29.07.17
This site, which is placed so beautiful, is not nice. In the kitchen the French and the Czechs are dominating. This morning I did not intend to sit in the tent with the müsli porridge but at a real table. I succeeded to find a seat, but all the cookers on the stove are taken and the other stove is out of order. Just as the other sink is blocked. Some idiot has picked up the strainer and not put it back in. And the next one neigher, just poured their leftovers into the drain so it's now blocked.
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| The waterfall in the evening sun | Another waterfall "around the corner" |
I go back to the tent and make the porridge on my own cooker. Then I go back and eat it. An American guy puts the others in relief. Asking for my happiness stuff on the bag. Is it from China or Japan? Yes, like he thought he has also got one from a friend in Japan.
And as I'm on my way back, I get without any real reason to talk to some Germans. He just looks so obliging that I can not help saying something.
Leaves a little past 9. It's quiet. It's all about getting it on the big blade and then cruise out there.
The mountains stand like a ring wall around Eyjafjallajökull. Only backwards the meltwater is able to pave its way.
The road is completely flat and to the right stretches the meadows towards the sea. No variation. But on the other hand, the mountains change gradually as I crawl forward.
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| Eyafjallajökull | Skogafoss |
It takes forever before you see a bit of Eyjafjallajökull.
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| Some were more active.... | ...than others |
Arriving at Skogar, where there is a spectacular waterfall with a view platform and a staircase. At first, however, I find a place to have lunch 1. When I afterwards am driving towards the waterfall, I'm about to be overthrown by the wind. It blows suddenly from the mountain. Creates a veritable dust storm across the footpath towards the waterfall. Things change quickly.
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| I did obey the sign | A tour on the glacier |
I'm up looking at the view and when I come down it's quiet again and the sun is peeping through.
Next stop is the Solheim glacier. There should be a road up there and it is only 100 height meters. It's 5 km each direction and I decide to go for these extra 10 km.
If you're following the signs, you can not get in touch but have to do with a look at the groups that walk on it with a guide. They have undoubtedly paid a fortune, I'm not into that.
It comes from Myrdalsjökull which over the years (and they are many) have dug a valley down here. It has become dirty on the way, one must say.
Then I'm done with detours. On we go towards Vik.
At a lay by there are some Chinese people. I do not say anything but they address me. They are Americanized Chinese from Taiwan. I ask how they have got the idea of going to Iceland? There is a low-cost airline, WOW, making daily flights from California.
These breaks are very nice, so it turns into a longer talk and I get a banana and an orange.
Now there is not much left, and with this weather it goes fast - I thought.
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| Looking back at the 12% |
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It does until just before I get to the climb, or rather the first climb. The wind is raising from the mountains. Right against. The increase is probably 10%, but it is in a headwind that increases the higher I get up. The road is cut through the hill, so it seems like a wind tunnel.
Then comes a more even piece where the wind still is uncomfortable and finally the hairpins. I have a tailwind up to the first turn. It's 12% according to the sign, and when I get around the bend and get the wind in my face..... Disgusting. I get to a lay by and is almost up, but although the road turns, the wind continues to be against. It's amazing. The rest of the way to Vik including the downhill the wind is against. Could you wish for something worse ....?
There is a microwave and, for a change, I buy a cube. I should have bought two. Like the Russians, who I'm sharing a table with notes: that's not much if you've cycled all day. But I have a tiramisu for dessert. I had already eaten one when I arrived.
75.45 km