We were settled in Iceland after adjusting to jet lag from our flight and spending a day along the southern coast and visiting diamond beach. The final portion of our trip was spent migrating back to the capital of Reykjavík. We decided to spend the night at the North Star Cottages, which was tucked back off the main ring road with enough room for the kids to play in the dandelions and explore without worry.

We took our time and stopped along the way at the mysterious rock formation near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur called Kirkjugólf. At this stop you can park and walk into the a sheep pasture to get back to the rock formation. The sheep were used to people walking in and out, and there were some baby sheep playing and loving on their mama. The stop was further complicated by my toddler falling face first into a mud puddle, ahah! But, after we stripped him down and put on new clothes, we were back in action.

That evening we settled into our cabin and walked back to a historic mountain side pool, called Seljavallalung pool, built over 100 years ago. I wanted to experience a thermal pool, and I wasn't into paying the big money for blue lagoon - so this was the perfect solution. The hike back was longer than advertised with a few areas of rough terrain, but we made it! We jumped in the pool and let the algae sink between our toes. It was a cold rainy night, but the experience was worth it. I paused to reflect on the generosity of those who built this countryside pool and all of the local kids that have enjoyed it over the past 100 years. What a legacy! The site is maintained by local volunteers and it's important to treat it with respect and the legacy it is!

When we got back to our cabin and heard that my youngest and our au pair had an adventure and a scare after he locked himself into the bathroom. No keys to be found. So Sophia had to wiggle her way into the lock with a wine opener and a knife! She was a champion and did some major independent problem solving! Haha, never a dull moment!

The next morning we packed up and went to Vik for a horseback riding adventure! Sophia and I splurged on this vacation treat. We went along the black sand beaches, which were small black pebbles under the horses' feet. I was thankful the horses were doing the walking for us. We were able to try to Tölt, which is a gate above a trot and is known for being a smooth gate specific to the Icelandic breed. The views were gorgeous and we had a nice ride with the other characters that were along in our group (one of which fell off and another who wouldn't listen to the instructor - hah!)

We had an amazing time near Vík and loved enjoying the simple care free sights of southern Iceland! I'm glad we prioritized simplicity and local sites while traveling. It's the best way to immerse yourself in simple living, local culture and rid the stress that often parallels vacations. I will always vote for local, simple destinations!

On our way to the capital we stopped to view Urridafoss waterfall! This is worth the five minute detour! It's near the down of Selfoss - and not as popular as the rest of the waterfalls in the south. However, it should be! We loved this detour. It's free, not crowded and it's a powerful waterfall with nice walking paths to get up close views.

Now it's off to the capital city!

Vik, Iceland and Nearby Treasures!

Now it's off to the capital city!

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