Day 24 - Entering the South Coast and to the Island of Vestmannaeyjar

From the itinerary: Today you ́ll explore the stunning views of Iceland ́s south coast, which boasts waterfalls, black sand beaches and glacier views. From Skaftafell head across the lava field of Eldhraun heading east. Just after the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, you can enjoy a gentle hike along the rim of Fjadrargljufur canyon. Further west you find the charming little town of Vik where you can explore the local wool factory, and take in the views from the church of the town and seaside. Just after Vik, turn off the main road and towards the black sand beach of Reynisfjara where towering waves of the North-Atlantic come crashing down onto the beach. Next up is the island of Dyrholaey which you can drive onto and offers panoramic views of the massive south coast of Iceland and it ́s black sands. Further on, you are in for a treat as you find two of Iceland ́s most recognisable and beautiful waterfalls. Skogafoss is impressive with it ́s 200ft drop and you can follow a staircase alongside the waterfall for a birds eye view down the tumbling water. A bit further on the road you find Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which due to its unique angle allows you to enjoy and explore the waterfall from behind. You can then follow an easy walking trail further into the valley for about 5 minutes and witness another waterfall called Gljufrabui. From here you will go to the nearby port of Landeyjahofn and sail across to the beautiful island of Vestmannaeyjar. This volcanic rock has a thriving community, and is known for it ́s active and beautiful geology. As recent as 1973 there was a volcanic eruption on the island which forced the evacuation of the whole town. The eruption lasted 6 months and caused much damage, but the people moved back and now make a great living in the fishing industry and welcoming visitors to the island. Lunch - several options in Vík, such as Halldorskaffi (https://www.halldorskaffi.is/), or you push on a bit further and to Skogafoss but you have a nice restaurant at Hotel Skogafoss. Dinner - several options on the island. Same building as your hotel you have Einsi Kaldi, and across the corner a place called Gott. On either nights you really should eat at a place called Slippurinn (https:// www.slippurinn.com/welcome)

It was an uneventful day, but a day that effectively marked my circumnavigation of Iceland. Even though the map doesn't show it, the falls are the same falls I saw from the bus as we came back from the trek. I had to be vigilant regarding timing on this due to the ferry at the end of the day.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Fjadrargljufur sound like Minnesota words Rose Nylan would say in Golden Girls. The canyon area had great access to puffins. Maybe there weren't a lot of puffins, but you could get very close.

Here are a million more puffin pictures:

There were also a number of pretty views and a sort of fortress

I drove through Vik and it was very touristy. I never did stop at the wool mill as I was able to find a better sweater shop along the road where I bought Sasha's sweater and also some un-spun wool to make something for myself.

The black sand beach of Reynisfjara is a very wild location with some interesting sea stacks. Along the entrance road there was a lone church.

This is Skogafoss which you could walk in front of, behind and above. I felt like I achieved a milestone and remembered the first time I saw the falls coming back from the Laugevegur trek.

You passed another small falls along the walk way to Seljalandsfoss. This Falls was cool because you entered through a cavern. The below shots also include the falls I walked by.

More waterfalls at Gljufrabui

The ferry journey was uneventful, but the weather cleared and you could see sea birds along the way. The islands were very pretty. Coming into the small port you get some close up views of the sea stacks that supposedly are the home to the largest population of Puffins in Iceland. More on that tomorrow.

The recommended restaurant Slippurinn was closed for the 2 days I was here. I ate the first night at my hotel which was the Vestmannaeyjar and had this nice lobster soup and local beer.