August 12. Getting ready for the actual eclipse

 I thought it had been forever since I last posted but it looks like it was only a month or so ago.  But technically, that was last year so... 

Rereading the December post, it covers what I was going to say.  My brain is mush.  

So, my only real update is that I just booked an eclipse day tour (12 hours) to the Snæfellsnes peninsula which is closer to the eclipse epicentre (?)  Anyway, it has longer total darkness.  

Here is my tour.  I will miss my 'welcome meeting' for my Intrepid tour.  But I assume everyone else will too.  

On August 12th 2026, at precisely 16:47, Iceland will experience a true once in a lifetime event – a total solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun, as viewed from earth, with its shadow turning day into night. For the first time since 1954, the path of the total eclipse will center over Iceland, with the western Snæfellsnes Peninsula affording perhaps the best chance to witness this rare celestial harmony. The whole eclipse will take two hours, with peak totality at 17.48.

BusTravel Iceland will be operating this tour on one day only – our itinerary is loose by design – we will seek out cloud free skies, whilst also taking in some of the spectacular natural scenery that this region offers. Highlights could include Mt. Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi, Djúpalónnsandur Black Sand Beach, Saxhóll Crater, and much more besides. But our main objective will, of course, remain the eclipse itself.

We expect this exclusive day tour from Reykjavík to be highly in demand, so we recommend booking well in advance to ensure your spot on our tour. As the next total solar eclipse in Iceland, will not occur until 2196 – this a true one time only opportunity.

Now I just have to figure out where to get Eclipse glasses.  

Two minutes later. The answer to all "where will I buy this weird thing' problems.  Amazon. 

And while I was in there I bought an Iceland bird book.  

A few hours later.  As I am trying to sort of plan things I thought I should check when I arrive in Krakow.  This is when I discovered that my itineraries in both directions had been altered.  

I was very careful to leave enough time in Frankfurt to change terminals and make it through EU customs.  But the change left me less than two hours.  Plus only one hour in Vancouver.  So, I updated their update. It's not great but it's better than spending the night in the airport.  3 hours in Vancouver airport  5 hours in Frankfurt.  too much time to kill, not enough time to get into town.  Pasties and coffee it will have to be.