Whale "Watching" Tour

I saw the White Beak Dolphin, and the Harbour Porpoise today.

This is my sexy new bulky outfit! (Yes, it was cold, wet and windy.)

Before y'all get your hopes up, there were no whales to be seen. (It is winter, and they tend to migrate south to warmer waters.) As well, my camera batteries, the back-up set, and the third back-up set failed. I did get to see some porpoises and dolphins, but I did not get pictures of them, so I can't visually share the experience.


It was very cold and blustery out on the ocean, but there's something about Reykjavik that makes the wind and cold bearable; it is not as biting and harsh as Toronto's wind and cold. It was a beautiful day, and at about 20 minutes into the boat ride, the sun broke through and there was no rain whatsoever.


I did see (very briefly), the back and fin of a Harbour Porpoise--who are very shy and barely broke the surface only twice. We mostly saw several groups (pods?) of White Beak Dolphins. The dolphins were very gregarious, jumping almost completely out of the ocean. They were very cute, and I think I even heard them calling to each other.


The dolphins were dancing through the rays of the setting sun on the waves. It was quite magical, and I could not stop myself from exclaiming "OOOHHH!" every time I saw one jump out of the water and curve sleekly back in. Mostly, one one dolphin was seen at a time, but towards the end of the day, there were 3 or 4 jumping out of the ocean together, or immediately after the other. Small white and black (with a wee bit of yellow) flocks of birds indicated the presence of these aquatic mammals, and occasionally a small spout of water was visible just before they broke out of the water.


I was only slightly dissapointed at not sighting any whales, but the dolphins more than made up for it. I am going to call later this week, and see if I can use my ticket to go for another (free) ride, as no whales were sighted this time. (It can't hurt to ask!)


After the tour, I walked to the Fleamarket (see URL link in previous post). I bought a very touristy, and somewhat expensive item; the Traditional Icelandic Sweater. It is black (of course), with the tradional black and white and (beige? grey?) semi-circle design over the chest, around the shoulders, and around the back. It zips up, and is not bulky at all. I have seen many locals wearing these sweaters, including the very cute second mate on the boat, so I'm confident I don't look like a git wearing it.


I even waited outside in line at the hotdog stand for 25 minutes(!) for another hotdog; yes they are that good! (and cheap @ 250isk)


(As well, the tap water here is SOOO wonderful; it is the best tasting water I have EVER drank, and it is very soft water. My hair has never been so soft and shiny, and my skin barely needed any moisturizer. I am dreading going back to Toronto water... )


Please go directly to this link to see some photos from today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smadventure/

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R.I.P. ChiChi Larue
April 1 2001 - February 14 2008
(BAN PET STORE SALES OF DOGS & CATS)