Invincible Summer

Five years ago I traveled to Iceland for the first time . I arrived already smitten with it, having fostered a curiosity about the place through various books I'd read. It did not disappoint. I used my emerging obsession as an excuse to research and write and my travels in 2013 fueled the novel I just finally finished revising last month. I loved living in the world of that novel while working on it as a way to stay connected to such a magical place. I had hoped to go back someday but didn't quite believe it would happen (there are so many other countries on my to-visit list, re-visiting a place seems a radical luxury and...inefficient?). But a plan was hatched: the hubs and I were long overdue for a real vacation, had yet to travel out of the country together despite being together for eight-plus years (I know, scandalous), and were craving some quiet and darkness. Again, Iceland did not disappoint.  Early to mid-January in Iceland boasts a grand total of 4 1/2 to 5 hours