Very late report on Iceland, Greenland and Hudson Bay

[drron29]

There have been a few mentions of Iceland and Greenland recently. The weather does play a big part and on our cruise we had some really good weather. We departed Reykjavik on August 7th 2013 0n the Explorer. I will though show our days in Iceland first. We started off visiting our grandkids in Sydney and then our favourite Airline JAL to Narita. This was typical of JAL back in the day as we taxied from the gate.

 

We stayed overnight in the Hilton Narita where you can have great views over the airport.

Our next leg was with our favourite Transpac airline AA. We were pleased to see our plane arrive.

 

We never missed an upgrade to F and the service was always good. Certainly the food and wine were not of the standard of the Asian airlines but for us the service was very good. Back then they let you taste every wine on their wine list. and when I said what I liked best they would leave me the bottle.

 

Now one of the reasons probably was we always acknowledge good service. Rojaan as was usual spent a fair bit of time teaching one of the FAs knitting. This was virtually a routine for her. There was a young male FA in the galley doing all the preparation so I made a point of going up and thanking him.

This flight was from Narita to Chicago and there was a tight connection on to Boston. the last flight however was 2 hours late so we were able to have that time in the Flagship lounge.

The Boston flight was full and only 1 FA for the 16 F passengers. she however did a marvellous job and their were no complaints from any one. We however arrived after midnight with very few around. It was a little difficult finding our way to the Hilton at the airport but finally made it and slept soundly. On waking found the airport few not nearly as good as Narita.

 

The next morning we flew Icelandair in J so had our one and only visit to a Virgin lounge. Great selection of beers and spirits. I tried valiantly but wasn't able to sample every beer.

 

The food and the room.

 

Once onboard though it really wasn't a premium experience.

 

I was in 2C and the woman in 1c reclined and didn't put her seat upright until told by the FA as we were coming in to land. It was obvious I wasn't going to speak much Icelandic.

 

The view about an hour before landing at midnight.

 

As is our usual we parked at the furthest gate from Immigration.They just open your passport and stamp it.No one manning Customs.The Blue Car Rental guy was waiting in the arrivals hall.Driven to their office a short distance away.Paperwork over quickly and soon we are in our Suzuki Grand Vitara.The GPS was thrown in without extra charge.So soon on our way to the Hilton.

 

[drron29]

The first day was driving the Golden Circle.At first the scenery was a little bleak-

 

It soon improved.

 

The farmers were out making hay even though the sun was barely shining.

 

Then we reached Pingvellir the site of the first Icelandic parliament over 1100 years ago as well as the meeting place of 2 tectonic plates-north American and Europe.

 

And a little stream with incredibly clear water.

 

 

[drron29]

 

There were crowds and lots of tour busses,many of them from the Brilliance of the Seas.

 

They were also secretly testing the latest Mercedes product there.

 

Pingvellir certainly has a lot of interest with a naturally beauty,geology that is virtually unique in being able to see the meeting of 2 tectonic plates but also because this was the second attempt at democracy after Athens.

It was now off to Gullfoss passing the odd sheep.

 

 

[jpalbny]

Love Iceland! For us, we just have to drive 3h to Boston and hop on that last flight. It's even more beautiful in the winter.

[AusMum]

Can't wait to do Iceland and Greenland - hubby bought me a new camera today to practice with before we get there 🙂

[RachelG]

Thanks for world’s latest trip report.  We have done that Icelandair flight from Boston a couple of times.  After the first,, I knew not to book an overnight flight on them as it is torture.  But the Virgin lounge in Boston is very nice, and Iceland is wonderful.  Most recently we have taken to flying Delta to Iceland.  Better seat, though still wasn’t great.

[jpalbny]

Ron has inspired me...I might go back and add some pictures to my 2011 Svalbard report!

[RyanJCanada]

13 hours ago, drron29 said:

There have been a few mentions of Iceland and Greenland recently. The weather does play a big part and on our cruise we had some really good weather. We departed Reykjavik on August 7th 2013 0n the Explorer. I will though show our days in Iceland first. We started off visiting our grandkids in Sydney and then our favourite Airline JAL to Narita. This was typical of JAL back in the day as we taxied from the gate.

 

We stayed overnight in the Hilton Narita where you can have great views over the airport.

Our next leg was with our favourite Transpac airline AA. We were pleased to see our plane arrive.

 

We never missed an upgrade to F and the service was always good. Certainly the food and wine were not of the standard of the Asian airlines but for us the service was very good. Back then they let you taste every wine on their wine list. and when I said what I liked best they would leave me the bottle.

 

Now one of the reasons probably was we always acknowledge good service. Rojaan as was usual spent a fair bit of time teaching one of the FAs knitting. This was virtually a routine for her. There was a young male FA in the galley doing all the preparation so I made a point of going up and thanking him.

This flight was from Narita to Chicago and there was a tight connection on to Boston. the last flight however was 2 hours late so we were able to have that time in the Flagship lounge.

The Boston flight was full and only 1 FA for the 16 F passengers. she however did a marvellous job and their were no complaints from any one. We however arrived after midnight with very few around. It was a little difficult finding our way to the Hilton at the airport but finally made it and slept soundly. On waking found the airport few not nearly as good as Narita.

 

The next morning we flew Icelandair in J so had our one and only visit to a Virgin lounge. Great selection of beers and spirits. I tried valiantly but wasn't able to sample every beer.

 

The food and the room.

 

Once onboard though it really wasn't a premium experience.

 

I was in 2C and the woman in 1c reclined and didn't put her seat upright until told by the FA as we were coming in to land. It was obvious I wasn't going to speak much Icelandic.

 

The view about an hour before landing at midnight.

 

As is our usual we parked at the furthest gate from Immigration.They just open your passport and stamp it.No one manning Customs.The Blue Car Rental guy was waiting in the arrivals hall.Driven to their office a short distance away.Paperwork over quickly and soon we are in our Suzuki Grand Vitara.The GPS was thrown in without extra charge.So soon on our way to the Hilton.

 

You have a phenomenal memory - it feels like you're just underway!

[RyanJCanada]

3 hours ago, jpalbny said:

Ron has inspired me...I might go back and add some pictures to my 2011 Svalbard report!

Please do!

[drron29]

From the road we were able to see the mountains and glaciers of Langjokull.

 

But back to the action.Leaving Gulfoss we passed lots of Icelandic horses and rushing streams.

 

Until we arrived at our next destination.

 

As we arrived Strokkur performed meaning a wait of 11 minutes until the next performance.

 

Old Geysir of course has stopped performing.

 

But got back in time for Strokkur's next performance.

 

There are some other colourful hot pools.

 

And then back to Strokkur to watch it wax and wane  before it's last less impressive performance.

 

And that ended our first day. Back to the Hilton to freshen up. Then it was off to dinner at the Lobster House.Now we had done our research and knew that Iceland was expensive and their lobsters were not Maine lobsters but little baby ones.So we enjoyed our meal.I started with the lobster soup which was good and then we both had the lobster in garlic butter.

 

 

 

[drron29]

Sunday and off to an early start as it is a much greater distance today.The first thing that commanded our interest was a 5KM tunnel on the main highway to the west which goes through a mountain and under a fjord.This is looking back to where the tunnel is.A large expanse of water to traverse.It bamboozled the GPS which had us drowning.

 

The scenery was impressive.

 

We saw a waterfall direct into the sea and many lagoons.

 

And lots more horses and waterfalls.

 

But then our first sight of the volcano.

 

Then an unusual sighting of large trees.

 

And picturesque farms by the sea.

 

And a hotel in the middle of...well nowhere.

 

.But it was still the mountain that took our attention.

 

The road wound round the hillside.

 

Which took us to the place where Iceland's worst serial killer took 18 lives in the 1500s.

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

The country was quite stark.

 

We saw evidence of older forms of dwelling.

 

and the lava flow from an earlier eruption-

 

The wind was nearly at gale force at times which whipped up the snow on Snaefellsjokul.

 

You could see where the lava flowed into the sea.

 

There was a road over the slopes of the volcano,Snaefellsjokul, but I was too chicken to take it.

 

We began to go round the volcano so getting new views.

 

At the point of the peninsula there were interesting lava formations by the sea.

 

The volcano took on a different look.

 

And on the western shore of the peninsula the scenery changed.

 

And another church on the way back to Reykjavik.

 

On our way back from the west coast we saw a rare white tailed eagle.By the time I got my camera out though it was gone.

[drron29]

Some views from the Hilton lounge.

 

On Sunday night we had our best meal in Reykjavik at the Fish House. Reading the menu we were unsure of our choice but after tasting the food we were converts. I started with the Fish soup.It had a piece of fish,a lobster tail,a couple of small scallops and a coconut jelly. The broth had just a hint of chilli. That and the coconut jelly turned this from a good dish into a perfect blend of favours.

.

 

Rojaan had the veal carpaccio with thinly sliced beetroot and a foie gras puff,she enjoyed it.

 

She then had the lobster and monkfish dish which had good flavour and cooked just right.

 

Whilst I had the fish of the day-salted cod,plaice and blue ling. Again each cooked perfectly. The only let down was the blue ling which had little taste.The plaice was great.

 

We then went for a drive around some of Reykjaviks sights. First the Viking ship statue.

 

Then the Concert Hall by the old harbour.

 

Then the Hallgrinskirk.

 

[drron29]

Monday and it was a public holiday in Iceland.We went for a drive to Vik.Going there was not too bad for traffic.I recommend the last 60Km into Vik.Really beautiful scenery.There were many waterfalls.Some unknown-

 

Some famous.

 

And Glaciers you could see from the road.

 

It was again a very windy day and once more if you were passing walkers or the many cyclists you could give them a free shower if you operated your windscreen washers whilst passing them.The first time it was accidental!
Vik is a delightful small town with a church in prime position and majestic mountains for a back drop.

 

Then there is their famous black sand beach.If my zoom was powerful enough it would show in the next photos the next land mass-Antarctica.

 

Behind Vik are the snow and icefields.

 

On the return from Vik the traffic was really heavy with all the locals who had gone south for the long weekend returning.This was not helped by the conduct of many drivers particularly of tour busses.Others would cross straight across you on the highway.Particularly annoying were a pair of young women tourists who must have obtained their licence out of a corn flakes pack-driving straddling the middle line.If you tried to overtake they would pull across further.

[drron29]

Fortunately our plans were to turn off to Stokksevri and their supposedly famous restaurant Fjorubortit.Now basically only 2 dishes-a fish soup and lobster tails in garlic and butter.The soup was lighter and definitely inferior to the previous 2 in Reykjavik.There were some very mushy lobster tails as well indicating that they had been frozen and not thawed correctly.
Son if you want quantity at a lesser price this is the place but if you like quality then go elsewhere.It is a stop for many tour busses and that says it all for me.

 

From Stokksevri we returned to Reykjavik via Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon.This had the advantage of having hardly any traffic.The road to Grindavik though was through a lava field.Mile after mile of lava. However it was then a very new road and at that time it was not on google maps so according to our GPS we were lost. We found out later that google was ready to fix it.

We did not pay to enter the Blue Lagoon.Think the price is just too high.Besides there are hot pools outside the complex if you really believe in their healing powers.

 

Also couldn't help taking this photo.Watch out for the hill!

 

The Google Earth car went by.

 

At a lookout close to the Blue Lagoon you could watch planes landing at KEF.

 

On Monday night the Blue car fellow came to the Hilton to pick up the car.We felt the service was very good.It worked for us as we like to be independent.We weren't very hungry so just grazed in the Hilton lounge.

 

[drron29]

On Tuesday after breakfast we picked up a bus pass from thr Hilton front desk.This was complimentary for all guests and allows 4 people to use any bus in the Reykjavik area.You can pick up a bus map and timetable from the Reykjavik Information centre or look on line at straeto.is.

So we caught the bus downtown.This is one of the shopping streets.

 

There is a lot of street art.

 

The other shopping street has a great view.

 

As you can see Tuesday turned out to be a beautiful day. Blue sky,sunshine and very little wind. Certainly different to our 3 days driving. After we walked the 2 main shopping streets we walked to Icelandic Fish and Chips which was recommended to us. On the way passed some more street art.

 

So at lunch we shared a serve of cod and a serve of Pollock,a serve of garlic potatoes and one of crisp potatoes along with a trio of dips.

 

The batter is certainly nice and the fish cooked to perfection. Unfortunately we found it very bland as were the dips. The potatoes were very good. With a beer and a glass of wine ~ $60 so not inexpensive.

Across the road a rare touch of floral colour.

 

Now to show some of the other sights from the Hilton lounge. First there is a hop on/off bus with an open top!

 

But seeing you could get free rides on the public busses from the Hilton it is no surprise no one gets on or off this service at the Hilton. A good view of the bay. Ideal for small sailing boats and liners alike.

 

Next we board the Explorer.

[drron29]

But finally Wednesday comes around and it is time to board the Explorer.It is docked at the Old Harbour.We sleep in,have a leisurely breakfast in the restaurant before getting a taxi to the ship.Just 4 Km and it costs 2000ISK($20).Taxi pulls up right at the ship and so midday and we board.A lot of the staff are still on from our April cruise so we catch up with them.Then lunch with a couple from San Francisco and another from the UK. Good to see the ship being refuelled.

 

Overhead was the flightpath for Reykjavik city airport.

 

With a lot of supplies being loaded.

 

But will it be enough of the good stuff?

 

The Art Museum is just across the road from the Explorer.

 

And just outside the wharf the little Engine that could.

 

A trawler leaves.

 

Now Iceland has no Army,Navy or Air Force but it does have a Coastquard.

 

And a final look at Reykjavik before the gangplank is raised.

 

Then comes the introduction to the Explorer.At least 80% of the passengers have been on her before though.Then comes the boat drill before we head off into the wild blue yonder.
The long serving Captain of the Explorer watches as the first woman to captain a Silverseas ship takes the Explorer out.

 

Past the Coastquard.

 

And an old Icelandic boat.

 

Past the Concert Hall.

 

And locals anxious for their last look at the Explorer.

 

And off into the Ocean we steam.

 

Our last view of the Hilton and the church.

 

as the pilot leaves

 

and Reykjavik fades from view.

 

[drron29]

 Difficult to sleep that night as seas are ~4 metres.

Thursday and it is grey and overcast.Still the same swell.Lectures on Arctic birds and the history of Iceland.Seemed rather routine-drinking by age 3,first murder at age 7 nothing out of the ordinary.
Then lunch and after the mandatory zodiac briefing.Apparently even world champion zodiac paddlers have to attend.Then an afternoon snooze-need to get a bit of energy for dinner.

Dinner was nice,not great.Feature was that the swell had increased to 6-7 metres and plates went sliding across the table at times.Sleep was difficult with things sliding of tables,drawers sliding out.Even packing things away in a cupboard didn't work-it opened and everything spread across the room again.

 

Friday dawned and the sky was still grey.Raining,cold and looking miserable.But then we saw our first iceberg.

 

Then the first sight of land.

 

Then a real bonus-4 fin whales.

 

And the bird life increased in numbers.

 

The morning remained cold,grey and wet but it couldn't detract from the natural beauty of Skjoldingen fjord. Most of these photos have been posted before but there are some extras.

 

 

[drron29]

At least it was calm as we cruised in Skjoldingen fjord.Although it remained overcast the scenery just got better.

 

As lunch approached there began to be a little bit of blue sky appearing.This certainly enhanced the colours.

 

The blue ice has a certain magic.Here is some more as a zodiac cruise of the glacier was offered.The zodiacs give a perspective to this magical place

 

[drron29]

Weatherwise the afternoon was the complete opposite of the morning.As we came to the narrowest part of the fjord the colours were amazing.

 

 

Captain Maggi was doing an excellent job.The zodiac in the following pictures is the cruise photographer getting some great shots

 

 

[AusMum]

What camera did you use back then? I've just purchased a new camera, and can't wait to find out how it captures my Iceland/Greenland adventures

[drron29]

I used a Sony pocket point and shoot. HX90V. Not made anymore but I still have it for zoom shots.

 

Skjoldingen fjord just kept getting better.

 

 

[drron29]

The last of a spectacular day of cruising.

 

At 1700 we steamed out into the open sea.The swell was now down to about 2 metres.After a marvellous day tonight was the Captain's Welcome Cocktail party. An historic day for Silversea.

 

Then to dinner which we had with the newest Expedition member Travis. More of him later. The meal included Foie Gras and then lobster so we definitely approved.
After dinner it was upstairs having a few Amarulas with the music of Lou in the background.

There were now some barrier islands so really smooth and we enjoyed the last of the sunset.

[drron29]

Saturday. A very good night's sleep and awake to another fine day. We are entering Prince Christian Sund and will view the Sernet glacier. At first it is not as spectacular as yesterday but the further we go the better things become. I am able to go out on the back deck sheltered from the wind just in a short sleeved shirt and jeans.

 

[drron29]

Forget the Amazon,here is the real meeting of the waters.

 

Caused by the run off from the glacier.

 

 

As always the birds kept us company.

Next one of the cruise highlights.