This post contains writing by Smithsonian students
Today was our first full day in the Snæfellsnes. Our day began with free roam time around the beach just outside our guest house. Some people did a morning run along the coast, and others watched the beach while looking at the rocks and shells. It was a refreshing start to our day and filled us with energy.
In the morning, we went to Iceland’s shark museum where we learned about the process of creating an Icelandic delicacy. Our first stop at the museum was in the drying room, where we got to see Greenland sharks in the process of fermentation. Our first up close look at Icelandic horses also was next to the drying room. We fed and pet them and shortly headed to the main display room where an expert explained how this has become part of tradition. Although there was some anxiety about trying a new food, the fermented shark had a unique flavor and was delicious. There are high levels of ammonia that fill the sinuses a few seconds after, releasing gas into your nostrils; a very unusual sensation.
Next came our trek on the glacier called Snæfellsnesjökull.
Our two glacier guides shared personal stories of their treks as well as common folklore. Once we got to the base of the glacier, we got our gear on. We suited up in crampons, harnesses, and got ice axes. A rope connected our group and allowed us to scale up the glacier safely. It was cold, but the energy from the glacier rejuvenated us all. It was definitely worth the climb. We got to cross a crevasse in the ice and the view was unreal. We ran and roamed around the top of the snow-covered glacier in accomplishment then made our journey down to the bus. Once we arrived back at our guest house we devoured homemade fish, potatoes, and rice to refuel our exhausted bodies. Our last activity was hopping in the hot tub behind our homes, giving us a beautiful view of the sheep and sea behind as the day came to a close.
Overall, our busy day was amazing and very rewarding. We all tried something new and can now all say we stood atop a glacier.
– Sienna H. & Kai D.