Siglufjordur in the sunshine

This morning we declined the opportunity to visit the Herring Museum and just walk around the town - with a different destination in mind. Those who took in the museum said that the show of cleaning herring and the story of the history of herring and how it influenced Icelandic history said it was fun and interesting.

We slept a bit late after the late night, and after breakfast almost as the dining room was closing, we set out in what seemed like a chilly day. The bright sunshine and lack of wind made it very pleasant.

We took lots of photos of this gorgeous place among snow-capped mountains. The houses were interesting and very well kept. The whole town seems litter-free. Eventually we found the place we were looking for - Frida's coffee and chocolate shop. 

This place is so different. Frida made all the unique chairs, other decorations in the cafe and yard, and she hand makes all the chocolates. I don't know when she sleeps. Of course we bought some chocolate to take home, including a strawberry chocolate bar with cranberries. We sampled the "all dressed" hot chocolate with whipped cream and salted caramel, and enjoyed it to the last drop at a picnic table in the yard.

After walking back to the ship we enjoyed lunch on board for the first time. It was a fabulouse buffet with delicious Borscht soup for starters. There were lots of choices for the meal.

The weather looked fine but the waves around Grimsey Island and the prediction of larger ones to come, made Zodiac trips unsafe. Instead of staying along the coast we headed down the fjord towards Akureyri where we will dock later tonight. Our stop was made at Hrisey Island. There is no dock so the ship downed anchor and the Zodiac parade began.

It was a rather damp trip but we were well warned to put on our waterproof jackets and pants. Five people are seated on each side of the boat and I ended up at the front. That meant that I got quite wet from the spray as we bounced along from ship to the tiny harbour. Good thing my jacket was really waterproof (yay) but my golf rainpants alas faced a bigger task than they were up to. Note to self - get yourself some really rainproof pants when you get home. After the prices here it's going to seem like a bargain to go shopping in Ottawa.

The crew and ship staff help each person in and out of the zodiac and make sure your strange little life jacket is properly "installed". It was actually quite fun. The sun had disappeared but it didn't rain. Now that we are back onboard, the sun is shining once again.

We just walked around a bit and then took another Zodiac back to the Ocean Diamond. It was a bit smoother and I also sat further back from the front so it was a drier trip too.

Tomorrow in Akureyri it is supposed to be wet in the morning. Luckily the sun is supposed to reappear around noon and our golf excursion starts at 1 pm. Fingers crossed.

Photos later.