Searching for Lady Aurora was slightly challenging this trip. The clouds were against us and decided they needed to come with us! I am very pleased to say we caught a nice glimpse of them one evening of our trip. Once again we were in Selfoss, and that is where our group very quickly heard they were out there. So we quickly ran outside to see them.

how I loved watching them swirl above us.

Seeing green skies again just as my birthday was approaching was an unbelievable gift. I remember seeing it for the first time last year, again on my birthday. So I was very happy ot happened again. Only this time, it wasn’t as green in colour, more milky white with a hint of green to the eye. It came up better in my camera.

My Birthday, March 6th 2024

What a day to remember. We were on our way to VIK to see the black beach yet we unfortunately couldn’t get to diamond beach a little further on, due to weather conditions.

So we were treated to a time at the Secret Lagoon. I was very excited to get into thermal waters and experience the invigorating walk from the changing rooms to the pool.

I certainly was not disappointed. Not only did we go from the changing room to the pool, but Judi, one of our guides, saw to it we all walked round the pool in our swimming costumes in honour of my birthday lol 😆. 

Visiting Iceland means being in awe of the amazing scenery. It would be a shame to miss out seeing such amazement and beauty. Iceland’s unique landscape is a testament to the forces of nature, with its breathtaking waterfalls, dramatic glaciers, and otherworldly volcanic terrain. The juxtaposition of fire and ice creates an unparalleled visual spectacle that captivates travelers from all walks of life. Whether it’s the stunning Northern Lights dancing across the night sky or the serene beauty of the Blue Lagoon, Iceland offers an unforgettable sensory experience. It’s a place where adventure meets tranquility, where ancient folklore blends with modern culture, and where every corner reveals a new wonder waiting to be discovered. In Iceland, nature reigns supreme, and every moment spent in its midst is a tribute to the wonders of the Earth.|

It is highly recommended that everyone visit this exceptional nation at least once. The breathtaking landscapes and challenging mountain journeys are beyond words.. as we were driving along in our coach, towards the areas of Selfoss, where we are to stay for two nights, to visit Seljalandfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. I had only seen these wonders of nature in glossy magazines, but to see them and witness them by eye, was just magical.

The rainbow is captures by the droplets of the waterfall creating a stunning array of colour, but you had to be quick to capture it by camera, as it would only last for a minute if that. Seljalandfoss was a massive waterfall and stunning to see. I got too excited, for some reason, to get a selfie with the waterfall and rainbow. I guess, it isn’t a regular photograph I can get daily.

The magical interplay of light and water creating a fleeting yet breathtaking rainbow was a spectacle to witness. It’s fascinating how nature can offer such enchanting moments that urge us to quickly grab our cameras to capture the beauty before it disappears. The sheer size and beauty of Seljalandfoss added to the awe-inspiring experience. It’s understandable that such a unique and extraordinary sight would prompt anyone to want to seize the moment with a selfie, as it’s not something that can be encountered every day. It’s these spontaneous and unforgettable encounters with nature that often become cherished memories.

The Return. We loved ot so much this time last year, we decided it was a great place to celebrate our birthdays once again, especially as it is my big SIX O.

Following a fave photographer and aurora chaser, it had been a thing of mine, to want to join his trip to Iceland. What a better time to join the organised journey I had always wanted to do, as it was my big SIX O. So off we went for a second time, back to Iceland. Our first day and night was spent in Reykjavik, the Capital yet rather light polluted area, filled with tourists, cute toy town like shops and cafes yet home to the stunning cathedral.

What I found quite fascinating, is how the street and road is there, yet right at the end, a mountain peeps through to the end of the street.

Today hasn’t been as cold as I was expecting, but we were so tired. The flight being so early, really knocks you out of sync. I am not sure we did too much today. Chilled in a cute cafe that seemed to love ornaments and paintings of The Flinstones, and generally walked around before having a nap.

Paradise beaches and a drive through a rain forest. Today, was our first stop after a long 9 days at sea. We sailed three days , before stopping in Funchial, Madeira, followed by six more sea days.

To see the Caribbean Island ahead of us as we sailed in, was magical and exciting. By now I was ready to get onto some dry land.

The port

We docked in a very picturesque part of the Island and the welcoming sounds of reggae music were booming out of the bars as we strolled along the walk way.

Of course, out came the selfie stick to remember the moment, but the sun was shining, there was wifi in the bars, so at last I could connect with home.

It was November 15th, the day I had waited for, to join Fred Olson’s BOREALIS as the drama tutor for a 29 day sail from Liverpool to the Caribbean.

Ray, my husband, drove me to the dockside and there she was, in all her splendour, the funnels of BOREALIS peeping through the building along the Liverpool waterfront.

In an instant, as soon as we docked, a porter appears to take my two cases, full of clothes for all occasions. The next time I saw them, was in my cabin. Saying bye to my husband was bitter sweet, sad, but tinged with alot of excitement.

Standing in deck, watching us sail away from Liverpool, brought back memories of the time I was last on BOREALIS, with my husband and son. We sailed on her to Canada, Nova Scotia, only two years prior.

I smiled as once again, I was ton sail across the Atlantic Ocean, this time sailing towards the Caribbean Sea.

What an unforgettable place

It was a very early mor ing as I climbed into my luxurious mini bus to take us from Phoenix, Arizona on a journey to visit the Grand Canyon.

I had a vision of cacti lining our route as we drive through the Arizona Desert I had heard so much about. I was very excited for my day.

My friends had made sure I was packed with snacks & drink to see me thoroug the day.

As our journey began, I couldn’t help notice how the sky was beginning to get a stunning fire pink to it. The journey from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon was to take four hours. I had to somehow get a photograph with a Saguaro cactus and a sunset somehow. Luckily, our guide was very accommodating and stoppes for me. 🌵

My day, even at 7.15am was the best ever. To get to see the stunning sunrise over the vast area of the beginnings of the Arizona Desert, was a true dream for me to see. I think my day was going to be a very interesting one.

To see this was rather amazing. Took me right back to my school days learning about plate tectonics with Mr Isherwood !! This place, lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula is located over the world’s major plate boundaries, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. Going by the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift theory, these plates are continuously drifting apart owing to the great forces of nature. It was remarkable to think Ray and I were at one point standing on different continents. This is a must see if visiting Iceland.