Hi PMC members

Little did our PMC group realise the adventure they were to experience over the next 10 days on their private circle tour of Iceland when they arrived in the capital Reykjavik. With a population of 325,000, tourists are flocking to see this land that offers such a variety of landscapes. Certainly the weather was quite fresh with averages around 12 degrees c daily and daylight and night light was a unique experience with twilight until 11.30pm to 3am and then daylight. Luckily most windows had 100% block out curtains .

We decided to embark with the local food on the first day with an Icelandic starter with smoked lamb, shark (the smell was extremely strong and was presented to everyone in separate bottles,for those who dared to try it), wind dried cod fish and Icelandic flatbread. The desert was a lovely skyr with blueberries and oat crumble.

We took a whale watching tour from the old harbour exploring the seas around the city and were fortunate to witness some of Iceland’s rich and thriving birdlife particularly puffin, arctic tern, fulmar and elder ducks. We also saw hump back whales and minke whales .

We had a private 18 seater coach to ourselves with a fabulous local guide/driver whose Icelandic knowledge was quite simply amazing. We travelled north stopping at many sights en route towards Akureyi (the largest town outside the capital). Not far from here was Askja , where the NASA astronauts trained for their first trip to the moon.

It was so interesting to see the changes in the landscapes so quickly. The lava covering most of the valley around Godafoss is more than 8000 years old with the top layer of soil very thin and the main flora is dwarf shrubs and moss. In the canyon area there are spectacular potholes. The Godafoss waterfall in the glacier river is one of the great waterfalls in Iceland.

Our accommodation was mostly at lovely guest houses in the country side with great home cook meals e.g: smoked trout, lamb and rhubarb pie.

Better go now as the outside hot tub is calling….mmm… I see the others are having a night cap of baileys on ice…

Cheers

Sharyn