Hiking an active volcano!

Thanks to Justin (the guy who books all our vacations) who contacted one of our Reykjavik taxi drivers who agreed to take us to the Fagradalsfjall volcano that started erupting in March of this year, we got to go. As we left the dock, 3 minks ran in front of our van. Our driver told us that is is very rare to see them. Minks were brought here for the fur business : (. Some have escaped and are flourishing in the wild : ).  Our driver called them very cute serial killers. they kill for food but they also kill for fun.

We finally got to hike the active volcano!  What an experience, it was absolutely incredible!  Over 5 mile hike with over 1400 ft of elevation gain.  The hike up had some tough spots and some scary spots for those of us that don't like heights!!! (Sue)


Lava Flow

Once at the top, we decided to take a different path down so we could walk back along the lava flow. This was not a hike for the timid. it was steep with loose rocks and soil. Our hiking poles came in very handy.  We are sure this is the part of the hike that our driver told his NOT to do!!!



The volcano is erupting, but we didn't get to see it spewing from the mouth, but we definitely got to see fresh lava flow.  We were able to get very close to the lava! We saw people roasting marshmallows and one guy had pieces of meat cooking directly on the hot, but hardened lava rock.

We could hear the lava crackling as it hardened



As fresh lava flows, it pushes the hardened lava into interesting shapes


We were about 2 feet from this fresh lava flow!!!!

Back on board it was the captain's gala dinner... we must dress for the occasion... It was a seven course meal... way too much food, with interesting selections each night.  After dinner, dancing in the lounge and a quick trip to the Blue Eye, which is a bar below sea level on the ship.  As soon as I sat down, ordered a drink, I said oh no this is not good for me.  So Cheryl and I went back up for more dancing.


The group we are traveling with is very fun.  We have met a lot of nice people!

Forgot to mention ship protocols, everyone must wear a mask in public places on the ship and everyone seems to be following this rule.  Each time you go into the dining room you have your temperature taken.  They have also arranged for us to have our COVID tests for re-entry into the United Stated.

We have now traveling from Reykjavik to Grundarfjordur... OMG the seas a bit active... it's going to be a long night!

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