Iceland.  See you there!

Yesterday we were in Reykjavik and today we’re in Grundarfjordur.  (See the blue dot?)

We slept a little late this morning, and almost missed breakfast!  Here’s my first shot from our cabin’s deck:

About noon, we docked at Grundafjordur, nestled on the banks of a fjord and ringed with mountains.

The three of us had signed up for a 4 ½ hour tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.  (No, I haven’t learned about to pronounce the Icelandic names of these places yet. They’re very difficult for English speakers.)

Unfortunately, Jay had a little bit of upset stomach and decided not to go, so Terri and I forged ahead.  It was a scenic drive along very rugged coastline, passing through fishing villages.

Our first stop was Djupalonssandur, with strange rock formations.

We learned about how villages used “lifting rocks” to determine who was capable of working on a fishing boat.  They even named these 4 rocks:  the smallest was “Weakling” and wouldn’t qualify you for a job.  If you could lift any of the other three, you qualified for a job, and the heavier you were able to lift, the higher your pay!

When we reached the black sand beach, we found pieces of a 1948 wreck of a fishing trawler.  Since that time, the winter storms have broken it apart and moved the pieces inland.

Next, we visited Arnarstapi, where migratory birds stop to rest, and Budir with its lava landscapes and black sand beach.

A final stop brought us to the Black Church.

When we returned to the ship, Jay was feeling better and it was time to dress for the Captain’s Dinner, the one “dressy” dinner on this tour.

Tomorrow:  Stay tuned for…  PUFFINS!

Our cruise itinerary began (on land) in Reykavik with lunch in the restaurant of Harpa, the Music Hall.

Next we had a brief bus tour of old town.  We visited the Lutheran Church, which Jay, Terri and I had visited yesterday when NONE of us had a camera!  (We happened to arrive during an organ concert, which was fantastic.)  Today there was no concert, but we had the cameras, so here’s a couple of pix.

We also visited the National Museum  of Iceland, then we boarded our ship, Le Laperouse.  She is a brand new French ship and all of the passengers on this cruise are with the Tauck Tour.

We set sail at about 9pm.  As you can see from the pix, it was still very light.

Our destination is Grundafjordur for tomorrow’s program.  See you there!