Author: cometsgirl

Years ago my traveling friend and I were on a ferry from Maine to Grand Manan Island in Canadian wsters. Standing on the deck, a gentleman proclaimed it to be a large day. And it was.

Yesterday was another large day on a ferry. This time it was the Brjánslækur ferry which was traveling two and one-half hours from the Snæfellsnes peninsula across the Atlantic Ocean, to the Westfjords.

I love to travel by ferry!

Talented tire kicking and placing for a tractor to board.

Then we were off!

We made a brief stop at Flatey Island to load several hundred pounds of fish.

Then on to Branslækur, where we disembarked and headed north to Isafjördur.

That’s our road up ahead.

Glorious views.

A good portion of the drive was under construction; a challenge at times, but the views were worth it. Plus it was the only way to get where we were going.

Twists and turns and after one descent, we pulled into a parking area, and there it was… Hundafoss!

We followed the path to the viewing platform to see the mid falls up close.

From there, more gobsmacking beauty as we made our way to Isafjördur.

The drive took 3 1/2 hours to navigate a normally 90 minute route, thanks to views and road construction. It took awhile, but it was surely worth it.

Traveling mercies.

After dinner at Hotel Búðir two nights ago, we decided to drive further down the Snaefellesness Peninsula.

It was just a 20 minute drive. Of course it took us 3 hours. You can do this in Iceland this time of year, as sunset is at 11pm. And really, it’s never totally dark.

We drive all the way to Snæfellsness National Park at Malariff.

What fun it was to stay up late!

At 6:15am yesterday morning the Icelandair grounds crew secured our plane at the gate at Keflavik airport, Iceland.

I had returned to Iceland! At last.

Flying overnight, the northern lights made an appearance – across the aisle. From my seat this is what I saw.

Dawn brought views of Greenland.

After deplaning, a quick wheelchair ride to Customs, luggage grab off the baggage carousel, car rental, and we were off!

The 2-hour drive from the Keflavik airport to Búðir took us 8 hours. A combination of constant photo-op views and a roadside nap, was in keeping with our style of travel.

Every direction held views. Almost more than I could hold in my soul.

We arrived at our destination for the night, Hotel Búðir. Our plan for three nights was thwarted by the flight cancellation. Still, one night in this space and place, was enough. For now.

Traveling mercies.

To continue the saga of traveling to Iceland….

Today finds my friend and I in Minneapolis. We flew here yesterday as my friend found the quickest way to Iceland was to change airports and airlines.

We will fly out of Minneapolis on Iceland Airlines instead of Chicago on United.

Rebooking was arranged at 2am after our flight was cancelled. This was a real feat.

Tonight we are scheduled to soar to Reykjavík.

In the meantime… it turns out Minneapolis, our hotel in particular, has been restorative.

We walked into beauty,

Quieting,

Stillness,

and deliciousness.

I have loved the sight and sound of airplanes taking off and landing.

And sitting outside listening to the rumble of flight.

Soon to walk across the road to soar. Traveling mercies.

During the boarding process last night, the pilot promised us northern lights viewing. I assumed it was because this was the Inaugural United Airlines flight from Chicago to Reykjavik. Yay!

Then, as I got settled into my fancy seat, and pictured turning it into a bed, complete with bed linens from Sak’s 5th Avenue, there was an intense conversation nearby. Flight attendants, a maintenance guy, and the pilot.

It seemed there was a problem with the battery. Back and forth. Back and forth. Eventually it was agreed we should all deplane in order for the battery to be exchanged.

It was 10:30pm for a 9:30pm flight. Next came an issue of vouchers to use to find something to eat. People spread out to find something still open as free snacks were running low.

11pm. Jazz was closed.

Wait, Starbucks was open!

Just as we joined the long line, an announcement called us all back as boarding would begin shortly. Whoopee!

Then came the announcement that a pilot was needed as our Captain had timed out. Oh. No.

At midnight, the dreaded announcement. The flight is canceled. The inaugural flight that wasn’t.

No Battery. No Pilot. No flight to Iceland tonight.

Today I leave for Iceland! It will be my sixth trip to the Land of Fire and Ice.

Iceland’s tourism board has a new tagline to attract future tourists. Iceland. Better than space. “NASA agrees: the agency has repeatedly used Iceland as a stand-in for the Moon, and it’s doing so again as it prepares astronauts for new missions off-world.”

My experience traveling around Iceland is often “other-worldly”.

At other times, it’s magnificent beauty.

My friend and I are traveling first to Snaefellsnes peninsula. Several years ago on an Iceland trip, our plans were changed at the last minute. Severe storms in Houston and then Atlanta, caused us miss this place on our trip.

Now we shall look and see what I expect will be – beauty-colored vistas.

Here’s a clue until I get there.

From the Snaefellsnes peninsula we will journey north and west to the Westfjords.

My friend and I arrived in Chicago for a 8 to 9 hour connection flight to Iceland. We are hanging out in the fancy lounge in the Chicago airport, awaiting our 9:30pm flight. I’ll be glued to the window hoping for northern lights.

Traveling mercies.

I traveled home today.

Reflecting on the last three days, I’m aware of how much peace I felt during those days.

A graveyard service in the rain. The image of open umbrellas sheltering those present.

The views from my son and his wife’s patio after the rain storm.

Sunday morning worship. From the sermon, “find awe, look up”, totality”

A color-filled window as I waited for my tall Flat White after church.

A visit to a parishioner to bring provisions for her chickens.

A small furry who at last desired to rest in my lap.

Ice cream.

The beauty outside the window during the descent before landing.

Traveling mercies.

Part of being a good friend is the assured promise to be present in not only the good times, but the hard times too. The hard times especially.

I’m seated in my chair in the sky, going to north Texas to be present when my friend’s mother is laid to rest.

In your mercy look upon this grave, so that your servant may sleep here in peace; and on the day of judgement raise her up to dwell with your saints in paradise. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Book of Common Prayer.

Traveling mercies.

I’ve returned from my 48 hour trip to Chicago. While the reason for the trip was Mendelssohn’s Elijah in performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, it was so much more.

We stayed at the Silversmith Hotel in downtown Chicago. Within walking distance to Symphony Hall and the Chicago Art Institute, it was the perfect place to stay. Plus…we arrived early and asked if we could check in. Not only could we do so, we were upgraded to a suite on the top floor!

Just across the street was The Goddess and the Baker. Starting the day outdoors in Chicago’s Spring weather was a delight. So was lingering there in the late afternoon.

The “L” clamored above us with great regularity. Often two “Ls” passed by each other. It was raucous!

From The Goddess it was a short walk to the Chicago Art Institute. We spent several hours in the museum and saw only a fraction of the art.

Below is a favorite of mine.

I took note of similarities of color and design.

The size and scope of the Chicago Art Institute was overwhelming. Even using the museum app, and asking directions of docents, it was at times a daunting task to navigate. Nonetheless, it was a real pleasure to be there.

The days-end treat was an evening walk to Amorino for a much deserved – as judged by us – gelato.

On Sunday morning we took another walk – this time to church.

But first, The Goddess and the Baker.

Walking to church felt so good!

Bus stop benches along the way helped me go the distance!

Grace Episcopal Church. Grace Space. A beautiful space for beautiful worship.

Following the church service, it was time for Chicago deep-dish pizza!

Returning to the hotel, we packed up and departed for Chicago O’Hare. Our 48 hours in Chicago were filled with music, art, worship, laughter, taste treats, and lovely spring walks.

Upon descending to Atlanta’s Harsfield-Jackson airport, a masterpiece was revealed just outside my window.

Traveling mercies.

“”Elijah” rises again in fiery performance from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s conductor, chorus and soloists.” Classical Review.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Elijah was the pinnacle Elijah for me. All the previous performances I have experienced and loved led to this one.

It was a ten minute walk from the hotel to symphony hall.

My heart and soul were filled with anticipation as we entered the doors.

From the opening “As God the Lord of Israel liveth…” to the final “Amen!” I was swept away.

My soul was filled.