After ferrying over to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula from the Westfjords, we drove the beautiful coastline past multiple waterfalls before arriving in Olafsvik, our “home base” for exploring the peninsula during our final two days on the road. The first day we had possibly the most exceptional weather of our trip. In the morning we enjoyed an hour and a half of riding horses on the beach, with sweeping mountains and an incredible view of the glacier beyond. This was a highlight of the trip for many students!

In the afternoon we explored in search of naturally occurring tonic water that was said to bubble from a spring on the eastern side of the peninsula. We climbed over basalt columns and tasted wild blueberries along the way.

Then, had a chance to test our strength at Djúpalónssandur beach as we each attempted to lift the “Lifting Stones” that lay at the entrance to the nearby lava field. These stones were used to test the strength of budding fisherman to prove they were ready to be out at sea. If they could lift the second heaviest stone they were considered up to the challenge. Our nightly meeting was held at the foot of a cascading neighborhood waterfall, and afterward we went to bed early in preparation for the next day.

6:30 AM came quickly. Today was dedicated entirely to our culminating glacier hike, and chances are that many families have already heard about this adventure! It was a fun day although the weather was not on our side. Winds and rain added to the chill, but we managed to reach one of three summits at the top of the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, and there was an incredible shared feeling of accomplishment. We donned crampons, ice axes, and harnesses and climbed as a team with our amazing guides who grew up in the region and are passionate about environmental education and the expansion of sustainable tourism in Iceland. We learned about the Norse god said to inhabit the mountain and how he protects hikers who venture up the glacier, taking time to read quotes of advice before our attempt to summit. After we made it back down to the bus, everyone’s toes and fingers quickly thawed out, with smiles and laughter nearly all the way down the mountain. A few students even opted to sled down!

Last night was a delicious dinner of fish and chips in Reykjavik, followed by the tying up of a lot of loose ends. Students clearly appreciate all they have experienced and have learned a great deal. The final full day began with a shared breakfast at a local cafe. Smoothies were a hit! We walked to Hallgrímskirkja Church, a famous landmark in the city, and were lucky enough to hear the pipe organ being played. Next we visited the Settlement Museum and were surprised to find that the museum was built to house real viking ruins that had been unexpectedly excavated during construction in the heart of Reykjavik. Students enjoyed a few hours of “last-minute” shopping and are now getting ready for our final night out. We are going to have a celebratory dinner where individual projects will be shared. Then, we’ll spend the evening at the Harpa Music Hall, an architecturally award-winning concert hall downtown, where we will be presented with a comedic overview of 40 Icelandic sagas. It is said to be a “theatrical comedy roller coaster ride through Iceland’s literacy heritage. In English!” We are all looking forward to it.

Tomorrow is another early day, with departure to the airport at 6 AM. Summer 2016 in Iceland is coming to an end, and it was more than I think any of us could have asked for. What a marvelous group of young women and men. Thank you for sharing your summer with us!

– Matt & Anna