On Wednesday we have a large breakfast at the hotel then prepare for our full day Golden Circle tour. The weather is unpredictable so we wear warm jackets and bring rain jackets, which proves to be a wise choice.
The bus winds through Reykjavik and out to the highway for our first stop - Thingvallavatn National Park. This rift valley was where the Icelandic Parliament was established in 930. Here we walk through the area where the American tectonic plate is separating from the Eurasia tectonic plate at a rate of 2.5 cm per year. It goes all the way down to the South Pole, but the only place it is visible on land is in Iceland.
The bus winds through Reykjavik and out to the highway for our first stop - Thingvallavatn National Park. This rift valley was where the Icelandic Parliament was established in 930. Here we walk through the area where the American tectonic plate is separating from the Eurasia tectonic plate at a rate of 2.5 cm per year. It goes all the way down to the South Pole, but the only place it is visible on land is in Iceland.
Along the path we meet up with some sheep and note that the plants are showing off their autumn colors. With the rain at various intensity and the temperature at 6°C (43°F) we are happy to crawl back onto the bus. 20 minutes later we pass over onto the Eurasia plate.
Our next stop is Gullfoss waterfall, Europe's largest waterfall. It is impressive and the sun is peaking out providing us a bonus of rainbows.
Our next stop is Gullfoss waterfall, Europe's largest waterfall. It is impressive and the sun is peaking out providing us a bonus of rainbows.
We stop at the lodge and I opt to have the traditional Iceland lamb and vegetable soup for lunch. It is very good and helps the headcold I am developing.
Stop number three is the Geysir geothermal area. Unfortunately the famous water and steam spout which provided the generic name geyser to the world, no longer errupts. However the Stokker Geysir remains active and entertains us every 3-7 minutes.
Stop number three is the Geysir geothermal area. Unfortunately the famous water and steam spout which provided the generic name geyser to the world, no longer errupts. However the Stokker Geysir remains active and entertains us every 3-7 minutes.
Our last noteworthy stop on the trip is Skálholt. It was once the seat of power in Iceland, with the first Catholic bishop taking his seat in 1056. The first book printed in the Icelandic language was produced here in the late 1700's. There were at least 10 churches built on the site, many which were destroyed by fire or bad weather. The current church was built of concrete and consecrated in 1963.
On our way back to Reyhjavik we pass through an area of high volcanic steam. Iceland has ~ 300 volcano's, reminding us of Costa Rica but certainly a different climate! Iceland has harnessed this steam to generate electricity, warm their homes and provide hot water.
All along the trip we have enjoyed views of interesting landscapes between the raindrops.
We return to our hotel a little after 6 pm. Just in time to enjoy happy hour in the bar. The food service in the bar is from a highly rated restaurant in the same hotel, so we opt to stay put; William orders the fish and chips and I have a delightful piece of salmon with a dill sauce.
All along the trip we have enjoyed views of interesting landscapes between the raindrops.
We return to our hotel a little after 6 pm. Just in time to enjoy happy hour in the bar. The food service in the bar is from a highly rated restaurant in the same hotel, so we opt to stay put; William orders the fish and chips and I have a delightful piece of salmon with a dill sauce.
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