ICELAND

October 21, 2008

It may sound corny, but going back to Iceland is, for Ed and me, like going home in many ways. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip there last week, but 4 days is just WAY too short!!
We flew to Iceland via Boston which was fun since I had never been to Boston. I'm not sure how I managed that even with 24 years in the Navy and being stationed in Newport, Rhode Island twice, but there it is. We even went aboard the USS Constitution, the oldest US Navy ship still in active service. I was surprised when they piped me aboard after I casually told a young Sailor I had been in the Navy and when he asked me what my rating had been I told him Commander. I would have tried to look more poised or smart or something if I'd know they were going to do that! While in Boston we also got to have lunch with our friend Listo (who I've known for 37 years no -amazing - and his wife Lydia. We had a super time catching up and discussing politics.

Then we flew out for our overnight flight to Iceland. It was still dark when we landed so we didn't see much on the flight in. We could hardly wait to drink some Icelandic coffee (which we did at the airport) and then we headed out into that wonderful wet chilly Iceland air!! We drove immediately to the lighthouse at Gardur then the fishing village of Sangerdi. Next stop was the (former) base at Keflavik and Ed and I both teared up. They've made most of the base into a campus for the Mid-Atlantic Center of Excellence, the only campus in the world devoted to the study of geothermal energy.

Our next stop was Hafnafjourdur and a four hour lunch with our dear friend Dia. It was so good to see her again and we just soaked in all the conversation. She told us of Thor's last days and recounted the funeral and then we spent at leas two hours sharing memories of days past and visits past. Thor was such a gentleman and it was so strange going to Iceland and not see

ing his smailing face and hearing his woonderful stories. Thor made Iceland come alive for us in a way we will always remember. Dia plied us with a great fish lunch and her trademark cakes and coffee. We couldn't believe four hours went so quickly. We left there and went shopping in Reykjavik and then headed to the hotel where we slept very soundly until morning.

The next day was an early start as we headed back to the airport to pick up the Summers

family. Johann was already there and it was fun to see April and Johann
meet each other for the first time. We spent the day first on the "Golden Circle Tour" to include Geysir and Gullfoss and then headed back to the city to shop for a few minutes. that night we went to Ingi and Magga's hosue where all their children, their new grandson, and Dia joined us for another fun dinner and great conversation. Ed and I had talked since about the loving family they have and how all of them are so hospitable and caring.

The following day, Ingi and Johann joined us and the Summers for a trip around Snaefellnes where we saw the most beautiful countryside sights. From quiet bays, the little country churches to mountains and glaciers and waves crashing against craggy shores, Iceland did not disappoint! Ingi provided story and history as we stopped at various way points including some local eateries where we enjoyed fish and chips (at one) lamb dogs (at another) and ice cream (at a third). Little fishing villages and local museums tucked into sod houses all provided interesting sights. That night, on the way back to the city, God provided us the Northern Lights and what a sight!

The next morning we headed back to Dia's for a traditional Icelandic breakfast again with two of Ingi and Magga's children and grandson (they were babysitting while his parents were enjoying a weekend.) We left in time to go to the Blue Lagoon and soak up some minerals before we had to head to the airport and home.