Batman Rules !

Thankfully last nights freezing cold brought zero northern lights activity meaning that we only had to take brief intervals looking skywards before racing back to bed.

Leaving our accommodation after a filling breakfast we jumped back on to the N1 Icelandic Ring Road and took a series of tunnels and peninsuar roads before stopping for morning rea at Breiodalsvik further south on the East coast. The change in scenery on the Eastern side  of Iceland compared to the West was starkly evident with the warmer conditions (+4-5 C) having helped to thaw out most of the snow providing a "hey" coloured terrain with small pockets of earth stained ice.

Leaving Breiodalsvik after some morning tea and a quick stretch of the legs, we encountered sweeping views of the Norwegian Sea and black sand beaches. Eventually we turned off short of Hofn to take in the fabulous views of the Vestrahorn. The Batman wing shaped looking mountain range is framed by a dark black sand beach and yellow spinifex like grass making the viewing location a much sort after one for travel photographers.

Its other claim to fame / infamy is that acess is on a part private road where a zealous farmer and his wife charge $10 for entry often resulting in standoffs by those that refuse to pay. The standoffs have appeared in local papers sadly spoiling the ambience of this beautiful location.

With shots taken and some drone footage over the nearby partly constructed viking village film set (never used !) we  made our way to Hofn to stock up on supplies before venturing another 30kms to our Motel style lodge out in the middle of nowhere. While the prices charged for dinner and the motel style room were high we were happy to pay as the location was stunning with an unblocked 180 degree view of the glacial arms of the Vatnajokul glacier almost 1/10th the size of the entire country of Iceland - now that's a lot of ice !

While the cloud cover and activity rating meant viewing the Northern Lights tonight was unlikely we (at least Tegan and I) had our back up plan in place for a 5.00a.m. get up to take in the morning sun over the stunning nearby Jokularslon glacial lagoon - little sleep again, thanks Tegan !

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