We next spent some time in Stadaefjordur village, where there was a run on herring in the early 1900s but collapsed and now has the herring museum. I didn't go into the museum but they have some outdoor exhibits and art work commemorating this. The waters here are also home to many sea birds.
For lunch we stop at Hauganes at the restaurant next to the whale watching boat. I had the fish soup which was delicious!
The whale watching boat was docked nearby. We put on some red jumpers/floatation suits (which kept us warm as well), shoved our cameras, hats, and other paraphernalia in the giant pockets and boarded our boat. Hauganes is located on the shores of Iceland's longest fjord, Eijafyordur. We're expecting to see humpbacks as they are quite common here in summer feeding season.
Shortly after we left, we immediately spotted some. The whale guide yells out location according to clock hands and distance. The boat captain often heads to the location to get closer. It was thrilling to see them blow air and surface, flashing their tail but most exciting was when one of them came up right next to our boat and I was lucky enough to be in the right place with phone camera ready. I also got several tail flashes with the telephoto on my DSLR.
The whale guide told us they had seen a blue whale in recent days so the hunt was on. They recognized the spouting at a distance and our boat as well as others started converging to the spot. Every time a spouting happened, every boat narrowed their location. Finally, they came up right near us, 2 of them, blowing air and surfacing, with their very long backs gliding gently past us. Blue whales don't flash their tails so I can easily imagine ancient sea farers thinking they had seen a giant sea monster! It was such a thrill! After this, we were treated to coffee or cocoa and a cinnamon cookie. Some who wanted could grab a rod and reel and fish for cod! Annie from our group got 2 or 3! They are catch and release after the fisherperson got their picture with their prize.
From Hauganes, we headed to Godafoss, a famous waterfall that resembled a small Niagara to me. This was not as exciting as the several waterfalls we saw our first day out, that spring out of natural springs and creeks. This one more closely resembled the kinds of waterfalls we see in North America, yet still beautiful.
Before heading to our hotel, we stopped at Narfastadir farm & guest house for an Icelandic buffet. We had a nice variety of appetizers and main dishes as well as banana cake with cream for dessert. Everything was well done.
I was exhausted by the time dinner was over and slept all the way to the hotel in Husavik.
All in all a brilliant day!
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