The Daily for Monday July 26, 2021

[cat shepard]

Iceland - Part 2

We had big plans for our first full day in Iceland. We wanted to visit Viking World, the National Museum in Reykjavik and wrap up the day hiking up to the volcano that started erupting in March of this year.

 

Yesterday, Mr. K answered our hotel’s call for a taxi to take us to Spa Lagoon. He gave us his card, so we called him this morning to take us to Viking World, which is very close to the airport. None of us wanted to fool around with bus schedules and attempt to pronounce unpronounceable names!  

 

Well Mr. K gave us an amazing deal. He drove us to Viking World, waited for us to tour it, then dropped us off at the National Museum. But before he left us, he pointed out a lovely residential street that we could walk down to where the Best Hot Dog Stand in Iceland was. Then after we had enjoyed a hot dog, we would call him to take us back to the hotel. All for $70/person!

 

It was cloudy, cool and rainy off and on. Mr. K did not expect us to spend much time at Viking World. Boy, did we show him! This trip all started with my friend Janice’s daughter Kat’s love of anything Viking. She even participates in re-enactments!  Her Mom was taking her to Iceland for a 40th birthday treat. And I invited myself to join them. 😎 And Kat is an art teacher who was hoping to bring back some great ideas to share with her classes. 

 

The ability to walk on an actual Viking ship, the Islendingur, that sailed from Iceland as part of the Millennial Celebration in 2000 was amazing. It looked huge inside Viking World, but anyone who has sailed on the North Atlantic knows how treacherous those waters can be. Count me out unless it is a BHB. 

 

The National Museum has a lovely little cafe that is perfect for a light meal. We stopped there to fortify ourselves before starting our tour of the museum. The museum has two large floors full of artifacts, replicas and exhibits that gave visitors a glimpse into Iceland’s rich history. And a wonderful gift shop. 

 

Iceland can be proud of completing one of the most civilized conversions to Christianity in the World. Their head guy wrestled with the problem; threw his icons of the Norse gods over a nearby waterfall (hence Godafoss) and declared people could worship who they wanted in the privacy of their own homes. In public- it had to be Christianity. 

 

 

We loved the street that Mr. K suggested we stroll along to get to the old downtown area. It had a park, a lake with a view, ducks and a friendly cat! Not to mention homes with interesting architectural features. 

 

 

We found our hot dog stand right where Mr K said it would be. I can not believe I did not take a picture of my hot dog. It was amazing. You could taste the quality of the meat. I opted for “the works”, but decided I would stick with mustard and onions on future orders. And let me not forget to mention that one could drink ice cold PURE water from the tap, and every place would fill up your water bottle for free. We even found a pig all decked out for “Gala night”!

 

 

We called Mr K and he brought us back to the hotel in time for us to get dressed for our trip to the volcano. The tour company had warned us that the magma had been flowing underground for awhile, and gave us a chance to opt out. But we all knew this might be the only chance we would have to see a volcano in our lifetime, so we had to go. I had really good waterproof hiking shoes and hiking poles - thanks to Debbie @dfish. So I was ready. 

 

The driver gave us a bit of a tour in hopes that the weather at the volcano would clear a bit. A fishing village,

 

 

three curious foals, 

 

and a Southern section of the rift between the two tectonic plates that are helping to create Iceland as we speak.  

 

 

Then to the volcano. One of the group decided not to even try, when she saw the “small hills” you had to climb.

 

 Much of the path was covered in small, loose stones. When it started misting, it got a bit treacherous. 20 minutes into the hike, I slipped and fell hard on my left knee. Unfortunately, the pointed corner of a rock is what stopped my fall. But I could get up, and carefully walk back to the mini-bus to wait for the rest of the group. I immediately iced and elevated.
 

Soon it started pouring and the rest of the group returned. By then my knee had started swelling in the most bizarre cone-shaped fashion. Our guide put some anti-swelling ointment on it and wrapped it in a compression bandage. I decided to wait until morning to see what was what. If no better, I would visit the local hospital. We went back to the hotel, where the wonderful folk gave me a humongous bag of ice for my knee. I slept like a log through the night. 

The saga continues tomorrow….

Edited July 26, 2021 by cat shepard

[kazu]

Thanks for the Daily, Rich and our Monday smile 🙂 

 

Third attempt at this post - maybe 3 times is the charm?

 

Interesting collection of days.  I can be an all or nothing type but I try to keep in the middle 😉.  Had great Aunts and Uncles (RIP) whom I miss very much. I guess I can still celebrate since I am an aunt as well 🙂 

 

@mamaofamigood news on Sam’s dinner out.  So glad he enjoyed it 👍 

 

@StLouisCruisersa very happy birthday to Morgan 🥳 🎂 

 

@richwmnlove the new set up.  Thanks so much for going to the work to do it!!!!

 

That quote of Emerson’s is a good one to keep in mind.

 

Not sure what will be on our menu tonight.  It will depend on how I’m feeling, I think.  Really off yesterday - think I got dehydrated maybe?  Taking it slow today but so far, so good although my legs are a tad wobbly.

 

Looking forward to the reports on today’s ports and like others, enjoying LIsa’s LIVE reports.

 

Garden Club participants - I so agree with this:

 

 

Prayers for everyone on the Care list & for those that need them and 🥂 to those on the Celebratory / Shout Out list.

 

Have a great Monday, everyone.

 

 

Stay safe and don’t forget your 😷 

[kazu]

@cat shepardyour reviews and photos of Iceland are fabulous 👍 

[grapau27]

7 minutes ago, cat shepard said:

Iceland - Part 2

We had big plans for our first full day in Iceland. We wanted to visit Viking World, the National Museum in Reykjavik and wrap up the day hiking up to the volcano that started erupting in March of this year.

 

Yesterday, Mr. K answered our hotel’s call for a taxi to take us to Spa Lagoon. He gave us his card, so we called him this morning to take us to Viking World, which is very close to the airport. None of wanted to fool around with bus schedules and attempt to pronounce unpronounceable names!  

 

Well Mr. K gave us an amazing deal. He drove us to Viking World, waited for us to tour it, then dropped us off at the National Museum. But before he left us, he pointed out a lovely residential street that we could walk down to where the Best Hot Dog Stand in Iceland was. Then after we had enjoyed a hot dog, we would call him to take us back to the hotel. All for $70/person!

 

It was cloudy, cool and rainy off and on. Mr. K did not expect us to spend much time at Viking World. Boy, did we show him! This trip all started with my friend Janice’s daughter Kat’s love of anything Viking. She even participates in re-enactments!  Her Mom was taking her to Iceland for a 40th birthday treat. And I invited myself to join them. 😎 And Kat is an art teacher who was hoping to bring back some great ideas to share with her classes. 

 

The ability to walk on an actual Viking ship, the Islendingur, that sailed from Iceland as part of the Millennial Celebration in 2000 was amazing. It looked huge inside Viking World, but anyone who has sailed on the North Atlantic knows how treacherous those waters can be. Count me out unless it is a BHB. 

 

The National Museum has a lovely little cafe that is perfect for a light meal. We stopped there to fortify ourselves before starting our tour of the museum. The museum has two large floors full of artifacts, replicas and exhibits that gave visitors a glimpse into Iceland’s rich history. And a wonderful gift shop. 

 

Iceland can be proud of completing one of the most civilized conversions to Christianity in the World. Their head guy wrestled with the problem; threw his icons of the Norse gods over a nearby waterfall (hence Godafoss) and declared people could worship who they wanted in the privacy of their own homes. In public- it had to be Christianity. 

 

 

We loved the street that Mr. K suggested we stroll along to get to the old downtown area. It had a park, a lake with a view, ducks and a friendly cat! Not to mention homes with interesting architectural features. 

 

 

We found our hot dog stand right where Mr K said it would be. I can not believe I did not take a picture of my hot dog. It was amazing. You could taste the quality of the meat. I opted for “the works”, but decided I would stick with mustard and onions on future orders. And let me not forget to mention that one could drink ice cold PURE water from the tap, and every place would fill up your water bottle for free. We even found a pig all decked out for “Gala night”!

 

 

We called Mr K and he brought us back to the hotel in time for us to get dressed for our trip to the volcano. The tour company had warned us that the magma had been flowing underground for awhile, and gave us a chance to opt out. But we all knew this might be the only chance we would have to see a volcano in our lifetime, so we had to go. I had really good waterproof hiking shoes and hiking poles - thanks to Debbie @dfish. So I was ready. 

 

The driver gave us a bit of a tour in hopes that the weather at the volcano would clear a bit. A fishing village,

 

 

three curious foals, 

 

and a Southern section of the rift between the two tectonic plates that are helping to create Iceland as we speak.  

 

 

Then to the volcano. One of the group decided not to even try, when she saw the “small hills” you had to climb.

 

 Much of the path was covered in small, loose stones. When it started misting, it got a bit treacherous. 20 minutes into the hike, I slipped and fell hard on my left knee. Unfortunately, the pointed corner of a rock is what stopped my fall. But I could get up, and carefully walk back to the mini-bus to wait for the rest of the group. I immediately iced and elevated.
 

Soon it started pouring and the rest of the group returned. By then my knee had started swelling in the most bizarre cone-shaped fashion. Our guide put some anti-swelling ointment on it and wrapped it in a compression bandage. I decided to wait until morning to see what was what. If no better, I would visit the local hospital. We went back to the hotel, where the wonderful folk gave me a humongous bag of ice for my knee. I slept like a log through the night. 

The saga continues tomorrow….

 

 

 

 

 

Excellent photos and description of your travels.

Sorry to hear you had a fall.

Hopefully the ice has helped.

Graham.

[garlictown]

😁 I'm also enjoying reading Lisa's account on the Nieuw Amsterdam!! 👍Additionally,  thank you Rich @richwmnfor The Daily and the new format with 'ships with passengers.' Roy @rafinmd ..appreciate the Care and Celebration Lists!!😊

I'm looking forward to photos from today's port. We've stopped in Bali for the day and the excursion included an experience having a cup of Luwak coffee! 😉

🙏Prayers to all in need and thanks to all who contribute.

Katie

[cat shepard]

6 minutes ago, kazu said:

Thanks for the Daily, Rich and our Monday smile 🙂 

 

Third attempt at this post - maybe 3 times is the charm?

 

Not sure what will be on our menu tonight.  It will depend on how I’m feeling, I think.  Really off yesterday - think I got dehydrated maybe?  Taking it slow today but so far, so good although my legs are a tad wobbly.

 

Drink more water!  Sleep and water - critical. Then wine….
 

And the gremlins are really active lately.  I have tried to remove the last two pictures THREE times, and they refuse to be left out. 

[cat shepard]

5 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Excellent photos and description of your travels.

Sorry to hear you had a fall.

Hopefully the ice has helped.

Graham.

Graham, this is my cliffhanger- pun not intended. Now you have to read tomorrow’s episode to find out. 😉

[kazu]

5 minutes ago, cat shepard said:

Drink more water!  Sleep and water - critical. Then wine….
 

And the gremlins are really active lately.  I have tried to remove the last two pictures THREE times, and they refuse to be left out. 

 

The gremlins are really active.  I had to shut down and re-open to get my post to finally work.  Pics were flashing off on me.

 

Did you try to garbage your pics in the edit function?  If you did and it isn’t working the gremlins are really bad today.  Hopefully it improves soon.

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Daily!  I try to be a middle of the road kind of gal, but sometimes you just have to go all in.  I had a lot of aunts and uncles, and definitely had some favourites among them - they're all gone now, but have left me with some great memories.  I think holistic therapies are good, but if they're not working, you can always rely on science.

 

Oh my gosh, we finally had some rain overnight - the first time in over a month - and it was just shy of 1/4", but it was something!  I see on our security cameras that DH got up around 4AM and put the rain spout onto the lawn . . . I sleep like the dead and didn't hear him.  Today we're expecting a high of only 30C (86F), but we're sitting at a humidity level of 89% - very sticky!

 

We had a lovely afternoon yesterday, as we had a visit from my godson and his wife who have moved back to Canada after living in South Korea for 20 years.  I made up a charcuterie board, we served Aperol Spritzes, and talked away the afternoon.  It almost felt like like was back to normal because we were even able to share hugs.  Huge hugs.

 

I think today's menu suggestion would be good, although I do prefer meat in mine; it's also a recipe that would call for cooler days to really enjoy.  For us though, tonight is going to be a re-do of the charcuterie board, as there are lots of meats, cheeses, veggies, fruits and nuts to use.  Served with  chocolate mousse cups for dessert, that's what will be our dinner on the deck tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who needs them and even for those who don't think they do.  Raising the glasses to celebrate all on the happy list.  Stay safe, be well, wash your hands, wear your masks when you need to, and hydrate!  Yes, @kazu hydrate!  

 

Smooth Sailing! 🙂🙂🙂 

Gerry

 

 

 

[cat shepard]

5 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

The gremlins are really active.  I had to shut down and re-open to get my post to finally work.  Pics were flashing off on me.

 

Did you try to garbage your pics in the edit function?  If you did and it isn’t working the gremlins are really bad today.  Hopefully it improves soon.

I garbage them in the last attempt. Then I felt badly for them. 🙄

Edited July 26, 2021 by cat shepard

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing and caring 😀.

 

Happy Monday.

 

Be safe, heading to Utah to visit kids/grandkids.

[grapau27]

43 minutes ago, cat shepard said:

Graham, this is my cliffhanger- pun not intended. Now you have to read tomorrow’s episode to find out. 😉

Looking forward to it.

[Seasick Sailor]

Love the new format Rich. Thank you so much for your dedication to us Daily-ites.  Many thanks to Roy and our F&B gals and Jacqui.

 

Happy Birthday Morgan!

 

I am an aunt to 2 beautiful women. I'm very proud of them.

 

Ok, so here's my news: NO BEE'S this morning! If our neighbor had not come by no one would believe me! He moved the feeders to the shaded area of our patio. They were still there last night, but not one here this morning! I hope they found a good home far, far away..

 

My previous massage therapist used holistic methods.  I miss her.

 

 

 

Going now to read Lisa's latest. Meeting 18 people for prime rib night tonight. Celebrating no bees and Prayers and Cheers to all on Roy's list!

[lindaler]

Good morning all. Thanks Rich. I made vegetarian lasagna once in Dutch ovens fir a special event. Because half of the family were vegetarian it was made clear that the menu had to be too. I used a lot of red cabbage and ended up with several who chewed me out for adding meat. Don’t know if it was the red color or the texture but they were sure I messed up. Once they believed there was no meat in it the food disappeared with no leftovers. 

[Seasick Sailor]

Ann I am loving your Iceland diary and the pictures are beautiful. 

[jimgev]

Good Morning. Thanks. for the daily and lists. Interesting collectin of days.  I have had vegetable lasagna many times and enjoy it (I also enjoy the meat versions).The drink brings back memories. We just called them brandy alexanders (using regular brandy rather than cognac). It has been a long, long time but I do remember them tasting like a chocolate milk shake.

Stay safe everyone.

Edited July 26, 2021 by jimgev

[atexsix]

Good Morning,

 

I know I've been gone a few days so wanted to make a special effort to pop in and say hello, we cruise in a little over 5 weeks which sounds like a long time unless you think of it in terms of 5 more weekends to prepare with this coming one already booked up solid.  Yikes!  I finished the garage yesterday, and located Dear Dad's luggage in the process.  I managed to not end up with a backache this time AND I can now back the car in.   We are supposed to meet with the cat sitter sometime this week too, so our preparations are coming along.   

 

Now that the lead up to the Nieuw Amsterdam's first departure has passed, I have some extra time to catch up here.  Dear Dad and I are well, and hope everyone here are too.  Thanks to all the listers.  T/P to all that need it. 

 

Still no rain in the Pacific Northwest and we're now headed for the top 5 longest consecutive days without rain.  At least one streak will come to an end this weekend, having no air conditioning, yay!!

 

Here's where we currently stand with Seattle's homeporting ships this summer:

 

Nieuw Amsterdam: under way (Juneau)

Ovation of the Seas: under way (Seattle)

Serenade of the Seas: moored (Smith Cove east slip)

Encore: at anchor (Pier 66)

Miracle: moored (Smith Cove west slip)

Millennium: under way (Ketchikan)

Muse: at anchor (west Puget Sound)

Majestic: under way (Juneau)

 

Have a great day/week everybody!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JazzyV]

Good morning. Thanks for the Daily.

Interesting days. Being an only child, I was never an Aunt. Not a fan of all or nothing. 

Good quote.

I like the meal, but too carby right now for me. I like the drink and wine. 

I haven't been to today's port. Thanks for the pictures.

 

It's going to be hot here the next few days, but cooler by Friday. Hopefully I'll be cleared for yardwork soon. 

I have an appointment tomorrow to get the stitches out of my cornea 😲. Also it will be the last day of wearing the eye shield 24/7; I'll still have to wear it overnight for another week.

 

@StLouisCruisers Happy Birthday to Morgan!

@mamaofami Happy Birthdays to your DD and SIL. Nice for Sam to get out for a meal.

@cunnorl I'm wearing my mask in most indoor situations; actually never stopped. I am considered immunocompromised, so trying to stay well. 

@cat shepard Thanks for the awesome pictures!

 

Prayers for the care list and cheers for the celebration list.

Stay safe everyone and wear your 😷 if need be.

Copying this just in case of gremlins!

[kazu]

41 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

NO BEE'S this morning! If our neighbor had not come by no one would believe me! He moved the feeders to the shaded area of our patio. They were still there last night, but not one here this morning!

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Forgive me if this is areal groaner, but I had this thought about CC’s resident gremlins.

 

Maybe they are celebrating all or nothing day by doing ALL they can so NOTHING can be posted or easily posted. 😈

 

Lenda 

[Seasick Sailor]

3 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Forgive me if this is areal groaner, but I had this thought about CC’s resident gremlins.

 

Maybe they are celebrating all or nothing day by doing ALL they can so NOTHING can be posted or easily posted. 😈

 

Lenda 

 

Or... Lisa's sailing blog.. has CC bogged down, dog gone it!

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

3 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

Or... Lisa's sailing blog.. has CC bogged down, dog gone it!

That’s a thought.

[puppycanducruise]

@StLouisCruisersHappy Birthday to Morgan!

[Overhead Fred]

I have been known to make an Alexander or two...

[StLouisCruisers]

Now it's time for lunch but wanted to check back in to let you know I survived the dang heat and humidity this morning.  I was drenched but am all cleaned up now and feel better.  Drinking some peach tea stretched out on the sofa with a big fan on me, plus AC running and it feels great!  

 

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and shout outs to Morgan.  I texted her our good wishes and she texted back.  Her birthday card is awaiting her at her mama's house.  She's working as a nanny this summer so is busy with the two kids.

 

@mamaofamihappy birthday wishes to Lori and her DH.  @cat shepardthanks for the latest installment of your Iceland adventure.  I'm enjoying hearing all that you did and the photos too!

 

@kazuthanks for the memes today, especially significant.  How did we never notice that before?

 

I told DH we need to get rid of a few shrubs because they were planted too close and they all require trimming.  We could remove some and figure out some shrubs that don't require pruning all the time.  I've done it in the past and I can do it now.  I would also like to replace the pine straw with dark hardwood mulch.  He said well that's all on me because he hates yard work.  If he had less pruning to do he would appreciate that, right?  So I will ponder on this a while and see what I come up with. 

 

Off to enjoy lunch now.