Our day was spent driving from Husavik down to South Eastern corner of Iceland. The majority of the drive took place on the Ring Road and it was interesting learning experience for us. 

First off, there were access issues everywhere. Minimal places to pull off the highway. Gates up blocking things we wanted to see. 

Second, there were people. Lots of people. And everyone spoke American. Not English. But American. There is a difference and any of you who have traveled abroad know exactly what I’m talking about. 

Third, we drove through towns. As in more than one. We were able to stop and get food or gas or whatever we wanted. It seemed strange. 

Bottom line, the Ring Road isn’t Iceland. At least it isn’t the Iceland we have grown to love. We miss the wild. The unexplored. The uninhibited. The Ring is restricted. Populated. It’s showing signs of being touristy. 

We still had a great day. The landscape was amazing. At one point we went from a 68 degree verdant and lush valley to a wasteland with volcanic rock and a frozen lake in the span of 5km. 

From there we headed out to the coast to make our way down to the cabin for tonight. The eastern coast is fjords and black sand beaches. The giant craggy fjords covered in snow are a bold contract against the black sand beaches and blue water. 

Standing on the freezing beach. Listening to the waves and the wind was relaxing. Reminded me of Maine. The same mussel shells. Smell of seaweed. Couldn’t help but relive memories of walks on the beach in winter. Wanting to feel the water but being scared of the biting cold. 

Our cabin for tonight is fantastic. Newly built by a farmer converted some unused land into a little cottage area.  Appealing from the outside, and with an amazing view from the porch, we truly enjoyed it. And made use of the small quarters to do some laundry.