Normally we don’t have the opportunity to scope out a port before arriving with Snow Dragon but thanks to Gerd, we had a sneak peek at Husavik after he insisted on introducing us to his friend Nils. The three hour drive along the interior route from Seydisfjordur to Husavik was spectacular, taking us through the volcanic area around Myvatn.
We stopped and walked around the geothermal area of Hverarond, with its impressive steam vents and bubbling mud pots. Even with all the geothermal activity, the cold wind still managed to make us shiver. After our brief walk we retreated to the car and continued to Husavik.
Steam Vent
Husavik was on our itinerary but it became a must stop after seeing the town in person and meeting Nils who works for North Sailing, Husavik’s original whale watching company. The company was founded out of the desire to preserve traditional Icelandic oak fishing boats. Including Iceland’s only schooner, Haurkur. She is Nils’ pride and joy and it is heart warming to hear how much he enjoys sailing her.
On the way back to Seydisfjordur we took the costal route which gave us a good look at the harbor possibilities on Iceland’s north east corner. There were a few that were well protected but none of them compared to Husavik. Getting to see what we would be missing made it easier to decide to skip the north east corner in order to spend more time on the north coast.
When we arrived last Monday we received the same warm welcome that we had when we were here with Gerd. There was a sense familiarity coming into the harbor and Snow Dragon blended in well, rafted up to North Sailing’s traditional boats. The tourists going out on the whale watching tours took interest in Snow Dragon and we have gotten to meet some lovely people.
North Sailing’s laid back yet professional atmosphere made us comfortable leaving Snow Dragon for the day. We rented a car to further explore Myvatn and the surrounding area. It was cloudy but much warmer than it had been during our previous visit and we were able to walk around Hverfell crater without freezing. Our only disappointment was the nature baths which were highly commercial and we retreated rapidly after seeing the parking lot full of tour busses.
Our week in Husavik has not been enough and this vibrant fishing and whale watching center will go down on our list of places that we would love to come back to.
For more photos please click on Road Trip Album.
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