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@National Flag of Iceland

Eiður told them that the symbolism of the national flag represented Iceland's natural landscape and history. The blue represents the Atlantic Ocean while the white signifies the snow and ice covering the country, particularly in the winter. The red cross, a symbol of Christianity, also embodies the island's volcanic activity.

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@Sunrise over field

At breakfast, Eiður explained that Iceland has significant variations in day­light hours through­out the year due to its location near the Arctic Circle. In the summer the country has extend­ed day­light hours, often referred to as the "midnight sun", where the sun remains visible for nearly 24 hours.

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@Breakfast in Iceland: Skyr plus fruit

The pets tucked into their breakfast bowls of skyr, Icelandic thick yoghurt, plus fresh fruit, eager to get out to continue sightseeing.

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@Welcome sign

Eiður explained that Húnaþing vestra consists of the three fjords Hrútafjörður og Miðfjörður and Húnafjörður, and that between them are the peninsulas of Heggstaðanes and Vatnsnes. "What a jolly welcome to the region!" said Rainbow.

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@Grey Icelandic Horse

An Icelandic horse trotted over to make friends. While they were feeding him with raw carrot from their lunch packs, Kirsten remembered he had a query.
"Eiður," he said, "You mentioned yesterday that the Icelandic horse has a unique gait. Could you tell us more about that, please?"

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@Icelandic Sea Sunset

Eiður beamed. "Ah, yes, indeed! Thank you for reminding me, 元宝! The gait is called tölt, a four-beat lateral gait where at least one foot is always in contact with the ground. This makes it a very smooth and comfort­able ride, especially over un­even terrain. Some Iceland­ic horses can also per­form a fast, lateral gait called fly­ing pace known as skeið, which is a two-beat gait where both legs on one side move forward simultaneously."

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@Hvítserkur

"Here we are at Hvítserkur," said Eiður. "It's a basalt stack located off the shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula. The rock is known for its unique shape. What do you think it looks like?"
"A rhino," said Miss Taken.
"A dragon, drinking from the sea," suggested Gramps.
"Very good! It is often described as resembling a dragon, rhino, a dinosaur or sea monster. This is a popular spot for photographers, particularly at sunset when the rock is reflected in the water. creating stunning images."

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@Scenic View

Eiður continued: "The legend goes that Hvítserkur is a petrified troll. The troll lived in Strandir in the Wesfjords and wanted to tear down the bells at the Þingeyraklaustur convent. Trolls are not Christian and don't like the sound or sight of churches or church bells. Fortunately, the troll got caught by the first rays of the sun and, as we all know, then trolls turn into stone by daylight."

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@Glacier in Iceland

"Otherwise known as the Troll of Northwest Iceland," said Eiður, "Hvítserkur is a 15 metre (49 ft) tall basalt rock stack protruding from Húnaflói Bay."

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@Glacier

Next, Eiður introduced them to a scenic view of Vatnajökull Glacier, with a pink sky and its reflection in the water. He explained that Iceland experiences significant variations in daylight hours throughout the year due to its location near the Arctic Circle. During the summer, the midnight sun phenomenon occurs, with nearly 24 hours of daylight in June. The longest day of the year is around 21 June, with approximately 21 hours of daylight in Reykjavik. Conversely, during the winter, daylight is limited, with only a few hours of sunlight in December. The shortest day of the year is around 21 December, with about four hours of daylight in Reykjavik.

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@Icelandic Sheepdog

An Icelandic sheepdog came bounding up to the group to say hello. Eiður explained that the breed was of the Nordic Spitz type and that it derived from dogs brought to Iceland by Viking settlers in the ninth century.

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@Mountain Crowberries, Iceland

The group came across a mass of crowberry bushes. Eiður said they were common all over Iceland. The bushes have needle-like leaves and sweet black berries, at their best in late spring and early summer. The berry picking season in Iceland begins in August and lasts until mid-September. "The locals use them for jams and juices," finished Eiður.

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@Akureyri

Back in the coach, the pets enjoyed a very scenic drive of some 125 miles (200 km) to Akureyri. The day was quite far advanced by the time they arrived and after a delicious meal of hearty soup with rye bread in the hotel, most pets, tired after a long day with lots of fresh sea air, were ready for bed.

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@Goðafoss Waterfall

After exploring the town the next morning, the pets embarked on the next stage of their trip, to Goðafoss, a waterfall located along the country's main ring road at the junction with the Sprengisandur highland road, about 45 minutes from Akureyri. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 12 metres (36 feet) over a width of 30 metres (90 feet).

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@Goðafoss

The waterfall is known for its horseshoe shape and the legend that Norse idols were thrown into it as Iceland converted to Christianity around 1000 CE. Goðafoss is located in the Bárðardalur and Kinn region of northeastern Iceland. It is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The pets were all impressed by the waterfall cascading over rocks, creating a powerful display of nature's force.

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@Cruising in Iceland

The next morning saw the pets boarding a boat in Skjálfandi Bay to go whale-watching! Eiður explained that up to 23 species of whale, including the blue whale, as well as large colonies of puffins, could be found in or around the bay.

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@Arctic Tern

Eiður pointed out to them an Arctic tern in flight, characterised by its streamlined body, long pointed wings and forked tail. The tern is primarily white with a black cap on its head, a red beak and red legs. This bird is known for its incredible migratory journey from the Arctic to the Antarctic each year.

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@Husavik Port

Eiður told them that Iceland was a significant breeding ground for Arctic terns, with large colonies found across the country, including places like Rif, Jökulsárlón and Vík. These birds arrive in Iceland during the summer after their long migration from the Antarctic and spend their time nesting and raising their young.

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@Fishing Boats

The group stopped off at a local harbour to stretch their legs. In the harbour were moored several boats, each a canvas of white, blue and orange, bobbing gently in the cold, briny water. Each boat tells a story of the hardworking fishermen who call this place home, their trusted steeds in the eternal quest for the bountiful catch. Their structures, weathered by countless voyages, bear the scars of battles with tempestuous waves and the salty air. After landing their catch, each fisherman attends to his boat, carrying out repairs and mending nets, before he himself may rest.These vessels, a trifecta of colour and courage, rest for a while before setting sail into the vast, enigmatic horizon, ready to battle whatever the weather and the ocean have in store.

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@Ice on Diamond Beach

Eiður explained that pieces of icebergs of various sizes (or, more simply put, large bits of ice) have to go a long way before becoming "diamonds" on a diamond beach. Drifting they melt slowly, and when they are small enough to fit in the isthmus connecting the glacial lagoon with the sea waters, they set out free, to the wide sea. Freedom, however, is very short-lived. Sea waves push the released icebergs back to land.

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@Road Sign

"Iceland has unique roadsigns," said Eiður. "The signs include a symbol for weather stations and provide information about current weather conditions. Iceland is a country that produces 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, with 70% from hydro and 30% from geothermal."

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@Icelandic landscape

The pets were enjoying all the different types of landscape they were passing through in Iceland. Eiður described the current terrain as typical of volcanic activity. There were also patches of orange-coloured water or deposits, which could be due to minerals or algae. This landscape is typical of some areas in Iceland, known for its volcanic activity and unique geological features.

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@Cotton Grass

Eiður pointed out a field where the earth met the sky in a harmony of blues and greens and in the middle a field of white eriophorum scheuchzeri, more commonly known as Icelandic cotton grass, graciously swaying in the cold breeze. Their slender stems, crowned with delicate, tufted heads, resembled a sea of miniature white flags fluttering in gentle motion. Each fluffy plume is a beacon of softness, a stark contrast to the rugged volcanic landscapes that surround it.

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@Eurasian Whimbrel

"Binoculars out, those who have them!" urged Eiður. He was pointing towards a Eurasian whimbrel, a type of wading bird known for its long, curved bill. Eiður told them that these birds are common in Iceland during the breeding season, where they nest in open areas. The whimbrel's arrival in Iceland can be influenced by weather patterns, with northerly winds sometimes delaying their migration.

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@Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall

Their last stop on this leg of the tour was the famous waterfall at Aldeyjarfoss. Eiður took them on a hike all round the area, ending at the waterfall, a drop of 20 metres (60 ft) into a turbulent, icy cold pool set against a stunning backdrop of beautiful basalt columns. They all piled back into the coach tired after seeing so much of the country, out but looking forward to the next leg of the tour.

Gramps has enjoyed touring Iceland, but it is time to go home. Please select another pet as visitor, so they can also enjoy this event!