16th of August. Isafjordur, Iceland. As with virtually every port stop in the upper reaches of the northern hemisphere, this location is a combination of one-horse town (and Im thinking Hercules in Steptoe and sun rather than Red Rum here) and spectacular mountain scenery. Actually thats a little harsh on this particular town which has some quite cool cafés in amongst the jumper shops. Ive seen some wool-fests on my travels through northern Norway and Greenland but this town boasts a veritable mountain of sheep-based product all with soul-sappingly dull design. Sporting it also appears to be de rigeur for the locals to the point where I wonder if its a legal requirement for locals to advertise the towns primary industry. Theres also quite a Heidi vibe going on here with every other female from 16 - 60 rocking pigtails. If scratchy fabric and plaits are your fetish youd have a field-day over here. Just sayin. But enough of that, its 10 oclock and time to go out and climb a mountain. I have noticed to my joy that there is perfect 3G in this town – I guess theres not much to get in the way from wherever the mast is placed and I have received a text telling me that Iceland is counted in the Europe section of Vodafone and I can access it for 2 pounds a day! Woo hoo! Why so excited? Ill tell you when I get to the top! Well, what seemed like a perfectly climbable entity proved to be steeper than I first envisaged and very rocky. I pause to phone Sarah who advises me not to turn my ankle over like an eejit. It is indeed sound advice. Ive got as high as I can probably safely go so I find a little flat area, lay myself out with my head on my bag, take my ham roll out, and tune my phone radio to Radio 5 test match special. Morning and welcome to the Oval ring out Aggers breezy tones clear as a bell and under a pleasantly warm arctic sun I settle back to enjoy the morning session. Genius.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 18:41:30 +0000
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