Day 19. By boat between the ice

Yesterday I was on the eternal ice, today I was supposed to go between the drifting ice. On the way to the jeep tour, I passed by the ice lagoon Jökulsárlón and was able to take some beautiful pictures in the afternoon sun. 

First, we were dressed. 

Dry suit is the dress code for this event. 'What size do you have?' asked the tour guide. 'Double XL', I said with conviction. It had fit for whale watching, after all. 

After slipping into the trouser legs with integrated rubber socks, the disappointment came. I couldn't get the thing over my shoulders. 'You need a different size.' That can't be, it's probably an Italian product, they always run very small. 'XXXL ?' 'Ok, I try it'

Alright, that fits. After putting on the pants and threading the right arm, you put your head through the rubber cuff that forms the neck closure. And that from someone who doesn't even like to wear turtlenecks. Slightly strangled by the rubber collar, you now try to get the second arm into the suit. Done, now zip up the zipper running from the left waist to the right shoulder and you're done. Too soon to be happy. Rubber shoes are still worn over the rubber socks. If you want to try this, I'll give you a tip, follow the order. Put on the shoes before struggling to get your head and arms into the suit. Now that I was properly packed, feeling like a paddler in my own intestines, life jackets and paddles were distributed. Armed like this, except for me there were six other participants, we went on a five-minute walk to where the boats were. The way there is very rocky, big, small, round, square, and sharp stones. Not a pain-free task with thin rubber soles. Carrying the paddle like a wooden cross, I embarked on my journey of suffering. 

At the kayak base, the boats were distributed. I had booked a single kayak for an extra charge. Tactically unwise. Three pairs and me, so I would've been alone in a boat anyway. There are no three-person kayaks. After a short introduction on how to use the paddle and the rules of behavior on the water, we set off and paddled out into the lagoon. 

Our guide advises us not to attract the animals. One has already tried to jump into the kayak. After involuntarily diving into the three-degree cold water, it was probably not easy to get the paddler back into the kayak.

We paddle like this through the lagoon for about 1.5 hours, it would have been nice if there had been a little more sun.

Back on land and after the equally arduous return to the truck, quickly peeled out of the rubber suit, and then back to the campsite with Suzi.

After dismantling the tent and stowing everything away, I had to step on the gas. It's already noon and there are still 270 kilometers on the Ring Road to Seyðisfjörður.