Two Weeks in the Land of Fire & Ice

In a few days we are off to Iceland, the land of Fire & Ice! WHAT you say! Yes, north to an island in the middle of the north Atlantic Ocean, situated on the Arctic Circle – and in May! Fortunately Iceland is a bit of misnomer, like Greenland – which is not really ‘green’. Unlike Greenland though, Iceland’s climate is somewhat moderated by the warm Gulf Stream current flowing across from North America. Still, the climate can be a little chilly and unpredictable at all times of the year. All you can do is take your chances.

Our choice of going near the end of May was a decision made to capitalize on improving weather and to get there just before the really busy summer tourist season. Regardless, they say there is no bad weather, only bad gear, so we’ll make sure we are well prepared. Besides the scenery in Iceland is spectacular in any weather!

So, on May 15th we leave Victoria on Vancouver Island on the Pacific Ocean where we live in a city with a population of around 340,000 people, and will go to a country on an island in the Atlantic Ocean with a total population of around 340,000 people. Go figure. That being said, Iceland has been discovered and they expect about 2.2 million tourists this year!

We have just heard there is a European Council Summit in Reykjavik on the 16th and 17th which will cause major disruptions at the airport and on the streets around Reykkjavik as they close off security zones. We fly in on the 16th…just great! Here is a funny video a local posted on a Facebook group we follow, Iceland – Tips for Travelers.

We plan a relatively leisurely 2 week trip around Iceland’s Ring Road which more or less runs the perimeter of the island. We have left time for exploring and a couple of extra days in Reykjavik to take in the sites in Iceland’s capital city.

We hope to post as much as we can along the way, but we will certainly post more as we get photos edited and have the time to write.

We plan on taking 2 check-in bags and several carry-ons for our computers, camera gear and things we definitely don’t want to lose or get destroyed!

What to bring for clothing? We are told to bring lots of options for layers and of course, rain gear. And oh yes, we’ve heard about their ‘legendary’ wind. I’ve heard it can be so strong it can rip your car doors right off! So wind pants, jackets, gloves, hats and everything that can be blown away will be tethered down by straps!

We’re going to the edge of the Arctic circle … why again??? Hmmm …the food, the scenery and of course the many geo-thermal hot pools (lagoons). I already have a map with all of them highlighted! How many we’ll get to remains to be seen but … if we find there’s one nearby … I’m there!!!

Stay Tuned!