Exploring South Iceland

Today was my first day back to work. It was-- well-- let's just say I've had a few strong alcoholic beverages since I got home. No worries though, having a bummer of a shift gave me the best reason so dive back into my Iceland pictures. I realized that I didn't take nearly as many photos as I thought but that goes to show how much fun I was having. Here are the few snapshots I have from the rest of our time in Iceland. 

On the way to our house (tucked away somewhere between Vík and Kirkjubaejarklaustur) we had to stop and admire this view. (And to pee into a Pringles can on the side of the road.) Driving in Iceland is a bit challenging, especially in a tiny little Ford hatchback. One of the more terrifying moments in my life definitely happened on this drive. We were just past Reykjavík and I started noticing more and more snow accumulation on the ground. Slowly, snow started appearing on the windshield until a torrent was unleashed all at once. Zero visibility for 5 or 6 kilometers. The worst part was looking back at the others in the car and realizing they were all asleep! I told them about it when they woke up but I don't think any of them really believed me. Not even my own husband.

One of the best parts about exploring Iceland by car is that the long drives don't seem long at all because there's SO MUCH to see. The terrain is constantly changing and beautiful places are not far from the road. Oh, and it's incredibly easy to navigate since there's really one main road. I snapped these photos from a petrol station in Vík. Yes, a PETROL STATION. A petrol station has a better view than you, me, and almost everybody else in the world.

It's hard to pick just one favorite thing but if I had to, I'd absolutely give the honor to Jökulsárlón. I only have this one photo but there's a good reason for that-- this is where Brenden and I did our first look! (I seriously cannot wait to see those pictures.) Like everything else I've shared, the photos do it no justice. Those little bits of glacier are HUGE. The glacial lagoon is a part of Vatnajökull National Park and the bits of glacier you see here are from a glacier called Breiðamerkurjökull. 

On the way to Jökulsárlón, we passed Skaftafell, the gateway to that beautiful ole glacier. This national park is actually the largest in Europe. Going back to Iceland and hiking the glacier is definitely on my to-do list. B is kind of a big baby when it comes to cold weather though, so it might be a solo trip. 

The only other photos I took were from my wedding day. I know airplane wreckage is an "interesting" choice for wedding portraits but don't worry: everybody survived the crash landing back in the 70's. It was a must-visit on our trip since my family now has two generations of pilots. (My dad and my brother, who both loved it.) It was not only freezing at the site but also SO windy. My parents looked adorable bundled up in my blanket scarf. Cutest mom and dad award?

Thanks for letting me share a little bit of my time in Iceland with you. Stay tuned for honeymoon pictures now! 

xo,
e.m.