Iceland Recap —- Land of Fire and Ice
We began our journey with the Golden Circle Tour viewing powerful waterfalls and abundant rivers. We visited a Tomato and Horse Farm where the hot house had rows and rows of cherry tomatoes climbing up to the ceiling. It is a labor intensive operation where the entire vines are dismantled every nine months. The tomatoes were really delicious. On the same farm, there were horses that were raised and trained to trot with five different gates. Beautiful Icelandic horses whose ancestors were brought to Iceland by the first settlers from Scandinavia around 900AD. Next we went to the most famous area for thermal activity where some 100 geysers periodically erupt – some spouting up 100 feet. After the geyser experience, we visited the largest lake on the island where we saw the meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner as a group and exhausted went to bed. The next day was spent touring the only city Reykjavik. This excursion included “Fly Over Iceland.” Kind of like an IMAX with the added feature of an amusement park ride.
Wow – what a neat experience and one of the highlights of the trip. The ride had special effects of motion, wind, sound and scents. Super cool. Another highlight of the trip was the Blue Lagoon. This rocky moon like landscape was pretty in its
own way. Bathing in a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field was delightful and fun. We all enjoyed the long soak and white mud facials while enjoying a beverage of wine, beer or non-alcohol slush drinks. The group had a lot of laughs and great experience.
The last full day tour was spent on the south shore where the landscape changed and we saw farmland and thousands of sheep and horses. We viewed a volcano and famous waterfalls – where you could take a walk behind the falls. Another interesting place was the Skogar Folk Museum where thousands of items of cultural heritage were preserved by one gentleman who collected all his life and passed away at the age of 100 just last year. It is truly remarkable what one person can accomplish when they put their mind to a task.
These were just some of the sites but the trip was especially good because we enjoyed each other’s company, had a great tour guide and wonderful bus driver.
Oh – some of us even saw the Northern Lights (only on the first night were they out in all their splendor). There are pictures to prove they are real. Iceland is a rugged place and not for sissies. To be Icelandic, you have to be tough and resilient as the weather can be nice one minute and brutal the next.
All in all, a great experience. The only downfall was an outbreak of Covid once we returned. Hope everyone is better by now and has many antibodies to fight off the next bout of Covid, should there be one.