We got out fairly early as we were headed to the Thingvellir National Park. We didn’t do a good enough job of checking our route the night before and Google had some how put us on a gravel road. For Iceland specifically instead of a no-toll option in maps there should be a no-gravel road option. Dan and I were nervous as we were scheduled to snorkel Silfra. That is the area between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe and you can either snorkel or scuba dive. Luckily, after what seemed like hours the road became paved again and we managed to still get to our tour with a little time to spare.
We didn’t see any fish snorkeling, but the water clarity was amazing and there is a lot of marine algae. Dan thought the green algae looked like silly string. We donned our dry suites as the water temperature stays between 35-39 degrees Fahrenheit. But with the suit on you don’t seem to notice the cold once your face goes numb.
We got done and visited some of the other sites in the park.
Oxarárfoss Waterfall, Tingvellir Church, Almannagjá Gorge ( the site of the first parliament and Lögberg (law rock)
We were getting tired and wanted to relax. We headed to the Fontana Baths. It’s set along Lake Laugarvatn. Beautiful setting and we enjoyed trying the different pools. Dan and I even braved a jump into the lake.
We ate at the nearby Héradsskólm Historic Guesthouse. It was once a schoolhouse and the decor was eclectic and cool. Will and I both ordered the lamb. It was excellent.
We camped for the night at Mosskogar. It’s a very popular campground, but the owner was very accommodating and was able to squeeze us in. He also doesn’t take credit cards, but would take US dollars. We didn’t have electric that night which, made it Dan’s first time officially boon-docking.
We had to return Fifi the next morning and we were officially done with our tour of the Ring Road. But we still had yet to see the capital city of Reykjavik. So let the adventure continue.
