No matter how much you try to plan a trip, sometimes Mother Nature has something else in mind…
In this post:
We’re in Iceland during a record breaking snowstorm
As I wrote about some time back, Ford and I are taking a trip to Iceland, which was intended for us to get away a bit and enjoy the outdoors (and from there, I’m going on a review trip). I already shared thoughts on my outbound Icelandair Saga Premium flight, and soon I’ll share some thoughts on the hotels we’ve stayed at so far.
We’re from Florida, so of course we were expecting it to be cold, by our standards. But we couldn’t have anticipated the kind of weather we’re encountering.
On the day we arrived, it was cold (as expected), but there wasn’t much precipitation. That was perfect, as we had the chance to explore quite a bit (unfortunately we missed two days of clear skies, where Northern Lights seemed to be widely visible).
The next morning we woke up to a substantial amount of snow, which is apparently the first substantial snow that southern Iceland has seen so far this season (and it’s earlier than normal).
It was kind of fun to be in the snow, and we still explored, just driving a bit more carefully than usual.
However, things have only gotten worse from there. We’ve seen nonstop heavy snowfall for around 24 hours now, and it’s anticipated to continue for at least another 24 hours. There’s a severe snow ice warning, and it’s basically not possible to do anything (I mean, short of building a snowman, or visiting the phallological museum).
Residents are being advised to stay home, and this is apparently the most snow that this part of Iceland has ever seen at this point in the year. You know you’re dealing with a serious snowstorm when even many Icelandair flights are canceled, because it’s not like Icelandair doesn’t know how to operate in harsh conditions! I must say, this was definitely not what I was expecting!
Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches
We took this trip with the goal of enjoying the outdoors and spending our days driving around and hiking, but obviously that’s not in the cards for us in the next couple of days.
Ultimately, I’m incredibly grateful that this isn’t a “once in a lifetime” trip for us, in the sense that if this doesn’t work out as planned, we can always return at some point in the future. I know so many people have very limited vacation days and will plan every minute of their vacation to maximize their time, and this would be a huge bummer for them.
So while I of course wish things were different, there’s no point in being upset over something that’s outside of our control. I’m just hopeful that things get a bit better after tomorrow, and that Icelandair isn’t impacted too much in the coming days, or else my entire review trip may be in jeopardy, given the connection that I’m relying on.
Bottom line
Our trip to Iceland isn’t exactly going as planned. 24 hours after landing, it started snowing… and it hasn’t really stopped since. Quite to the contrary, the intensity has gotten worse and worse, to the point that this a record breaking snow storm for the region, and locals are being advised to stay home.
Frustrating as it is, there’s no point in getting upset over this, so we’re just making the most of the indoors! We’ve enjoyed the time that we’ve spent outside, so I guess it’s all the more reason to want to return!
In the moment it stinks, but it makes for a good story later. Have fun!
It sucks when you have all these plans in a certain place and you get hit with unusual weather, or a strike in Paris or a hurricane while in Florida. Of course everyone knows that it is cold and freezing in Iceland and there is always a strike in Paris but it still sucks. My sympathies. I guess it is an excuse to return to Iceland and try again the Northern Lights or the road trip. Love your blog.
I'm sorry, there's a dick museum?
If you wanted to avoid snow you could have gone to Jamaica.
Seems like a great excuse to eat well, drink prolifically, and laze around in front of a fireplace. And find a sauna or hot spring. While not the best Iceland vacation ever, I could see myself enjoying it!
Come back in summer. Iceland is truly spectacular. Maybe when the kids are older and you can do some hikes with them.
Is that a snow Winston?
People are shocked, SHOCKED that a place called ICEland gets cold weather, even -- gasp! -- SNOW, by the end of October. Who could have possibly imagined such a thing?
you proud of yourself?
So did you boys visit the Phallological Museum, or what?
Ooohhhh booo hooo!
Were those Hyatt properties in the pictures?
Ben, as you said it's not a once in a lifetime trip for you and thankfully you're not stranded with the children. Use this forced time to relax and enjoy spending time with your husband after a crazy few years. Hopefully the weather will lift and you'll be able to continue your trip while Ford makes it home to the kids!
I guess you can’t if the roads are impassable but I think it would be so fun to sit in one of those hot springs during a snow storm.
Check out Svarta Kaffið for soul warming soup in a bread bowl. We went there twice when we were first snowed in and then a volcano eruption (no joke) canceled our blue lagoon plans. We also ate at OX which was fantastic, a really great evening and exploration of Iclandic cuisine. We also ate at Oto which was because our plans changed- it was great, seemed full of locals enjoying the fusion Japanese cuisine.
I visited in July and it was FREEZING. And absurdly expensive. I'll pass on Iceland. Yes, it's pretty - but not worth the weather and the cost.
I visited Iceland in October once and promised myself to never do it again :D It's a lovely place but one really needs to come in the summer/spring unless planning the trip only days ahead. The weather is too random at other times.
This is how you bond with the locals. Enjoy every minute of it.
how do you bond with the locals? I can picture it now:
"just because it's snowing does not mean you guys should stop thinking of your PROFITS!!!!!"
Yummy cozy, just make yourself a coffee!
Beautiful photos. Embrace the winter!
(And, far better to be there, even during a blizzard, than in Jamaica, today at least.)