Reykjavík, Iceland

We arrived today about 2 p.m.in Reykjavík after four plus days either sailing close hauled or motoring into wind, mostly northeast. The velocity was 25-30 knots since midnight last night. The waves were 1-2 meters high with intervals of about 4 seconds, so we were pounding through. Most of the time it was impossible to prepare meals because I was not sure food would stay in the pots or on the plates.

Now we are docked in a protected place at Brokey's Sailing Club just beside Harpa, the stunning concert hall and convention center on the waterfront. While we waited for Iceland Customs and the Border Police to arrive, we had lunch and then immediately got to work cleaning the boat and gathering up laundry. I cleaned down below and in the pilot house while Enis couldn't wait to hose down the exterior and get the stainless steel on deck free of salt. 

Mantra on the dock near Harpa

Harpa in the late afternoon sunlight

Most tourists arriving in this city would be anxious to see the sights, and we certainly are, but a higher priority for us is washing ourselves, our clothes, our sheets and our towels. There are two free-to-use standard size washers and dryers by the dock and clean and hot showers. Shalako didn't want to wait to get started on this, and we had to convince his that most countries are very strict about staying on the boat until you have been cleared in. He even tried to take a photo of one of the Border Police! 

In all, we have seven loads of laundry to do. We have been wearing the same clothes since we left Greenland; in fact, we were wearing the same clothes even before that! I was only able to get four loads done today, so that leaves three for tomorrow. It is nearly midnight and we are waiting for sheets and pillowcases to dry.

Showers have happened less than once a week. What a delight it was to stand under a hot shower for as long as we wanted to. 

We had dinner at a restaurant called Scandanavia. I had a salad--the first time in a long time--and a Coke Zero. We bought some Diet Coke on the way back to the boat.

Peter in a little park in the city

There are a lot of murals and art work thorughout the downtown area

Sculpture and Harpa reflecting the clouds at sunset

Mantra at sunset

There are still clothes in the washing machine and dryer, and I will deal with them in the morning. It's 1:30 a.m., and I need to go to bed.