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From Lava Fields to Tapas Bars: Wrapping Up Iceland and Falling for Barcelona

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*Posted from BCN airport en route to Lisbon*

It’s been nearly a week since my last update, and as I sit at the Barcelona airport with a café con leche in hand and the sounds of Portuguese boarding calls in the background, I wanted to catch you up on our latest adventures — but before I dive into the magic of Barcelona, let’s close the chapter on Iceland.

Iceland: A Land of Extremes and Enchantment

Our last two days in Iceland were nothing short of unforgettable. We kicked things off at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can actually walk behind — and yes, we got completely soaked, but it was 100% worth it. From there, we took a ferry to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), a volcanic archipelago known for its rugged beauty and rich history.

Cruising around the islands in a high-speed RIB boat was a highlight. We zipped past the famous Elephant Rock, explored quiet inlets like Lover’s Cove, spotted some rogue sheep grazing impossibly high on the cliffs, and — best of all — witnessed thousands of puffins in flight. These clumsy little seabirds are even more adorable in person. After the tour, we explored Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the chain, where we sampled some Icelandic specialties and toasted our adventure with cocktails at a cozy harbor-side bar.

On our final day, we made our way back toward Reykjavik. We strolled along Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur), peeked into boutiques full of quirky Icelandic design, and indulged in — wait for it — Mexican food for lunch. (Because sometimes, you just need a taco in the Arctic.)

It’s hard to put into words what Iceland meant to us. It was everything I imagined and more: wild waterfalls, moss-covered lava fields, black sand beaches, glacial tunnels, geothermal baths, and skies that never turned dark. While I couldn’t live somewhere with 24 hours of daylight (or its winter opposite), I could absolutely return again and again to this strange and stunning land. And I’m glad we went in the summer — 50s and 60s felt like paradise to these two ex-Floridians.
We took over 1,200 photos during our time in Iceland — if you want the full gallery, shoot me a message and I’ll send you a link.

Barcelona: Where Sidewalks Sizzle and Cultures Collide

After the quiet majesty of Iceland, arriving in Barcelona felt like diving into a completely different world — in the best way possible. We were only here for three nights, but the city immediately swept us off our feet. We didn’t do a ton of traditional sightseeing this time. Instead, we let the city set the pace.

Each day started with coffee on the sidewalk — never to-go, always to stay. We wandered through neighborhoods like El Born, Gràcia, and the Gothic Quarter, marveling at how centuries-old buildings coexist with sleek modern shops and hip cafés.

One afternoon, we hopped on a double-decker bus for a ride around the city — the perfect way to take in Barcelona’s stunning architecture and iconic landmarks without a strict agenda. We were on the lower deck (thanks to a packed top level), which made taking photos tricky due to the glare, but the views were still incredible. At one of the stops, we wandered off to grab lunch — and I’m not exaggerating when I say we had the best paella of my life. The saffron, the seafood, the crisp bottom layer — perfection.

We didn’t make it to every must-see, but we did experience a bit of the magic:

  • The architectural wonder of La Sagrada Família, even if only from the outside
  • A stroll down Passeig de Gràcia, where Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà stand like whimsical sculptures
  • And of course, the tree-lined La Rambla, teeming with life, music, and people from all over the world

Barcelona is a city of layers — Roman ruins beneath Gothic churches, avant-garde architecture beside sunbathers and sangria pitchers. It’s a place where worlds blend and where living well seems to be the shared religion. With just under 200 photos taken, you can tell this wasn’t about the camera — it was about being present. And I could absolutely see us returning for a longer stay in the future.

Onward to Lisbon!

As we board our flight to Lisbon, we realize we’ve done zero planning for the next few days — and honestly, that feels kind of perfect. After the rugged landscapes of Iceland and the romantic buzz of Barcelona, we’re excited to see what Portugal has in store. All I know is we’ll chase whatever vibes Lisbon decides to throw our way.

Thanks for following along on the Run.
From Barcelona, with love —
B & C

A Day of Firsts: Snowmobiles, Glaciers, Lava Caves & More

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Spoiler alert: I didn’t go back to sleep after finishing my last blog. Just as I was wrapping it up, Casey woke up and we decided to get an early start—and I’m so glad we did. What followed was a packed, beautiful, and downright thrilling day full of unforgettable firsts (and sheep grazing along our path).

We hit the road for a two-hour drive to our first stop: the stunning waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar. Set against the backdrop of lava fields, the vibrant Arctic-blue water rushing through the black rock was absolutely mesmerizing. We spent time walking the trails, snapping photos, and just taking it all in.

But the main event of the day awaited: Langjökull Glacier.

After navigating the highland tracks to reach the glacier base camp, we suited up for a snowmobiling adventure. About two-thirds of the way up the glacier, we made our first stop—a walk through the largest man-made ice tunnel in the world. Stretching 500 meters long and 3.5 meters wide, with ice as thick as 25 meters overhead, it was an awe-inspiring experience. The layers of blue and white ice, compacted over centuries, created a surreal, almost otherworldly scene.

It was also sobering: our guide shared that Langjökull has lost nearly 29% of its mass since 1890, most of that in the last decade alone. It’s estimated to vanish entirely within the next 125–150 years. The glacier—whose name means “Long Glacier”—is Iceland’s second largest.

Before exiting the ice tunnel, our guide gave us a surprise: because of the clear weather, we’d be snowmobiling all the way to the glacier’s peak, nearly 1,300 meters above sea level. So off we went—Casey behind the wheel—as we climbed higher into the dazzling white landscape. At the summit, we stepped off, took in the jaw-dropping views, and I even made a snow angel. Just before we left, it started to snow—making the entire moment feel like a scene from a dream.

Then came my turn to drive—and let’s just say we didn’t exactly coast down the glacier. I was grinning the entire way.

Back at base camp, still buzzing with adrenaline, we impulsively decided to squeeze in one more adventure: a tour of Viðgelmir Lava Tunnel, one of the largest lava caves in the world. Nestled beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field, the cave was formed during a volcanic eruption in 930 CE that lasted several years and spread across 200 square kilometers. With a volume of more than five million cubic feet, it’s a geological marvel—nearly 1,600 meters long and almost 17 meters wide in parts.

Casey, with his geology degree, was in heaven—and so was I. Our guide was phenomenal, sharing fascinating details about Viking artifacts and skeletal remains found inside. The textures, shapes, and colors of the cave walls were eerie, beautiful, and unlike anything I’ve seen before.

After nearly 18 hours awake, we made the 2.5-hour drive back to Reykholt, grabbed a pizza from a local joint, and made it back to our cozy cabin. I crashed on the couch almost instantly.

Eleven hours of glorious sleep later, we decided to take it easy today. We’ve had a physically intense week and tomorrow is shaping up to be another epic day. Here’s what’s in store:

  • Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall you can walk behind
  • The iconic Seljalandsfoss
  • The black-sand beach of Reynisfjara, famous for its basalt columns
  • A ferry ride to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
  • A boat tour of Heimaey Island, including Elephant Rock, a dormant volcano, a beluga whale sanctuary, and Iceland’s largest puffin colony

But for today? It’s all about rest, Icelandic beers, leftovers, and a little TV.

Stay tuned—so much more magic to come!

Adiós, Bucerías – A Bittersweet Farewell to Mexico

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We’re at the airport lounge in Puerto Vallarta, sipping a morning cocktail and taking a moment to soak in just how special this past month in Mexico has been. It’s hard to put into words how deeply the experience touched us—but I’ll try.

Let’s start here: the people of Mexico are simply incredible. Kind, hardworking, joyful. There’s an ease and warmth in their smiles that makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. While we didn’t do many day trips, the few we did take allowed us to connect with the community in a meaningful way. Bucerías may not be a place we return to, but it will always hold a place in our hearts. This charming coastal town introduced us to some of the most beautiful souls we’ve ever met. Viva México.

One of our final adventures was to Sayulita—a colorful, laid-back beach town with boutique shops, vibrant energy, and beaches that sparkle under the sun. We browsed a few streets, picked up some breezy linen outfits (I found the cutest matching set, while Casey rocked his classic camo-and-solids combo), then settled into beach chairs with signature cocktails and nachos, watching surfers dance across the waves. Surfing feels like magic to me—equal parts bravery and beauty. s an added bonus, we were treated to the sight of a beautiful German Shepherd joyfully chasing the waves, always keeping his eyes on his human. He was such a good boi, and it absolutely made our day.

The last few days in Bucerías were quiet and grounding. We kept up our gym and pool routine, worked on a few projects, and mostly cooked at home—so no food pics this time, sorry! It’s been a restful end to our first leg, and now… things are about to shift.

The next few months will be anything but calm—in the best way possible. After a quick stop in Atlanta and a week with family in North Carolina, we’re off for a four-month European expedition. First stop: Iceland. And let me tell you, I am buzzing with anticipation. From nearly 20 hours of daylight to the surreal landscapes, Iceland has always been a dream destination. Casey booked us a day at the Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa, where I’ll be indulging in the full Blue Lagoon Ritual—cleansing for the body, soul, and mind. I’m more than ready.

We’ve got a lot to prepare before we cross the Atlantic, but for now, we’re soaking up every moment with our loved ones in NC. My next post will be from Iceland—or shortly after—but you can count on photos, stories, and reflections from the road.

To everyone cheering us on: thank you. Your encouragement has been felt with every step. This first month has been healing in ways I didn’t know I needed. And after 30 straight days of 24/7 togetherness, I can say with complete certainty—I’m on the right journey, with the right person.

To my Casey: ILYLALS. ❤️