Volcanic Area and Blue Lagoon
This hotel was in an area where we had great opportunities to see the lights so each night we walked down the road, into an open paddock
and waited for them to appear. and appear they did! Interesting they show up so bright and colourful in photos! Had a great time here with lots of good
company. Lovisa showed us how to take photos here, with open shutter and a quick flash of light from a torch. She is an expert!! and we so appreciated it. There was another informative Museum just near our hotel and again we got lots of information about this area and how the volcanoes were monitored and the history of past eruptions.
|
The Lava areas of Iceland are so spectacular and looking out our coach showed the roughness of the terrain but the absolute beauty of snow covered grounds either side of the road. Fencing was scattered about and it must be needed in the summer months for the farmers to control their stock. There was even a wedding on one of the mountain tops and what a great backdrop for that they would have had!
|
Time to visit the Byggdasfn Folk Museum, The Husasfn Open Air Museum and The Samgongusafn Technical Museum suitably located in one place.. First we went to see the Museum that showcased the history of fishing in these waters and the way that people lived in those times. Many artefacts were on show and boats and equipment the sailors used was very interesting. Clothes, goods and even an ancient Bible were part of the exhibition. Then it was time to walk around outside and look at the style of homes that people inhabited in those days. Very small, lots of small appropriate furniture and even a sewing machine. A Church was included and there were even small Troll houses on the hill. Then a wander into the Automotive Museum that held so many cars and trucks and snow equipment that it was amazing. They were all in such great condition and even examples of power line operators as well as wireless operations can be found here. A very complete historical collection and a really informative visit.
|
Next stop was to see the magnificent Skogafoss Waterfall. This is one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls and one never to miss. It is known as the biggest with a width of about 80 feet and a fall of almost 200 feet. Thats spectacular and the sound of falling water is just thrilling. One can expect to get wet here if you walk too close but the view is from a little distance to take it all in! Ice was attached to the side walls and that helped to make it even more picturesque! Just one of the magnificent natural wonders that Iceland has to offer.
|
Again a wonderful drive past fabulous mountains and craters.
|
More fabulous mountains covered in snow on our way to visit Reynisfjara Black Beach. On arrival we jumped out onto the black sand and found it very heavy and hard to walk on but lots of fun. This beach is known as one of the most spectacular Black Sand beaches in the world that are not tropical. At first glance, the magnificent tall basalt columns take one’s eyes, and the story with these is that the Trolls used this rock formation to bring ships close to the shore as they wanted to see it closer. However, unfortunately the Trolls stayed out to long and the sun came up, so they were turned to stone. Hence the amazing rock formations on view. The huge cave on the beach is stunning and when we were there, the stalactites that were attached to the ceiling were coming down at various times so we had to be careful. The black pebbles on the beach were smooth and shiny and we all had to pick them up.
|
Even more spectacular views as we drove along and we were so lucky to have such fabulous weather, great guide, Lovisa and marvellous company on such an amazing holiday.
|
Another treat in store as we stopped to see the famous Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Again, very spectacular and in summer or weather appropriate you can walk behind this one but you will still need a raincoat for the spray. Fabulous viewing!!
|
Well, our fabulous holiday in Iceland has come to an end and to celebrate we are going to relax in the Blue Lagoon, a Geothermal pool that has lots of mineral qualities for those that need rejuvenation after all of the walking and touring that visitors to this wonderful country do. We showered, got changed, out in the cold and into the warm or hot water. We could have mudpack on our face, courtesy of staff on the edge to help recover our skins. The best was the bar where a complimentary drink could be chosen. What a life!!! and after it we all felt fantastic!! Thanks Iceland! Time to go and pack up but the drink on the bar did bring a smile to our faces, keeps Homicidal Elves away? Was that us or did we miss something????
|