Today was a fun Friday in Ölfus, Judith is getting the hang of things super well, and honestly will be a killer addition to the crew for the summer. Since my last perilous journey to the Reykjadalur, I still have yet to visit, and now so has Judith :)
After we finished our daily tasks we decided to go make the hike and enjoy the hot springs while the weather was on the chiller side of things. Elisa told me the hike was a mere 1.5 miles, but what I was not prepared for was the death that ensued once starting on the trail. STRAIGHT. UP. into the highland peak where the thermal river flows. It sounds so poetic on paper but let me tell you dear god it was NOT. I wore sweat pants and a hoodie—thinking bath clothes obviously—and even though I got some glances from those in proper hiking gear, sticks and all, I was really thankful for my wardrobe choices post-river dip.
First impressions of the river were it was a lot less hot than I was expecting—but warm enough to be soothing and comfortable when you submerge your whole body. Also it is quite shallow. There are sections where you can see that people have collected rocks to form small dam pools and such, but they’re ribs deep while sitting at best. Also, the sediment is quite fine and loose, and WILL find its way into your swimsuit and hair. Those details aside, I would 100% go back. I think for trip 2 I would plan for a pizza and some wine at the top, and was very mad I didnt bring more than my spare froosh and granola bar. Judith and I just soaked in silence for a while, watching the fog drift amongst the mountain tops and the rain slowly patter over the ground. Despite the chill, it was incredibly calming. Even the people walking past in full length puffer coats were amusing to us as we joked about our dark fate once we exit the water. Iceland is such a magnificent country, and while I know there are “hot springs” and such other places, the fact that this is still so untouched and just plopped in the middle of a wilderness is so unique and humbling to me. It makes me continually grateful for my time here so far, and my time here yet to come.
When we got out, I think a day shed off my life. The cold was so sharp, but the hike down added warmth back into us as well as the motivation of a good dinner at home. Of course I made my famous pasta—the house made linguini with roasted onion and garlic vodka sauce with basil. Elisa has been quite enjoying my meals, and I’m glad for it as it doesn’t really keep well, and the qualities I am having to make it in I could not dream of consuming all by myself. Plus I really enjoy spending meal time with her after a long day—it makes it feel like truly coming ‘home.’
*Judith's future "pasta making hole"*
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