Last tour of the day was a walk down to the black stone beach of Djupalonssandur; one of the few areas that lead to the sea along the dramatic coast. Guide Lisa and local guide gave many cautions about staying out of the water because of fierce rip tides and also described the walk down as “difficult” – at least that was my interpretation. We thought it easy except for other tourists who stood in the middle of the narrow trail focusing on that “perfect shot” and blocking access.
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map of Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
rocks had be lifted to qualify for work on fishing boat, Djupalonssandur Beach, Iceland
Djupalonssandur Beach, Iceland
Big rounded stones are laid on the shore as testament of how people used to measure their strength. Each stone has different weight wk\ith the heaviest, 154 kilos/339 pounds! They were used to qualify men for work on fishing boats, and each sailor had to demonstrate his power. The stones have names: Fullsterkur (“full strength”) – 154 kilos/339 pounds; Halfsterkur (“half strength”) – 100 kilos/220 pounds; Halfdrættingur (“weakling”) – 54 kilos/119 pounds; and Amlodi (“useless”) 23 kilos/53 pounds. The Haafdrættingur or weakling was being the minimum weight a man would have to lift onto a ledge at hip-height to qualify.
shipwreck Epine information on Djupalonssandur Beach, Iceland
Epine shipwreck fragments on Djupalonssandur Beach, Iceland
Rusty pieces of the ship Eipine, wrecked here on March 13, 1948 can still be seen scattered on the beach though much has been carried away by souvenir hunters.
kelp and stones on Djupalonssandur Beach, Iceland
wildflowers on Djupalonssandur Beach, Iceland
crowberry (like blueberries) patches – Djupalonssandur Beach, Iceland
Tauck Tourers were given time to walk along the beach and pick up some of the smooth black pebbles for souvenirs which reminds me of stones sold by Crate and Barrel for use in vases.These pebbles are made of andesite which chips easily. The sea tumbles the chips together and they eventually become the perfect oval shape found on the beach. Icelandic artists then use to make jewelry.
I always enjoy beach combing and did come home with a handful; a perfect ending to a four-hour morning tour.