Iceland-Part 2

If you guys came back to read today after reading yesterday, THANK YOU! :). It was a long post full of Iceland talk and good news or bad {depending on what you thought}…I’ve got another BIG dose of Iceland for you today.

If you missed Part 1 of Iceland, you can catch up in this post.

I tried to cram the rest of the trip into this post and it was just way too long. These travel posts always stress me out because many of you love reading and others HATE when I drag the recaps out too long. I try to find the best balance because I’m an enneagram 9, after all. I just want peace! haha! Just three parts in the series though, I promise!

I’m picking up right where we left off, on Day Three the group all split into different activities. Tab and I chose to tour the volcano. I mean how often do we get to go down inside a volcano? #never We felt like it was a must do in Iceland!

It was a little drive from Reykjavik over to the volcano area. They got us all set up with rain gear and then we hiked up to the volcano spot.

The area around the volcano is all protected land so no one is allowed to drive a vehicle into the area. The team gets supplies and such either through backpacks or a helicopter, which I thought was super interesting!

We made the two mile hike up and got all our safety gear on for the adventure!

Our group had a major photo session while we waited for our guide.

How many hats/helmets can I wear at one time? #two

There was a little walk up to the elevator {and I’m using that term loosely}.

I do not like heights so I was so glad I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was expecting to walk down a bunch of stairs to get inside this volcano. No, we actually took this “elevator” that was donated to Iceland from National Geographic down to the bottom/inside of the volcano.

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t scary. However, the ride back up to the top was way creepier to me than the ride down.

But once inside, those volcano views were stunning.

There was a big circular path around the bottom we could walk while we were down.

Look at all those colors!

This was super cool and something we’ll never do again. But please know my legs were shaking during this photo because this little path was kind of slippery and it fell off below right behind the rocks.

We waited here for the next group/elevator to arrive and were right back up!

Super super cool experience and I’d highly recommend this for anyone visiting Iceland!

That evening was our fancy gala event….

A gorgeous venue was rented, we all got dressed up and had a fancy night out.

The hosts of the trip {and spouse} each stood on a different step so as we entered they each took turns greeting us all. It was a very nice way to welcome us to the event.

And the only picture we took all night….womp, womp. The event was fun-singers, a band with a dance floor and another delicious meal.

Day four Tab and I chose to take these vehicles with a group to do more scenic sightseeing, a hike, and view some gorgeous waterfalls.

The drive out to this spot took a while but THE VIEWS were worth it! I know I’m in the wrong country here but I had Sound of Music vibes…it was stunning.

Do you see what I mean?

The weather was also absolutely perfect which probably made the views just a bit more gorgeous.

We took a little hike from one side to the other and our drivers drove around to pick us up.

Too many selfies but they all have gorgeous views…

See?

This entire valley used to be a lake and over time it disappeared so we drove down in there to get some closer looks at the glacier.

Glacier views…

I missed a picture of the darling restaurant but we stopped at this cute little restaurant. They made THE best little greek salads for us. {I’ve already tried to recreate it at home.}.

And then it was waterfall time. Tab and I kept thinking about how those people who live in those houses behind us have THE BEST views each morning while they drink their coffee.

Our guide didn’t believe us when we told her these flowers REALLY resembled our Texas Blue Bonnets.

STUNNING!!

I mean…who knew what I REALLY want is a waterfall in my backyard?

We even made the walk up to see the views from above.

The only picture I have from this night is a quick snap of our location. We had dinner with the entire group at Matarkjallarinn Food Cellar. Tab and I both had the black pepper steak and it was DELISH! The setting was super cute and cozy as well. Great spot!

That wraps up Part 2 of Iceland. Tomorrow I’ll be here with Friday Favorites and will finish my trip recap next week! See you tomorrow!

XO