From the islands to the mainland

On By DbmakesIn Iceland Sept 2025

Tuesday, Sept 23rd, found us working our way back to the mainland.  The ferry boat that we took OUT to The Waterman Islands was getting inspected, so we had to take the “3 hour cruise” ferry to get back.  The weather did turn, and it was a little rough.    My previous boating experience came in handy, as long as I kept my eye on the horizon.  Not everyone in our group did as well, unfortunately. 

The drive to our hotel in Selfoss was shorter since the ferry took us further up the coast, towards Reykjavik.  And we met the other 5 people in our group who did not do the pre-extension trip to the Waterman Islands. 

But first, I’d like to share some of the beauty we saw yesterday during our puffling experiences.

Peaceful walk along the sea
Lava rocks everywhere
Check out this golf course, right along the sea!
Driftwood …. quite useful years ago for an island with very few trees
The gang
I had lunch with Brian and Pam from Santa Fe
Big surprise….I ordered tacos!  Very different yet good
Check out the volcano during and after photo … 40 years
The party’s here!  The first known human inhabitants of Iceland were Norse settlers around 874.  A party is held every year in August to celebrate the anniversary.
The blue represents where all of the pufflings hang out for TWO YEARS while they mature.  Then they head back to the same area where they were born, choose a mate for life, and lay ONE egg per year.  Their burrow is typically 2-3 feet long with a side tunnel for drainage. 

Back to today, Tuesday …. we got all settled in Hotel Selfoss. (sel means seal, foss means waterfall). 

Lots of places to eat around the hotel.  EVEN A SUBWAY!
Modern hotel, even has a refrigerator in the room!

At 2 pm we took a walk around the town to get our bearings.  First stop was the Lutheran church and cemetery right next door.  We understand the cemetery is THE place to see the Northern Lights.  Fingers crossed.

We walked for about 90 minutes and got soaked.  Thank goodness my outer layer is sturdy so I really have not been cold at all.

Our hotel sits on the bank of this river.  Behind us is the Tree of The Year; a spruce

https://www.icelandreview.com/news/joruklettur-spruce-wins-tree-of-the-year-2025/

Tonight we had another Welcome Dinner, including our newest members who just flew in today.  Two of those members are completely deaf!  It will be another learning experience for me to interact with them.  Pam and I both volunteered to be their ears via texting, even though they are not novices.  This is their TENTH OAT trip!

Beef cheeks for dinner

I am beat and finally in bed at a decent time.  We leave at 8:50 am to start the day’s adventure around the Golden Circle. 

Our wet walk

17 thoughts on “From the islands to the mainland”

  7. Debra W. Guttas's avatar Debra W. Guttas

    I found myself doing a big [sigh] as I saw the terrain there. What another world. Glad to hear you are staying warm! I was wondering as it looks quite chilly. Oh, and beef cheeks – yum! lol

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