Day 9: Seydisfjordur to Hofn, Iceland. 280km 2.5degC - 13 degC(inside a tunnel)


We arrived to begin our adventure in  Iceland  with a very cool and foggy ride over the mountain pass from Seydisfjorour to Egilsstaoir.
We are riding clockwise around Iceland. We took the coastal route in the South eastern region today.

I was glad to have my heated jacket. 
The temperature hovered around 2.5-3degC and for most of the day around 7degC except when we rode through the Faskrudsfjardargong tunnel (5.9km long) where it was 13 degC. We rode through the Almannaskaradsgong tunnel, too. The tunnels were both completed in 2005. 
The road was sealed for most of our ride with an unsealed 15km section. 
There were huge scree slopes along some parts of the road. Keeping the roads clear of shingle slides must be a challenge.

I saw some little children in a preschool centre outside playing tin a sandpit and riding around outside toys. Then I thought we are outside riding on a toy, too. We had more clothes on though.

 
Arriving at Seydisfjordur at 10am. Disembarking was easy. No real formalities apart from being given a sticker to say we were in the country for two weeks.
We could see tents in the local camp ground and since it was bleak I was pleased to know that Dick had booked accommodation in Hohn.
 
The first of many waterfalls we saw today. The snow and ice is melting and feeding the waterfalls and streams.
 

 
 
Into the long tunnel to warm up.

 
Freshly graded roads to keep my driver on his mettle. 
The biggest mob of sheep we saw all day. There is plenty of baleage at most farms. A little hard to imagine it has been harvested already this summer.
 
Lupins galore. Colonising the shingle fans.
 
Orlanda.
 
Most farm homes and large sheds are painted white with red roofs. 
Some Icelandic horses make an appearance.
 

 
Our first sighting of iceland poppies this evening in Hofn. Quite small compared with their cousins in New Zealand.

 
Fish for breakfast - herrings and gravlax.

 
Langoustine for dinner at Pakkus restaurant, Hofn, the home port for the langoustine fishery.

Iceland lies at 65deg north (almost on the arctic circle) so we can expect variable weather with a little chill.
The sun will set at 11:46 pm tonight and will rise at 3:06am tomorrow.

 
Trace our route on the red line around the coast from Seydisfjordur to Hofn.


Comments

john said…
I have always been fascinated by Iceland, and wanted to visit. Lucky you. Is it true that Iceland got rid of hydatid disease by getting rid of all dogs from the country?
My visits to Aitutaki and Dubai show what places with no dogs can be like - unlike France with heaps of excrement everywhere, as well as dogs in restaurants.
Pearlsonwheels said…
You have given me something to find out about. We will be here for two weeks so I shall be on the look out for dogs and measures to control what used to be one of the highest hydatid rates in the world.
Margit said…
I love your blog AND YOUR FOOD!
It must be so exciting seeing every day something new and experience new customs.
Julie said…
Hi Diana,

I am Julie Vestal, wife of Scott in California. We have had the pleasure of hosting Ken and Shirley during their visit to California. We also love Iceland and I must say you are having my dream trip right now. I just wanted you to know that I was lurking here. I love your writing and photos, you are very good at this!
Anonymous said…
Diana, the lupin photo remind me of the Lindus Pass! Another amazing adventure for you. C, J n P xxx

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