MDATS Day 11: Travel Day
My Journey: Headed Home but First.
11/15/2025 Iceland
I woke up early, had breakfast at the hotel, and checked the conditions and flight issues with the clerk. Everything was still a go, so I loaded the car and checked out.
Hallgrimskirkja
It was cold and windy, and some very icy snow was on the ground. I was just a little bit nervous about driving in the weather. The roads thought they were fine, so off we went.
Once I got out of town, the wind pushed us around a pi, but we made it to the Blue Lagoon for our appointment at opening hours.
A large berm is built around the facility to protect it from the lava flows. There is another set of berms that make up the landscape as you walk to the spa. It is a short walk, but arranged so that the parking lot disappears in the approach. During check-in, they talk to you about the evacuation plans in the event of an eruption.
Blue Lagoon
Once I washed up, I went to the lagoon. It was very windy, and the snow was more like ice. There was almost no one here, so it was nice and quiet.
I enjoyed the drink that came with the ticket. My last good beer before going back to the land of bad beer.
My Bear and Me
I also had my silicone face mask and spent some time exploring the steam rooms and sonas.
I could not stay forever, so as it got close to time to depart, I headed in, showered, changed, and put my jewelry back on. Then I headed into the Cafe for lunch, which was great. One of the things about Iceland is that, like in Amsterdam, the food scene is good and international. So eat what you like; it's good.
I loved the experience. People tell you that it was not all it made out to be, but I think it was more about the grounds than the place being less than promised. I am glad I got to enjoy it in peace and quiet. It was so big, and with so few people there this early in the morning, it was almost like being there alone.
Outside the Blue Lagoon
As I headed back out to the parking lot I took a few more pictures of the landscaping.
The buses were lining up, and I was glad I did this first thing in the morning. By now, it's too cold to drive to the airport in this weather.
Parking Lot Blue Lagoon
I double-checked that everything was tightly packed and that the car was ready to be turned in. So off I went for one last drive.
I stoped to dill of the gas tank and to get some travel supplies from the the store. The the rental place.
Everything went fine until I got to the rental car place, then the car slid a bit in their driveway, completely sheeted with ice. So I just parked it there and got out, telling them they could park it too close to the finish line to have an accident. Then a bus ride to the airport.
I do not want to go back to the US
It was hard getting on the plane, and I didn’t want to go home. I have not felt at peace since I left Iceland. I said goodbye to the troll and some last-minute survivors, and I had one last hot dog before boarding the bus that took us to the plane.
Today's plane is Fogrufjoll. The plane was almost empty. Since I had not ordered food while on board, the snack was going to be a chocolate bar.
Takeoff was rough with the winds, but it was a pleasant flight once in the air. There was not much to see out the window this time, just one long sunset.
Home I guess :(
Before too long, I was over the states. I took a deep breath and enjoyed the sun setting as we prepared for our landing in NC.
It was a nice View.
View
Back on the ground I got my stuff made my way through border security.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
As I was heading out the door, I took some pictures of the NC arts display in the airport, which had some nice glass examples in a case.
I ended up getting a hotel halfway home at the Quality Inn Duncan Spartanburg West.
11/16/2025 South Carolina
I had a big brekfest at a Craker Barel in Piedmont SC and then finished the drive home.
Breakfest Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
It was already a different country from the one I left. I do not usually get harassed in bathrooms, but I got harassed twice on the return drive. Once I was accused of not being a girl, so the next time I stopped I just used the other restroom and was chased out of the boys room being told that I had gone into the wrong bathroom. Any, I did finally get home.
Tips and lessons learned:
go to the blue lagoon first thing in the morning
Also Don’t vVote Republican
