Hot Pot Whale Watching

I got up in the night twice again to check the skies for the Northern Lights, but still to no avail... I don't think that it helps that we are staying in a very 'well lit' town though. Today we are heading back west towards Reykjavik. After a little farewell walk though Akyerui, we set off. You can check all the road conditions before leaving for any journey here and although there was fresh snow on the road side, we both breathed a huge sigh of relief when were found the tarmac was clear!

We broke the journey up with a short hike up a volcano! It's only about 3600 years old and has other little cones nearby, which give a very easy to see geography lesson and a welcome stretch of the legs.

 

 

Clare had once again done her research and found a rumor about a hot pot near the sea, that only involved a short detour from our intended route. After following the directions she had found we pulled into a layby, left the car and set off on foot to the waters edge. Once again, we were initially disappointed to see a few others ahead of us, but then relieved as they confirmed it was safe to get in!

 

Especially as we found this sign later!

 

The pool was right on the waters edge and a very pleasant 39 degrees. So hot in fact that a cool off in the sea was necessary!

 

 

Then, just as the Danish guys who were ahead of us were about to leave, one of them spotted some Whales in the bay! We couldn't believe our eyes as four Whales came within 10m of the shore, (basically, where Clare had just been swimming!), spouted water into the air and then came up to the surface before diving back under with a flick of a tail! It was a real jaw dropper of a moment. Matt and Emma also found their way and joined us with some Czech guys in the warmth of the pot.

 

Once we began to get wrinkly, we thought we best continue on our way. It was good timing as the hot pot was only small and a small group of Icelandic travelers had just arrived, so we could make space for them. They told us that the name of the bay translates to 'Whale Bay'!

A few hours later and we were checked into a Hostel next to the airport, ready for another early start. For food, we found a cool local burger bar - having placed an order at the bar, we were given a ticket with a number on it (like Pete's Eats in Llanberis). When the food was ready, they called your number. Which is fine if you speak Icelandic! We were the source of some amusement among other diners as we had to keep checking what food was coming out before we could claim it!