A long journey ….

On By DbmakesIn Iceland Sept 2025

Up at 4am on Friday, Sept 19th,  I made it to my Alaska Airlines flight from Tucson to Seattle.  How could I not with this positive omen from my driveway?

The next hurdle was the 5-hour layover in Seattle.  I was hoping for a lovely lounge, but the international lounge wasn’t that great.  But then again, I am spoiled. 

I sat next to an enjoyable woman from Santa Fe (Beverly) on the 7-hour Icelandair flight.  We chatted it up, enjoyed a delicious Icelandic gin cocktail, followed by a salmon dinner.  I’m very happy that I upgraded to their Premium Flex seat, otherwise no food was served in economy.  

Along with the help of NoJetLag pills, I never slept a wink before landing at 6am.  Customs was a little slow but we eventually hooked up with Inga and our group of 11 for the pre-extension trip to The Westman Islands. 

And WHAT A MIRACLE to arrive in full on SUNSHINE!  God smiled on us for sure as the forecast for the rest of the trip will NEED a miracle to improve!

We drove an hour+ to breakfast in Selfoss.  And as usual, I am the back-of-the-bus girl. 
LOTS of moss covered lava rock along the way
It took us another hour+ to get to the Ferry and oh yeah, it became cold and windy. 
This was the first island we came upon.  And yes, that IS someone’s home!  Can you even imagine?
The islands are a small cluster of 15 volcanic islands and 30 skerries off the southwestern coast. 
The colors! Especially in the sunlight!
Waiting to disembark the 35-minute ferry ride, along with all the cars
Our home for the next 3 nights on Heimaey Island

Iceland seems to have an asture feel about it, and my room reflects that.

I’m grateful to have my own space
But look at my view!  The sunshine is such a bonus.

We had a little time to regroup before we met for an orientation walk around town. 

Inga told us every town has some way to recognize the LGBTQ community
Will have to check this place out
My full-blooded Norwegian mother loved trolls.  Had to take this in her honor. 

Our current group of 11, which will become 16 when we return to the mainland in 3 days, is very friendly.  In just this first day, everyone is chatting it up and learning about each other’s backgrounds.  We are all about the same age and I feel completely comfortable as a solo traveler. 

I’ve now been awake for 34 hours and I’m fading fast.  So grateful that we’re allowed a late start tomorrow morning. 

13 thoughts on “A long journey ….”

  5. Amber Weyand's avatar Amber Weyand

    Thank you for taking the time to write this beautiful blog! I LOVE IT! And I had no idea Doris was full blooded Norwegian! That’s so cool, and that picture with the Troll is perfection! You look so happy!❤️

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