Peter G
Sure we had worries. No electricity? Having to walk to the bathroom? No WIFI!?!?!||||NO PROBLEM!!||||We exchanged e-mails with Hákon a few days before our visit and got explicit directions to the parking area across the river. Not sure how he knew we were there, although we did arrive within minutes of the 5PM check in time. We flashed our headlights and honked, but the wind and river surely made the honk silent on the island. ||||In moments we saw a motor skiff approach with Hákon and his dog Skuggi. He grabbed life jackets for us (not needed, but a nice touch) and helped with luggage. ||||Hint: Take less than you think you need. Toothbrush. Clean underwear. Maybe fresh clothes for tomorrow if you are leaving or just put the others back on. You don't need to dress for dinner or to bring any other comforts. He's got soap and shampoo, and your electronics won't do you any good.||||We got settled in our yurt quickly and found out we were the only guests that evening! A quick walk to the south end of the island found us near a dock where our host unveiled a salmon he had caught (the net is RIGHT THERE) and had already gutted. He sharpened a knife and prepared fresh salmon sashimi right there at the dock, with a little lemon and soy sauce. SO fresh and SO good. He also marinated a little salmon with lemon and salt and we had terrific ceviche after a few minutes of "cooking".||||Back to the yurt via a quick tour of the island where Hákon showed us relics of past generations of his family and historical Iceland, where he has reclaimed century old gardens where he grows potatoes, etc, and a tree grove his grandparents had planted. There aren't many old trees on Iceland! Hákon is serious about history and environmentalism and it shows in every touch.||||Dinner was about an hour later, as the rest of the salmon was grilled on the open BBQ he has over a wood fire, along with potatoes from his garden and other sides.||||Dessert was amazing rhubarb.||||Bathroom is about 40 steps from the yurt we had (the blue one), others (red and orange) are a bit further. Shower is 20-30 steps further away.||||Beds are VERY comfortable with typical duvets, great sheets, and lots of blankets. Adjustable gas heater warms the place up quite quickly and keeps it warm all night. Some battery operated lights and candles provide more light and there is a bright flashlight for midnight walks. Everything was spotless, which is amazing considering the elements. No leaks even with heavy rains.||||We had a full moon which provided so much light the flashlight wasn't needed. No Northern Lights, unfortunately, due to the moon and lack of activity.||||Breakfast was less memorable, but filling and tasty.||||Leaving the island was an experience, as it was windy and rainy, and we (and our luggage) got quite wet running to the skiff and on the ride across the river, but you are going to get wet going from most lodging in Iceland to your car.||||Definitely a highlight of our visit to Iceland, heck, a highlight of our 5 visits so far to Iceland. A once in a lifetime event