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In the late 1980's I had the opportunity to spend some time in Reykjavik, Iceland. In a small bistro
in the Austruvollur district, just off the plaza, I met an interesting bearded man who identified
himself as Gudmondur Gudmonsursson, off the Icelandic Coast Guard, known to everyone there
as the Arctic Patrol. He explained the Arctic Patrol's chief mission is to keep foreign fishing
trawlers out of Iceland's 12-mile protected fishing waters, and they usually give the trawlers a
couple of warnings. When I asked what happens if the trawlers do not heed the warnings a thin
smile crept across Gudmondur's face. "We blow them out of the water", he said.

It is to my memory of Gudmondur Gudmondursson that I dedicate this hearty pea soup...

Bix's Arctic Patrol Split Pea Soup

One bag of Goya split peas
One large onion
1/2 cup red wine - Primitivo (Zinfandel) works well
2 tablespoons lemon juice
One can Goya white beans
1 teaspoon white pepper
2 dashes of red pepper
3 large carrots
10 cubic inches of ham
Lots of water

Soak the peas overnight. Drain and add water to achieve a thin soup consistency. Add everything

else,

taking care to chop the carrots, ham and onion into small pieces. Bring to a boil, then cover

and cook on

low heat until smooth and creamy.

Serve with smoked Icelandic codfish and Italian Bread dipped in extra virgin olive oil.