ICELAND: ANOTHER END OF THE ROAD EXPERIENCE FOR TOM

Some of you may know that I collect

"end of the road" experiences; that my idea of a good time is desolation; that I like to go so far away you can barely find civilization on the way back; that a few people are generally too much of a crowd.

Well, tomorrow Mary and I leave for two weeks in Iceland.

I have a nephew who is there, in the Navy. We'll spend a day at the beginning of our trip visiting him and his family, and a couple days at the end. The ten days in-between? We've got a 4-wheel drive vehicle rented, and we'll be heading counter-clockwise along the "Ring Road" that circles the island.

Iceland is about the size of Virginia. We've got ten days to complete that 850-mile circle at the outside edge of the island. We've got rooms reserved at easy intervals. We're going to look and listen and touch and taste and smell everything along the way, to see what the country and the people are made of. We're going to hike, and hike some more. We'll walk on a glacier, we'll get sprayed by the biggest waterfall in Europe, we'll see if Tom can throw a stone across the Arctic Circle. We'll eat everything we're offered, except perhaps the "aged shark."

There's nothing else we have to do.

We won't be able to visit the Highlands at the interior of Iceland, as those roads don't open up until July, which is high tourist season, which = 2 many people 4 Tom. I think we'll find plenty to do anyway. Plenty.

Mary and I don't speak Icelandic but I'm told that shouldn't be a problem because so many Icelanders speak English. Hey, if we can spend two weeks in Cozumel without speaking Spanish and not starve, we won't starve in Iceland either.

I've got the big suitcase open on the bed right now, and the carry-on open on a chair, and I am packing my things. We'll want to dress in layers - the average high temperature in April, I believe, is about 45 degrees F. Yet we'll have to take our swimming suits, so we can soak in the toasty-warm geo-thermal pools along the way.

While I'm gone, my "Morning Drive Journal" posts will continue to appear here, via the magic of modern technology. Wu-hoo for things happening as if on their own while you're off to Iceland!

When I return, I'll splatter these pages with the journal of our Icelandic experiences, you know I will.

Okay, time's a-wasting. I've got to pack my bags. More when we return....

Comments

[suzanne]

have just a wonder filled time, tom
maybe I'll see you
after your return

I'm not driving to where the Erdrich sisters
ar espeaking
but I expect I will get up
Wisconsin way

[Tom Montag]

Hi, Suzanne--We will have a terrific time. And when we get back, we would love to see you. Come on over!

[Dave]

Bon voyage, man - I am so envious! I'm sure you and Mary will have a blast.

[Poolagirl]

Just thought I'd drop by and say howdy. Have fun on your big adventures!

[Tom Montag]

Thanks, Dave. That's the plan, have a good time. We've never done anything like this, so it's about time, huh?

[Tom Montag]

Hey, Poola--how are you? I've just subscribed to your blog because now I'm thinking about it. Like everything else, if I don't do it now, I don't do it. Just subscribed, in time to let two weeks worth of posts pile up while we're gone, I might add...

[leslee]

Wow. Have a great time! I look forward to reading all about it when you get back. Iceland! That's certainly not "If it's Tuesday this must be Belgium!" Say 'hi' to Bjork. ;-)

[Peter]

Enjoy!