Homeward bound

The aim was to be at the airport by 1pm, enabling us to check-in without panic and Paul to set off on his drive to the north of the island in good time. It would be a long drive after a hectic week.

We were all packed and out of the hotel by 9am having enjoyed a simple breakfast, including the ever present chocolate cake.

The scenic route to the airport involved a drive through the peninsula noting some of the unusual features – we didn’t jump from one continent to another – as one can here! – but we did visit a geo-thermal spring and note just how foul the smell was.

You may have guessed from the first two images with the steam blowing fiercely that we were facing blisteringly powerful winds again. The sea patterns here give some idea just how fierce the winds were.

Here the old lava flow met the sea and stopped. This is only a few miles from the volcano which is currently intermittently active and I wondered how people who live in the nearby villages feel: there are lots of pristine new build properties which may well be at risk should there be another big eruption and it must be something about which those who live here have nightmares.

Paul said he had spoken to some who live in one of the villages and it is a real fear for them even though , at present, their businesses are benefiting by being nearest to the volcano and being able to provide services that tourists need.

Our final stop was for a coffee break. But we were taken to a Kaffi House called Bryggjan in Grindavik harbour. It’s famous for the lobster soup that is served – justly famous, I reckon. I enjoyed the soup much more than the clam chowder I tried in the US! And it was a fitting way to end an amazing few days in a country where fish is so central to life and so fresh in every restaurant.

Check-in was easy as was the flight back to Heathrow on Icelandair (BA having cancelled both our flights!) and, for me, getting through passport control at LHR was also straightforward. My trusty chauffeur was there to meet me and I was home almost sooner than we had been due to land.

If you are thinking about a photographic holiday in Iceland have a look at those Paul offers: https://www.paulsansome.com/The-Holidays . In my opinion, you’d be hard pushed to find anything better. He knows the country well and is also aware of the different ways in which his clients will respond to the environment they are in. He offers advice and instruction as it is asked for and is ever the encourager.

And if you just fancy a holiday? Enjoy!!