Friday, 21 October 2011
Day 4's blog entry
Our 4th day began with a fresh and early start with a wake up of 6:30 and breakfast at 7:30. The cabin hotel provided an open buffet style breakfast serving cereals and fresh fruit. To much dismay we shared the breakfast hall with the Bedford Modern school.
After breakfast we immediately set off to the Reykjavik harbour as we had booked a boat to take us whale watching. It took 15 minutes to reach the point in Faxafloi bay where marine animal activity was high. On the way the view was utterly breath taking as the snow covered mountains were complimented by the sparkling sea. The sea was mildly choppy on the way out of the harbour to the point in the bay. This caused a few members of the group to feel rather ill, while others stood at the bow and enjoyed the experience and incredible views.
Once out at the point in Faxafloi bay it was barely half an hour before we saw a pod of dolphins including a mother and her calves diving in an and out of the water. At first they were cautious of the boat and were sure to keep their distance. However, within 40 minutes they grew more comfortable and began swimming incredibly close to the boat often disappearing and reappearing behind us, forcing us to turn around as if they were playing a game. We followed this pod of dolphins for some time until they became less interested in us and disappeared and we were left searching for more activity. We eventually spotted a single Minke whale which was approximately 5m in length. Soon we lost sight of this whale and the bay grew still and empty. Luckily it was just in time to head back so we turned around and headed back to the harbour, many of us headed down to the bar to enjoy a hot drink after having spent a good 3 hours in the cold spray of the sea.
Upon arrival back at the harbour we were given a couple of minutes for a few to regain their land legs, then we got back onto our bus who had conveniently parked right outside the boat and set off for our next destination.
This was Thingvellir; a massive rift where the two plates (American plate and Eurasian plate) meet and pull apart leaving a massive rift valley which contains one of the world’s clearest and purest lakes which is renowned for being a fantastic place for divers. We observed several fascinating geological features such as dikes, a table mountain, fissures, shield volcano (with a name that sounded like skull breath) and finally rotated blocks. This was truly exciting for all of us intellectually absorbent geographers.
Next we were off to Gulfoss, a truly magnificent waterfall by far the most beautiful so far. The spray from the water rushing down into the gorge caused a coating of ice over its surroundings, leaving an effect like icing on a cake. The walls of the gorge were covered in sparkling ice which glimmered so fantastically it was as if the walls were made of crystal. The sheer force of this waterfall was shown through the path it had cut. The walls of the gorge were cut straight and covered in spectacular icicles that were anywhere between 5-9ft long. The walk up the path back to the bus proved tricky as the path was frozen in parts and took an age to manoeuvre around.
(you may have to rotate your head 90 degrees anti clockwise for this one)
We left Gulfoss in anticipation for the geysers we were about to visit, we knew this was a part of the trip where we could get up-close to a fantastic geological event. We crowded around Skellgafoss, a geyser that regularly erupts, and awaited results. We all stood there cameras ready, filming each tantalising minute afraid of missing the shot, after a 10 minute or so video of a bubbling pool Skellgafoss finally erupted with fantastic results as a column of steam and water shot 20 metres into the air. What we did not expect was for it to happen another two times in instant succession of each other.
On the way back to Reykjavik and one more night of hot pools and a burger for dinner, our guide Soffia pulled us over at an extinct volcanic crater. It was filled with water and not only broke up our journey, but provided a wonderful end to a terrific day.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Day 5 quick update
Well the trip is nearly over. Unfortunately the pics since day 2 and yesterday's blog (a cracker by the way) have been missed due to slow/non existent wifi. Keep your eyes peeled for them arriving soon though.
We have spent this morning seeing sights in Reykjavik a seemingly spacious and quiet setting (during the day at least) with a stunning setting.
(house where Reagan and Gorbachov met in 1986 to begin discussions)
(city cathedral)
(view over the city from the Pearl building)
We are now on our way to the blue lagoon, a geothermal spa to relax before heading back on the plane. Don't worry the boys have deserved it!!
MRG
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We have spent this morning seeing sights in Reykjavik a seemingly spacious and quiet setting (during the day at least) with a stunning setting.
(house where Reagan and Gorbachov met in 1986 to begin discussions)
(city cathedral)
(view over the city from the Pearl building)
We are now on our way to the blue lagoon, a geothermal spa to relax before heading back on the plane. Don't worry the boys have deserved it!!
MRG
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Day 3 blog
This morning we had half an hour lie in, meaning the 7.30 wake up left us more energised for the evnts we had to come. Breakfast consisted was waffles and eggs. Portions were not restricted which was welcomed with open arms.
We left the hotel at 9am for our first destination which was a dormant volcano named Storidimon. The keenest of geographers decided to race to the top which was een as an easy task. Not even half way up, the eagerness faded as the combination of the cold air and steep slope induced jelly legs. However, in first place came Peter Chennels followed by Louis Conningsby. Mr Gracie says we have to mention that he still managed to finish in the top 3.
The view was well worth the agonising walk as from the top we were able to soak in the fantastic braided streams across the outwash plane. After taking in the views we returned to the coach to make our way to the Hekla museum which was a welcome help in understanding the volcano’s geology, source and legend. After we absorbed all the information we could from the museum we returned to our amazing off road bus to head to the Helfinfoss waterfall.
On the way we stopped to get a close view of Hekla and its very evident lava flows as well as to collect some pumice to pass to our mums to keep their feet soft. We also passed by an HEP plant which was interesting to see but gave us mixed emotions as we had seen evidence of its negative impacts on the channel further downstream.
Helfinfoss was a stunning location as the channel split into two and was surrounded by breathtaking basalt columns. The weather also meant that ice was breaking off at the edges of the plunge pool and floating like mini titanic sinkers downstream.
This was the last sight of the day as we were back on the bus for an hour and a half trip back to Reykjavik.
We dined on local cuisine at the difficult to pronounce bar Tabasco! This was followed by a viewing at a family ciname of a film they had made dramatically charting the Eyjajaffjallojokull eruption and Iceland’s history. Of course this was preceded by the obligatory hot pool session.
Love from the bloggers xxx
Day 2's proper blog finally!!!
Our second day started with an enthusiastic 7:00am wake up, with everyone raring to go. Each geographer now refreshed from a warm sulphuric smelling shower. Breakfast lasted around half an hour as most of us did more talking than eating, immediately after breakfast we went to our rooms to clear up after ourselves and pack for the journey ahead. We left the Reykjavik City Hostel as soon as we were registered and our bus driver had arrived. The bus was an absolute monster, it was clearly built for off-roading and tough terrain; we were hugely impressed.
We set off with our new bus, bus driver and tour guide, we were well on our way to our first destination; the hot springs in the village of Hveragerol which was built around the springs. We were greeted warmly by the owner of the business and were shown around each individual spring; we were told temperatures of the springs were around 99 degrees Celsius that day.
Our guide took two nets of eggs with her and placed them in the main spring slowly cooking them for us to eat in a few minutes, she then took us through the history of each spring telling us how many had grown dormant through earthquake activity which was sad to hear. She showed us a point in the hot spring where the women of the village used to do their laundry at which point Mr Walker made the witty joke “Ah this must be the Hot Point” which went down very well with those who understood it.
We then proceeded indoors to eat our eggs, while some of us observed the geothermal powered greenhouse which grew Bananas, tomatoes, strawberries which was fascinating to see in such a cold climate. With our departure we thanked them with sincerity as we all found the geographical knowledge greatly enjoyable.
We boarded the bus to travel to the other side of the village to an earthquake simulation room. All participated with mixed reactions to the experience, some handled it better than others. The simulator showed us what it was like to be in an earthquake reading 6.6 on the Richter scale. This did not take long as we were soon back onto the bus to head to the Seljandsfoss waterfall which took around fifteen minutes to reach. Upon arrival we were warned that it was inevitable that we would get a “little wet” this was greatly understated as we all walked around the pool and were thoroughly drenched as the temperamental wind forced a stream of water onto us.
Thankfully the photographs were well worth getting incredibly wet. Immediately after this amazing experience we were moved onto yet another waterfall, Skogafos, a bigger and more spectacular one at that. Here we were able to walk to the top of the cliff within 383 steps from the very bottom, once we were up at the top, looking down on this beautiful water fall, it became apparent why wind erosion in the area was such a huge factor in the shaping of the landscape. The wind, being so bitterly cold, persuaded us to cut the time we spent on the top short, slowly progressing down the 383 steps again.
Once down we spent some time taking in the sight and scale of the surroundings, noting significant geographical features.
We departed from the area and headed toward the 4th largest glacier in Iceland, passing eyjallafiertlajokull on the way. This again provided some spectacular photographs, but we were still unable to capture the sheer beauty and magnificence which will remain with us for many years to come. It is something too difficult to describe in words so the best way of understanding the view is to look at the photographs.
We then moved onto the Basalt columns which was a short journey from where we were already situated, allowing us to use the last few moments of light to our advantage, resulting In some more spectacular photographs. Such as the sparkling fresh sea lapping at the smooth pebble beach enriched in a glow of the last hour of the sun, making our last sight of the second day all the more beautiful.
Lots of love from your friendly blogging team. Xxx
Monday, 17 October 2011
Day 2 roundup
We have had a cracking day but wifi in the sticks is proving a little slow! Please enjoy WW-G's writeup below. Some stunning piccies to support will be on as soon as we get some Internet speed.
Our second day started with an enthusiastic 7:00am wake up, with everyone raring to go. Each geographer now refreshed from a warm sulphuric smelling shower. Breakfast lasted around half an hour as most of us did more talking than eating, immediately after breakfast we went to our rooms to clear up after ourselves and pack for the journey ahead. We left the Reykjavik City Hostel as soon as we were registered and our bus driver had arrived. The bus was an absolute monster, it was clearly built for off-roading and tough terrain; we were hugely impressed.
We set off with our new bus, bus driver and tour guide, we were well on our way to our first destination; the hot springs in the village of Hveragerol which was built around the springs. We were greeted warmly by the owner of the business and were shown around each individual spring; we were told temperatures of the springs were around 99 degrees Celsius that day.
Our guide took two nets of eggs with her and placed them in the main spring slowly cooking them for us to eat in a few minutes, she then took us through the history of each spring telling us how many had grown dormant through earthquake activity which was sad to hear. She showed us a point in the hot spring where the women of the village used to do their laundry at which point Mr Walker made the witty joke “Ah this must be the Hot Point” which went down very well with those who understood it.
We then proceeded indoors to eat our eggs, while some of us observed the geothermal powered greenhouse which grew Bananas, tomatoes, strawberries which was fascinating to see in such a cold climate. With our departure we thanked them with sincerity as we all found the geographical knowledge greatly enjoyable.
We boarded the bus to travel to the other side of the village to an earthquake simulation room. All participated with mixed reactions to the experience, some handled it better than others. The simulator showed us what it was like to be in an earthquake reading 6.6 on the Richter scale. This did not take long as we were soon back onto the bus to head to the Seljandsfoss waterfall which took around fifteen minutes to reach. Upon arrival we were warned that it was inevitable that we would get a “little wet” this was greatly understated as we all walked around the pool and were thoroughly drenched as the temperamental wind forced a stream of water onto us.
Thankfully the photographs were well worth getting incredibly wet. Immediately after this amazing experience we were moved onto yet another waterfall, Skogafos, a bigger and more spectacular one at that.
Here we were able to walk to the top of the cliff within 383 steps from the very bottom, once we were up at the top, looking down on this beautiful water fall, it became apparent why wind erosion in the area was such a huge factor in the shaping of the landscape. The wind, being so bitterly cold, persuaded us to cut the time we spent on the top short, slowly progressing down the 383 steps again.
Once down we spent some time taking in the sight and scale of the surroundings, noting significant geographical features.
We departed from the area and headed toward the 4th largest glacier in Iceland, passing eyjallafiertlajokull on the way. This again provided some spectacular photographs, but we were still unable to capture the sheer beauty and magnificence which will remain with us for many years to come. It is something too difficult to describe in words so the best way of understanding the view is to look at the photographs.
We then moved onto the Basalt columns which was a short journey from where we were already situated, allowing us to use the last few moments of light to our advantage, resulting In some more spectacular photographs. Such as the sparkling fresh sea lapping at the smooth pebble beach enriched in a glow of the last hour of the sun, making our last sight of the second day all the more beautiful.
Lots of love from your friendly blogging team. Xxx
Location:Þjóðvegur,,Iceland
