We Ride at Dawn!

Today was the day where we knew we would be splitting up for part of the time. Way back when, on another vacation, an unfortunate series of events led to the promise that Gillian would never again have to ride a horse unless she chose to. Audrey, of course, wanted to have the experience of riding the Icelandic horse. Horses here are unique. No horses are allowed to be imported to Iceland, if a horse leaves, it can never return, and they have 5 gaits, the most notable one being the tölt. The tölt is a 4 beat gait. Four of us were signed up to ride, while Gillian and Greg explored the surrounding attractions.

So off we went to the town of Thingeyri. Thingeyri is one of the oldest settlements in the Westfjords, and where the regional Viking assembly (or “thing”) was held, and the first trading post of the Westfjords was established. We checked in at Simbahollin, zipped to the stable, and then Audrey, Elizabeth, Ryan, and I mounted our noble steeds (Tátá, Cupla, Louie, and Knawa) and proceeded to ride from the “Valley to Sea”. And we literally rode through the valley and to the sea and back. And we did the tölt. A lot of tölt. It was a gorgeous route, but generic tack makes for an uncomfortable ride, and there was a decided lack of communication about what was happening. Could have been great with just a little communication. Wasn’t for us occasional riders (especially Ryan at over 6’ who was extremely uncomfortable). I’m not sure, but if Tátá doesn’t mean turtle, it should. She was slow and steady, but we stayed way behind everyone else the whole trip. Audrey, as expected, figured out the tölt and cantered across the last field and hill.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/fc81ce_79bcaa9458944bedb43e73153ea0074f/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Gillian and Greg experienced something completely different visiting Flateyri and The Old Book Store (one of the oldest stores in Iceland) and Holt beach. This beach has golden sand, and is home to a protected nesting area for ducks. For those of you who don’t know, Gillian really likes ducks.

Back together again, we were off. Next up, Dynjandi waterfall. Dynjandi, also known as Fjallfoss is described as a bridal veil - 30 meters wide at the top and 60 meters at the bottom. The Icelandic word "Dynjandi" means thunderous or resounding.

Quick picture and back in the van to cross some more mountains. We drove some pretty serious dirt roads over the mountains, and I will say guard rails are few and far between. Incredible views. Don’t look down if you are afraid of heights.

We managed to make it to Bildudalur and the Sea Monster Museum, squeaking in just before they closed. The proprietors were most gracious allowing us to stay a few minutes after regular closing and telling us a little bit about the exhibits. Bildudalur is located on Arnarfjordur, one of the longest fjords in Iceland (30 kms long), and the area has registered the most sea monster sightings in Iceland over the past centuries. The museum gives quite a bit of insight into them. The two most prevalent seem to be the Hafmaour (or Mareman), and the Fjörulalli (or Shore Laddie). It’s been a hot minute since reports of the Mareman, but the latest sighting of Shore Laddie was just 2 weeks ago. Our guide told us if we spot one to just say hello and keep walking. I’m definitely getting Finding Bigfoot vibes. We didn’t see any sea monsters, but we did spot another whale in Arnarfjordur. We’re definitely on a roll!

Over another mountain to Patreksfjordur for our overnight stop, and the rest of us finally got to also see golden sand in Iceland. It’s been a full day!