Iceland - Day 15

Olafsvik

I must have been tired as I woke up officially late (for me) just after 6 am. I looked outside my tent and was shocked to see the number of camper vans. I moved outside, still cocooned inside my sleeping bag, made breakfast, and enjoyed the silence for a little while longer. It took me a while to write yesterday's story, but I was in no rush. The plan was to do something or nothing.

Just after 9 a.m., I headed into town with the plan to see the church and the local foss (waterfall). The first was very interesting as it consisted of triangles only. According to the info, if looked at it from north to south, it resembles a ship, and if looked at from above, it is the shape of a salted cod. I liked it.

My next stop was less than 2 minutes away. It wasn't a powerful waterfall, but it was lovely nonetheless. I went halfway up so I could enjoy the sound of the waterfall and find a spot for some reading. I definitely found it on a big rock facing the postcard-perfect picture of the town. I sat there for 2 hours sunbathing, reading, and just enjoying being here.

As cafes and shops don't open until 12 noon, I went wandering around and stumbled upon a crafts shop. I've already bought and tested Icelandic woolly socks, so a hat was next. 30 minutes and 50 hats later, I chose one and walked out £30 poorer but happier. Lunch at the local restaurant was amazing, most expensive fish and chips of my life, but definitely the tastiest.

After wandering a bit longer around the marina, I noticed a beach nearby, which gave me THE idea. It was 10C and sunny; the wind was barely a breeze, meaning it was a heatwave around here. As soon as I got back to the campsite, I had a mini nap, I put my swimming costume on and strolled to the beach. I settled, undressed, and went for it. After the streams and rivers in the Highlands, this could have almost been considered warm. I went in thigh-deep and then started sort of swimming. Or more like splashing around, jumping up, splashing again, and so on. After a bit more squeaking, I ran out and quickly changed so nothing would fall off from frostbite. I sat there for a long time, just enjoying the sound of the waves.

The shower was even more enjoyable after a cold swim and my mini dinner was just enough to keep me warm at night. It wasn't my usual eventful day, but I needed a slow-going day to unwind and just breathe in the local air and charm. I went to bed feeling relaxed and recharged.