Land of Fire and Ice - 22nd April

Firstly, a quick geology lesson - Over one third of Iceland's 40,000 square miles is volcanically active and loaded with lava fields. Elsewhere, magma too far below the surface to create volcanoes heats the rock above, sending the heated groundwater percolating to the surface in the form of "hot springs." Iceland is far enough north so that it should be entirely covered by ice and snow, like Greenland to the west. The heat generated by the ridge, however, keeps the country in a constant state of thaw, distinguishing it as the Land of Fire and Ice. Truly an amazing place - as we were to discover today.

An early start today for our tour to the Golden Circle (no not the one at Northgate).  First stop was to a tomato hot house – doesn’t sound much but they supply 25% of tomatoes to Iceland – all powered by the geothermal springs – very interesting.

Gary in the tomato hot house

We left in light rain and snow for Gullfoss the largest Icelandic waterfalls which were fabulous – it was so windy, raining and freezing cold we had a quick look and watched them afar in the much warmer surrounds of the restaurant and gift shop. Can’t remember being so cold but we had delicious soup to warm us up.

 

This tiny house looked so cold and isolated



Bitterly cold at the Gullfoss falls



Brave or stupid - not sure - we would have liked to have
walked down closer to the falls but the weather was too
cold and windy for us

The rain stopped for our next site – the Geysir geothermal field where hot springs are in abundance with geysers exploding everywhere. Slightly warmer here with the steam from the geysers – amazing.

A little warmer at the Geysir

Thought we were on our way back to town when we stopped at the Pingvellir National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a truly beautiful part of the world.

Iceland is covered by lava fields over 2000 years old

A desolate place - this church has weekly
services - where do the people live?

A truly wonderful day full of new and amazing experiences - a land of stunning diversity.

Walked up town for dinner – had a hamburger tonight – very nice. Food is expensive here – let me clarify that – everything is expensive here. But we knew that before we came - $30 for a hamburger – but it did come with fillet steak – a very upmarket burger.

Off to the have a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon tomorrow.

Bless bless

Ann