Our accommodations for 2 nights was the charming Hrífunes Guesthouse. Comfortable, cozy and off the beaten path surrounded by beautiful views in all directions. The breakfast was diverse and filling accented with delicious coffee.

Pausing along side of the road to wish a good morning to a friendly group of Icelandic horses. An interesting fact: Icelandic horses are long-lived and hardy. In their native country they have few diseases; Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported into the country and exported animals are not allowed to return.

Our next stop was Skaftafell National Park. We selected the Svartifoss hike which is about 2 1/2 miles. The highlight was this awesome waterfall, also referred to as Black Waterfall, which is only 60 feet tall but it dramatically gushes over a cliff of basalt columns. The hike was lovely as we were enjoying moderate temperatures and light wind.

Our next stop was a show stopper! They experience was unforgettable! I thought the wind was going to carry us out to the Atlantic! The icebergs in this glacial lake are remnants of the massive Vatnajokull glacier. After falling off the glacier, they can spend five years in the lagoon before eventually flowing into the ocean. The variety of colors in the ice is striking, from snowy white to sapphire blue to turquoise.

Glittering icebergs lie along the shore on a fine black powder beach.

Also know as Mountain-River Lagoon. We stopped here, a few miles down the road and tucked out of sight, and experienced such a calm, less windy view and walk along the shore.

Then we turned around and headed back towards our guesthouse. Following an unpaved road, this turn took us about 10 minutes to reach our next hike. A scenic gorge of soft rounded hills grooved by a deep river. The landscape here is so unique and beautiful.

Making the turn off of the main road heading back to our guesthouse we tried to capture a few sheep photos. The last one was probably protecting her territory and was slowly but urgently making her way towards me. I read that there are about 800,000 sheep compared to 340,000 people on Iceland.

Our evening was spent relaxing and having a lively family meal with the other guests. Stories and tips were shared over a spread of minced lamb, roasted vegetables, slow cooked pork, potatoes, salads, bread and drinks.