[Photos taken 10 – 11 May 2025, posted online 01 March 2026. Currently celebrating my birthday from Munich Airport, en route home.]
Anna wanted to have her university graduation at home, so I was inspired to make the backyard a bit tidier. The first issue was that the grass had crawled over a pebble-filled separator-area to the garden edges, making it impossible to mow properly.
The day after, we went on a hike I’ve wanted to do in daylight for a long time!
Saturday 10 May 2025
Trying to keep the grass from going too close to the big rocks.
The tall grassy straws really like hiding in that plant. It’s a hopeless fight, but I can get it to look ok for a few weeks.
Taking down dead branches galore…
Cleared the area under the trees with the dead branches, which had spotty grass-things trying to grow in very little sunlight. The hole in the grass was from lumber that got to stay there for too long after we built the garbage shed.
Pretty happy with the result of this first day of weeding.
The oldest offspring was responsible for dinner, and it was so adventurous that it wasn’t ready until 9 in the evening!
A map of the backyard with stars where there was work to be done. Which was pretty much eeeeverywhere!
Sunday 11 May 2025
Packing nutrition for a hike!
Heading down the stairs from the parking lot. The hike is along a dried up lava-path from an old volcano.
Reading an info sign.
There’s been so many earthquakes in the past few years, that cracks have opened up. These cones warn people of a sneaky one.
A cave of sorts.
People for scale. Just imagine a flowing river of lava crashing against that wall as it flow rapidly towards lower ground.
Another crack, but this one has long since been fenced off, as you can’t see it easily if there is lots of snow. Some kiddos were examining the far side of it, so we went to take a look.
The girls in the crack. There was apparently a small nest down there.
Looking back.
By a small peak.
The path getting more volcany.
You can just imagine the thin sheets of lava flowing over and hardening just before the next one.
Looking back.
Sisters by the crater itself.
Selfie time!
The sun really lit up Emma’s hair!
Looking over at nearby Helgafell mount, which I’ve circled, but never actually climbed.
Walking along the crater’s edge.
Fun colors, and tiny people.
Sat down for a snack on the way back down.
Contemplating the view.
Hiding from the sun!
An old fence, surprisingly effective as the other side is…
