A beautiful day on Vestmannaeyjar Island

We woke up this morning, consolidated into one van and took it on the ferry to Vestmannaeyjabaer Islands.  

It was clearer and warmer than it had ever been when we’ve been on the ferry, so we went outside and up on the deck in the front and back, watching the birds and the boat coming and going from the harbors.

When we arrived we drove to the other side of the island to see the puffins. There were lots of puffins and sheep to look at.

Then we went to Eldafell volcano which erupted in 1973. We all hiked to the top, where you could see the whole island and the Iceland coastline as well. Sage fell asleep.

From there we went down and hung out at the playground until Steve and Willie and Mom went on a rib boat ride around the islands and into the caves learning about the local history and culture.

While they were gone, Sage and I looked at a big puffin statue and went to the coffee shop where she played with the kids kitchen in the corner. When we were done we went back to the playground until Steve and my parents came back. Sage was pretending to be asleep on the trampoline.

They had a great time.

Hungry, we went to a local restaurant, Gott for lunch. It was delicious and also had a great kids area that entertained Sage well.

After lunch, Steve took the van to go hike up Heimaklettur, a short but steep hike right in the harbor.  The first part is very steep with ladders, so we didn’t want to take Sage.  It was something he had been wanting to do before but we didn’t have time.  He was greeted at the top with amazing views and a very friendly sheep.

While he did that, Mom, Willie, Sage and I went to the beluga whale sanctuary where we saw puffins, a bunch of aquariums with local fish and the two resident beluga whales.   Every time the whales swam by, Sage said…  “More whales! More whales!”

When we left, Grandma had Sage pick out a stuffed beluga.  Sage loves it.  I think it’s name is either “whale” or “band aid whale”.  I’ll ask again tomorrow.

We hung out in the coffee shop waiting for Steve while Sage played.

Steve came back with just a little time to visit the playground one last time before heading back to the ferry home.

Off the ferry, we picked up my parents car and went for ice cream and to the local pool for showers and hot tub.  It was a great end to a great day.

The campsite was close.   We settled in, fed Sage and had a snack.

Tomorrow we go to Porsmork, our favorite spot in Iceland.