While waiting for the ice to clear and right wind to make the passage to Greenland we have been exploring the beautiful Western part of Iceland. The steep mountains often makes the gust in the harbours accelerate so the windy nights can come as a big surprise. We are really glad we had the extra time to explore more of Iceland and visit many excellent and completely free harbours.
Food
More than a few days in Reykjavík
We spent almost 3 weeks in Reykjavík as we visited relatives and had friends visiting the boat. This gave us a chance to experience a lot of the city. We also had the time to do some boat work and order new bikes and a VHF for the boat. In this post you can also get a discount code for reusable 316L filter for your watermaker.
Arriving in Iceland
After spending a few days sailing to Iceland we were enjoying some great days in Westman Islands. Sarah had been here as a kid and were excited about seeing the fantastic cliffs and puffins again. A lot of nice restaurants has also opened and there are many nice hikes to the top of volcanos and steep mountains.
Northbound in the Outer Hebrides
We arrived at the Outer Hebrides on the West coast of Scotland. This place has a lot of changing landscapes and seems a lot less populated. We visit East Tabert, Scalpay and Stornoway and see the historic standing stones and the opium castle of west Scotland.
Oban and an unexpected music festival
We arrived in Oban, Scotland on a sunny day, eager to explore. Oban proved ideal for stocking up provisions at local supermarkets. Although touristy with disappointing dining initially, we found a gem. Next, we motored to Tobermory, timed perfectly with its annual music festival. After enjoying the vibrant scene and friendly guest, our trip continued with to Canna Island, filled with historical sites and stunning natural beauty.
Technical Gremlins in County Donegal, Ireland
Our journey around the Coast of County Donegal was trouble free until our heating stopped. Fortunately we had planned a stop at Killybegs, (a vibrant Fishing Port with friendly locals) to service our life-raft giving us chance to fix the problem and indulge in local cuisine and rich Irish culture.
The last stop in Northern Ireland – Derry/Londonderry
Sailing to Derry in Northern Ireland needed some careful planning. Swells and currents made it treacherous, but the Causeway coast’s cliffs were breathtaking. Mooring was a nightmare, akin to a Barentsburg night. Despite closed galleries, Derry’s history, food, and street art made it very memorable.
Spending some days in scenic Ballycastle
Ballycastle is clearly a popular Summer tourist destination and as soon as we arrived here, we got the Spring feeling.
Coming into the harbour can be a little dramatic as the Atlantic swells easily get quite big. To get into the harbour you have to do a sharp turn around the break water, but as soon as you have turned the corner, the inner harbour is nice and calm.
And we finally had Steve’s Cheese Scones
20th July 2023 And they were very delicious with pepper and 3 kinds of cheese. Worth the wait and a good activity while moving the boat from one anchorage to another. And a fresh loaf …
Pizzas at Magdalenefjorden
14th July 2023 With our two failed attempts to sail yesterday we ended up motoring all day to Magdalenefjorden. This gave Sarah a chance to finish her 4th book and Steve got a chance to …