Waterfalls, Canyons, Puffins, Black Sand Beaches, and Super Hot Tour Guides

**This post references the 6th and 7th of July when we did not have wifi**

Since we arrived ten days ago, we have witnessed the true diversity of the Icelandic climate and landscape. We have driven through endless moss fields, by countless waterfalls, foggy mountains, glaciers, sheep, small cities, and rocky coastlines. The last two days have served as another reminder of Iceland's variety and have filled our cameras with computer wallpaper worthy images. Yesterday morning, we departed Thorsmork, and were picked up by what can only be described as a mix between a monster truck and a jeep, and what may just be the world's hottest tour guide ever. We drove through huge rivers (and watched a biker try to) before arriving at a beautiful canyon with a waterfall, where everyone was thankful for waterproof hiking boots (despite their insignificance when a few from our trip failed to jump over a river). Later in the day we went to Seljalandsfoss, where we were able to walk behind the waterfall, and also to a nearby waterfall hidden in a canyon. From there, we departed to Vik, famous for black sand beaches, puffins, and the rainiest weather in Iceland. When we arrived at our guesthouse, we looked out the window to see sheep about 5 feet outside our rooms, and promptly chased them with our cameras (they have yet to return sadly). 

This morning, we made our way to the black beach to find the puffins, how ever, the tide was way too high to get anywhere close to the grassy cliffs where the puffins live. After a quick change of plans, we went to a wool factory where we were able to see how the wool being processed into sweaters before I bought one. After this, we all jumped back into the vans to another black sand beach edged with basalt columns and covered in small pebbles. After lunch, we made our way back out to the first beach of the day to try our puffin hunt once more, and everyone became very jealous of my 100-400mm lens when I was the only one able to capture photos of the puffins. Our night has ended with a great night of spilling water and lots of pizza and breadsticks before heading back to our guesthouse. Half way through our trip and not a bad day yet.