Started journey to the Black Hills, stopping on the Missouri River and in the Badlands. We also got some affordable coffee at Wall Drug. Prairie Dogz

We woke up early to do a long run around Rock Rapids. Afterward, Bea convinced my grandpa to get some yard work done. Finally, my mom and sisters arrived to look at old photos and hit up the Pizza Ranch buffet.

We wake up and "visit" over coffee. Then we get in a swim workout at the city pool before coming home for an Iowa-grown sweet corn lunch. Card games, Uncle Paul, and authentic farm life vibes!

We attempt to lift off, but end up nose diving back down to Earth because of United Airlines incompetence... Eventually we do get to Sioux Falls where we are picked up by grandma and grandpa Berg. We broke some great news as well.

Drove from our Hof hotel through Vik and Selfoss, and arrived back at Thingvellir National Park. Suited up and took a dip in glacier water to snorkel along the Silfra Fissure. Finished the day driving to our final hotel near the airport -- got some last minute Iceland food.

More marriage practices in Iceland (specifically related to bedding), Vatnajokull glacier hiking escapades, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon -- a coerced breath of fresh air, and seals by Diamond Beach

Drove down to Selfoss for some pylsur (hot dogs) and Swiss Mokka. Then we explored the south beach town of Vik -- we saw real lava! Finished our trip to our next hotel at the foot of the largest glacier in Europe.

Lava Spa, Thingvellir National Park, Sky Lagoon, Downtown Reykjavik. Geothermal pool, tectonic plates, traditional Icelandic ritual, local eats+shopping.

Flying to Iceland, driving in Iceland, and sleeping in Iceland. Getting acclimated with our destination. Key ingredients: planes, cars, Costco, and winter weather. Saw some geysirs and cows, too.

On what we did for Cole's 30th (lots of drinking), and hiking our last ADK peak this week: Giant Mountain. Sep 15 & Sep 16