Iceland - Sudurnes (The Southwest)

A one day look around the peninsular area south of Reykjavik.

On leaving Reykjavik the landscape is somewhat barren and the mention of sheep farming in the literature seems an unlikely land use.

A closer view does not reveal more conducive prospects on this volcanic lava flow.  It will be days later before something more promising.

 However the scenery along the coast does explain the emphasis on continuing development of tourism.

The first sight of paddocks.  Small pockets of soil sown to pasture for what appears to largely be for the production of winter feed in the form of "balage".

The Icelandic horse. It did not take long for us to see these and most farm properties had a herd of these nearby but very few other livestock.

A local out riding near the south coast...

...with view to the Atlantic ocean that was...

... sufficient to take the cares of the world away as well as any warmth left in the body.

Nearby was an opportunity to meditate and reflect on life. No-one here to disturb a quiet time, the nearest house was more than 1 km away.  A very tidy and well kept church of which we were to see many more, usually on their own, with just the graves for company.

These miniature turf roofed buildings were close by to the left of the picture above.
The site appears to be often visited with WC (toilets) built into an earth mound nearby, well maintained, with electric lights and heating.

A noticeboard at the parking area by the church above describes the Selvogur district; "...in former times there was a populous community of farmers in Selvogur which also owned fishing vessels...  ...ruins of houses and field walls can be seen."

 We make our way back to Reykjavik along the Ring Road, Highway 1.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Following the brief stopover in Calgary we flew to Iceland via Toronto arriving early morning Icelandic time.

Reykjavik, the capital, is located at the south west of the country and is where 2/3 of the population live, which amounts to about 200,000.  As can seen here on the waterfront it is not all small brightly painted dwelling.  There are many modern multistory buildings housing apartments. The lower building far right is a huge auditorium on the waterfront.

A large hotel in the city centre.

Statues of various sorts are everywhere. This one in an open space near the city centre with an apartment block behind.

Construction is still in progress with many new buildings. We counted 10 cranes working within a close radius in the downtown waterfront area.

There is however plenty of the quaint and traditional buildings, mostly well maintained.

A more traditional colour scheme.

As well as building types seen in most towns.

Every now and then a cottage that has existed for a long time.

A more utilitarian street.

The traffic and cars are the common types that are seen in most western cities.  However the tire noise indicates that most were fitted with winter tires, most studded.

Tourism is a major part of the Iceland economy and was reasonably busy even in November with winter approaching.

Stockings are quite a fashion garment.

Gloves and hats are also handy in this climate.

With winter cold close by.

The view along a main shopping street.

The harbour from near our hotel, Marina, owned by Iceland Air who own many hotels throughout Iceland.

 Cyclists are well catered for with bikes and bike stands such as this one outside our hotel.

There is no shortage of good eating places at reasonable prices.

Also a wide variety of accommodation.

Decorations were well to the fore which added to the scene especially with short daylight as winter approaches.

A familiar sight.  However best not to be standing on the middle of the street.  A moment later she was tooted at by a motorist wanting to turn into the street.

Looked like an ally best not frequented at night. This picture taken to show the WC in the tower at the left.

We close the door and leave Reyjkavik.

Travel Iceland via Calgary, Canada

The start of a trip in 2016 to the northern hemisphere for a traditional winter Christmas in Scotland.

We are to travel via Calgary, Canada, for a few days break before a visit to Iceland and then on to Scotland.

 Spruce Meadows, Calagary

Better known for equestrian showjumping tournaments but it is more than just an equestrian venue.

Each year they hold a Christmas Festival for three weekends before Christmas starting mid November.

 Everything has to be checked out for the old fellow from the north.  Here the reindeer individually get a check over.

 It is a waiting game to see who will be chosen and fit for the job ahead.

 Final check.

Well the reindeer are all sorted so now a bit of a look around the the rest of the festival and the hundreds of trade stands.

 Also the live entertainment and ...

... the not so live.

The grass ovals better remembered set up with jumping equipment are now surrounded by the trees festooned with Christmas lights as are many streets and houses in Calgary.

We leave Spruce Meadows to their almost continuous festivals of one type or another, always appropriate to the season.