Iceland - Day 9

Selfoss (South Iceland) to Grundarfjordur (West Iceland)

I slept like a baby last night. I guess I needed it. Even though I had an alarm set, I woke a few times checking the time. I finally rolled out of my sleeping bag at 4 am. and packed up to leave. It was a bit funny seeing my racoon-like face: white around the eyes and cherry red nose and cheeks. At least I had my dose of Vitamin D. My first bus wasn't leaving until 6.20 am, so I set in the kitchen hiding from the ferocious and freezing wind outside.

I had no problem catching the 4 buses I needed to get to Grundarfjordur on the Snaefellsness Peninsula. This is also known as 'Mini Iceland' as you can find all the amazing scenery here without too much travelling. I wanted to discuss my hike across the mountain at the Information Centre, but they only opened at 1 am. Even though the campsite was close by, I decided to go into town and have a look around. It's a tiny little place with 800 inhabitants and stunning views everywhere you look. I expected a lot more tourists, but it had more of a sleepy town feel to it.

I guess the nearby waterfalls with Kirkjufell - the most photographed mountain in Iceland - as a backdrop is the main attraction. I will leave the leisurely walk to all 3 for tomorrow. After a lovely warm soup, I managed to have a chat with the chap at the information centre. However, he sadly wasn't very knowledgeable about paths or trails, hey ho. At this point, I was beyond exhausted and ready to drool. I walked to the campsite, set up my tent, barely remembered to remove my boots, crawled in, and fell asleep within seconds. I slept for a good 2.5 hours. My God, did I need it.

I belatedly paid for my camping spot, had a shower, and felt as fresh as a daisy. I decided that I needed an extra day of chilling and just breathing in the scenery. Surprisingly, the weather for today and tomorrow wasn't looking amazing. The wind speed was almost hurricane-like in the mountains. NO, thank you.

I thought it would also be time to stock up and so did some shopping in the local supermarket. Dear God, barely anything was under £5. Just to give you an idea: a chicken wrap cost £8. I followed this up with a leisurely walk, a few hundred pictures, and a mini picnic by the beach with the friendliest cat on this side of Iceland.

I wasn't ready to go to bed yet, so I hijacked a cafe and had a very traditional cod pie with spiced potatoes and local bread. Habba-habba, was it nice. My first 8 days were set in stone as I wanted to do the walk badly. The next 8 days are flexible, and I'll go with the flow. It's 9 pm., a very late night for me. I might even sleep in until 6 am.