It was another perfect visibility morning in Iceland, which, according to our guide, is super rare. Sunny skies and perfect views are rare. It seemed to inspire him to stop more along the way. I get the sense that this part of the trip is the kind of hit-or-miss part for most people along the ring road. Today, it was so pretty that we stopped off at all of the things. This is a beach that is often difficult to access when it’s yucky out, but today, it’s beautiful, so let’s go explore! He told us that the last time he had been to a particular beach on this journey was years ago. Today was special. Apparently, this whole trip’s weather has been special. I am glad to be here for it. Aside from Iceland Day (which, we’re told is supposed to be crappy, though we aren’t sure if it’s tradition or law), this whole thing has been uncharacteristically amazing. Also, check out this fishing village. And this other fishing village. Now go look at this neat thing and this great view. That was our day today. It was pretty great.
The thing is, our guide has a niece. She is an adult, I am sure, but I am 51 years old, and clearly the youngest paid participant on this trip, and I see this girl child as a student. Apparently, she is a microbiologist in a hospital in Reykjavík. So, a proper gown up with a big girl job. But seriously, a kid. Anyhow, this niece is joining her uncle in the passenger seat. He’s showing her Iceland. She has seen only Reykjavík. I figured he called in all of his favors to the travel gods to show off his job to the kid. He’s going for uncle of the year. He may well win. This is pretty spectacular. I have some amazing, next-level uncles, but none of them have personally ushered me around a beautiful island. Very few of them have jobs I would want to ride along with. No offense to the social worker uncle or the machinist uncle. Noble work, I am sure, but are you spending your days on black sand beaches or heading to waterfalls on the way to fjords? Yeah, my job isn’t that either. Regardless, I feel like we’re getting the best of this guide, just because he is fond of his niece. Heck, I’ll take it.
The highlight of the day was Petra’s rock museum. There was apparently an Icelandic woman whose name was Ljósbörg Petra María Sveinsdóttir (oof- what a mouthful) who lived out in these parts and tended toward dragging pretty rocks home. It was less strange than it sounds when you see her collection of geodes and obsidian rocks. She was clearly one part amateur geologist and one part total hoarder. It may not have seemed like a problem behavior until you went into the house and saw the collection of pens, matchbooks, playing cards, postcards and keyrings. It was all a bit much, but rthe rocks were really pretty. Petra was the perfect moniker for a rock hound, though. Her house was intriguing.
But once we went there and stopped by yet another fishing village where Cas and I found a nice spot for a bit of local color at a bar, we headed to the hotel for dinner. This is yet another one-night stay-over. We actually spend two consecutive nights at the same place starting tomorrow, and honestly, I don’t know what to do with that. This is the road-trip of all road-trips. And for international travel, that’s kind of a weird anomaly. But I am sure that Kitti is calling in all of his favors to the travel gods- the old ones and the new ones- to get the best view for his clearly favorite niece. We’re happy to swim in that wake. Wish us good weather and safe travels in the morning. Let the power of Kitti being a fantastic uncle carry us as far is it can!
In the meantime, I hope we can all take a moment, find our center, contemplate the meaning of things and locate a little peace. Let this image inspire you:
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