June

Re-energized after study tour, we hit our classes of the second trimester at full speed. Finally, each specialization was split into separate courses, which added a new dynamic to class. There was a bit more individual attention, especially with the bio-fuels and fuel cell specialization.
By this time, the Icelandic summer was really starting to get going. The long days made for seemingly every town in Iceland (including Akureyri) having their own festivals.

Constant daylight also seemed to change everyone's sleep habits, including the wildlife around Skjaldarvik. Here an owl completes one of many laps around our house at about 11:30pm.

One of the most amazing events during this time was the summer solstice. An important event around Iceland, a few of us took short trip north towards Dalvik to watch the sun dip to the ocean and only to begin to rise again. It also made for the most fantastic sunrises I have ever seen at about 1:20am.
Also, a number of students were able to go for a truly Icelandic experience: horseback riding.

Most of us were novice riders, but we got to trail ride with the horses, cross a stream and even run them through a few of their famous 4 different gaits. Photo credit: Kuba




This was a great time to be on an island in the middle of the north Atlantic.