Iceland, Day Ten: Thursday, August 18, 2016

Our last full day in Iceland - and my Dad’s 60th birthday! - dawned with some sunny patches of blue sky, and we made our way out of Reykjavik and drove south a ways, to the area where M went biking on Monday. He thought we’d enjoy hiking at Reykjadalur, a trail that leads to a natural bathing spring, and he was right.

Unlike at Glymur, we actually checked out the posted signs before our hike!

Setting off on our hike at Reykjadalur.

The hike there was mostly uphill, and we passed both babbling springs of cold water and steaming rivulets of very hot water. At times we came upon large, cauldron-like holes in the ground from which thick clouds of steam and noxious vapours smelling of sulphur wafted, soaking us in beads of moisture even as we simply walked through them. The bubbles of boiling mud belched and oozed, and as has occurred to us so many times during this trip, we marveled that we’re truly still on planet Earth.

Pockets of steam erupted from the earth around us.

The geothermal waters boiled away dangerously in some of the cauldron-like pits we passed.

Do NOT fall in!

Awash in a sulphur steam bath.

Baa Baa Black Sheep :)

Our shadows can attest to the fact that we were here!

And although the hike was reward itself, our efforts were further rewarded when we arrived at the bathing stream . . . picture-perfect, it was. This spot where a hot stream and a cold stream meet make for a perfect soaking experience. We picnicked right beside the stream, and made friends with the resident sheep: Yes! I pet a sheep on my last full day in Iceland! Truth be told he was obviously very used to people, many of whom probably feed him regularly, but nevertheless, he was a wild sheep and we pet him! We changed into bathing suits as covertly as possible, most people graciously averting eyes in exchange for the same courtesy, and waded in. Lounging in this warm, rocky stream surrounded by grassy hills and rocky mountains, chatting with people from all around the world who’d happily found this little piece of heaven in Iceland as well, made for an unforgettable day for us all. I found myself closing my eyes every now and again, tilting my face up to the sun and simply soaking up the moment, basking in the surreality of it all.

I've read that this boardwalk is a more recent addition to the hot springs at Reykjadalur, and have heard from people who were there prior to its installation that it takes away from the natural beauty of the spot. I don't doubt it, but considering that we still saw a few people fall on the slippery mud banks as they were either getting in or out before reaching the wooden boardwalk, I'm sure it has increased the safety of the experience.

I pet a sheep - finally! - on my last full day in Iceland!

He proceeded to watch us bathe.

Blissfully soaking.

After a couple hours of soaking and our hike back down, we returned to Reykjavik in the late afternoon, thankful that blue skies still reigned there as well. We spent a short time at the apartment to clean up and then headed out for our final dinner in Iceland. Italian’s always a crowd-pleaser in our family, so we knew everyone would be happy with that. Perhaps our next family trip will be to Italy, where we could compare the Roman baths to our various bathing experiences here.

Our travel day was the next day on August 19, but since our flight didn’t leave until mid-afternoon, we planned to enjoy a final morning after packing up and leaving the apartment. We enjoyed one final brunch at "The Laundromat Cafe", said goodbye to some of the local cats we'd befriended during our stay, and enjoyed some final views of the city. Then off to Keflavik Airport we went.

Saying goodbye to the neighbourhood kitties we'd come to know and love in Reykjavik.

Final look at Hallgrimskirkja.

Goodbye Iceland!

'The Jet Nest' sculpture greets travelers at Keflavik Airport.

Heading home.

We had an absolutely amazing time in Iceland, and the experiences we shared during our family vacation exceeded all expectations. However, as with any trip, there’s always something unfailingly wonderful about going home.

Thanks for reading. I love travel literature and all that it inspires, and I hope you enjoyed traveling along with us vicariously. Perhaps Iceland has moved up on your list of places to visit as a result. If so, never hesitate to touch base with me; I'd be more than happy to chat with you about this wonderful country that captured our hearts!

My wonder: What place have you traveled to that has captured your heart?