I thought I would title this in sequence because we plan on going back many times. This past Sunday we took the bus to the start of the hike up Esja, the mountain visible from Reykjavik that is often in the background of pictures, like this one here...
It was a beautiful day for a hike. We took a moment before the hike really got started to play with our shadows a bit because we are silly and we felt like it.
As we started to hike up the mountain, it quickly grew steep, and looking up at Esja made me a little dizzy, so I just watched where I was putting me feet.
Every once in a while, when I would pause to bring my heart rate back to normal again, I would turn around to see this breathtaking view.
About 200 meters before the mountain top, there is a rock labeled "Steinn." Within a stainless steel case attached to the stone there was a guestbook filled with signatures and dates. I signed for the both of us. Chris was bound and determined to hike up to the summit, so I told him to go ahead. I hiked after him going up a bit further, but then I returned to the rock and waited.
Meanwhile, Chris took these photos when he reached the top. I don't know who took his picture up there, but apparently he was not alone. :)
Looking down from the top gives an interesting perspective on how steep it is.
On our way down, we met an older gentleman equipped and on his way up the mountain. He asked us something in Icelandic after we gave him our best "Goðan Daginn," but instead of being awkward penguins (which we have been plenty of times here), we admitted to not understanding him. He told us, jokingly, that if he lives through this hike, it will be his 127th time up to the summit this year. We were very impressed, to say the least!
I believe, a couple times on this (and every) hike, I exclaim, "We live here!" It's hard to believe this at times, so I have to shout it out loud!
