Trip to Iceland June 2012

1. HIGHLIGHTS FROM JUNE 2010 EXCURSION TO ICELAND
We took a direct overnight flight from Dulles to Keflavik Airport on IcelandAir. The steward announced
that the flight would take 5 hours, 34 minutes, and 14 seconds (our first hint of the Icelandic sense of
humor we would discover). Our seating request fell through; putting us at opposite windows. Dave sat
right by the main door (had to move legs so the door could be closed). Heather sat next to a man from
Finland who was in D.C. to help create international standards for universal power supplies. We flew over
land until we cleared Newfoundland/Labrador. Later saw what we believe were lights from the Greenland
coast. Economy comfort class provided a small meal (good) and a beer (Icelandic of course). The
airport was small; easy to navigate through. A short line took us through the passport check. We had
nothing to declare. We found an ATM for Krona; then found the shuttle service booth.
The Hotel Klettur (originally booked)
did not have a room for us but had
arranged for us to switch to a partner
hotel - Hotel Cabin. We agreed and
were driven to what turned out to be
a better situation. The view of the
bay and mountain ridge was
tremendous. It was still only a 20
minute walk to the city center; plus
only 10 minutes to the start of the
Midnight run. They even cleaned a
room so we could check in early. We
almost fell asleep in the lobby while
we waited, but within 90 minutes, we
had a room.
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The hotel room was small by US standards, but we didn't need/expect more. It was functional and comfortable.
The only noise was from the mini frig. The geothermal heat made no noise, but it always radiated some heat -
even when turned to the lowest setting. We kept the window open all day and even into the night a few times.
Bus loads of tour groups (mainly retired Germans) packed the lobby and breakfast room during this busy season.
The entire exterior wall (facing
north) was window. The views were
tremendous. We would sit at the
end of the day, relax and enjoy
watching the Iceland world go by.
Even watching the ever changing
clouds was fun. We called it our
big-screen TV.
The view of the “setting” and “rising”
sun (of course it never fully went
below the horizon) was a unique
treat. Watching the sun while
looking north, though, was
disorienting – the sun is never to
the north in the US.
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1

2. Another view from our top floor
window.
The breakfast room was also on the
top floor - offering views toward the
city (no pictures). Breakfast was a
good change from an American
"normal" breakfast routine. Nothing
fried or even hot. Cheese, fruits,
tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers,
Icelandic yogurt, hard boiled eggs,
cold cuts, breads and pastries.
Only negative - the juices were
watered down and we believe the
orange juice was Tang-based.
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The path along the shoreline was
the perfect way to begin our
exploration. The path is paved with
rocks stacked as a break wall.
During our stay, there were no
breaking waves within the protected
bay. We could see the tide rolling
in, though.
This view is toward the city center.
By the way – if you are viewing
these in softcopy, you can expand
the size of pictures for a closer look.
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View opposite from city center;
towards the channel used by cruise
and container ships – which we
could watch from our room.
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3. 018 020
In the distance, you can make out View closer to the city center.
mountains on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
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Much photographed sculpture of a Viking ship. "Vik" (as in Reykjavik) means bay.
Therefore, Viking refers to people of the bay.
Harbor at the city center (no longer the
main port). The boat "Christina" offers
bird watching and fishing excursions.
We didn't go on the excursion, just took
the picture.
We ate at a small Mediterranean
restaurant this first full day (most
restaurants are small). The
waitress/hostess was actually from
Bulgaria and had only been in Iceland
10 days. She did not seem thrilled to be
there - "It's cold, much warmer back
home".
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4. 030 031
June 20, 2012, Quarter till midnight (2345 using Five minutes till midnight (2355) - Sun is a bit
Iceland’s 24 hour clock) - Setting sun over the water. lower and dipping between distant mountains.
Midnight - Sun remains above the
horizon behind distant mountains.
Color of rising sun reflecting on
clouds. This picture (since it is not
pointed directly at the sun) shows
how light it is (you could read a
book by the light). This is the
darkest it gets this time of year.
Of course, this also shows the
most amount of light there will be
032 six months from now.
Ten minutes after midnight (0010) - Sun is 035 036
starting back up in the sky.
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5. 050 052
The sports complex and recreation area Most of the "Run with the Midnight Sun" race
occupies a large tract of land in a valley in the wound through the park. The 5K started at
eastern part of Reykjavik. There are open park 10:30 pm (2230) with plenty of daylight; there
land, trails, gardens, farm exhibit, children's play was no need for lights. After a warm (not at
areas and rides, sports fields (indoor and all hot) and relaxing time in the thermal pool
outdoor), skating rink, hot spring pool, etc. - and we walked back to the hotel with the daylight
trees. It was in full use - many families. offered by the midnight sun. A very unique
experience (as was the entire trip).
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Another view of the sports complex. Note the
sponsor sign of Coca-Cola. The major US
chains included Subway, Dominos Pizza, and
KFC, but no burger joints (although they had
their own drive through brand).
The Askirkja Church is on the hill - one of
Closer view of Askirkja Church. 055
many architectural churches in Reykjavik.
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6. Site of super-powers peace summit that led to the end of
the Cold War (as it existed before). The picture is from
the shoreline path, so obviously the house offered the
leaders a tremendous view of the bay. When the summit
occurred, there were no other buildings around.
Our guide (and the markers) referred to the Peace
Summit between President Reagan and Secretary
General Gorbachev as the most significant global event in
Iceland's history. It demonstrated that Iceland was all
about peace, offered a safe and carefree setting, and
reflected their concern for the well-being of all people.
The actual name of the Peace House is the Hofdi House
(Icelandic rune letters would require a different keyboard -
which Heather experienced while sending messages from
the hotel lobby). It is now used for small conferences
040 receptions or events (can't walk in to look around).
060 062
There are many artists in Iceland - writers, musicians, painters and sculptors. There are many
small art museums in Reykjavik. These are sculptures by Asmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982).
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Old cemetery on a hill above the Tjornin Pond. The procession (referred to as the parade) after
the National Day ceremony stopped here to respect those who came before independence. 6

7. Statue of Ingolfur Arnarson - recognized as
the first "permanent” settler of Iceland.
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Statue of Jon Sigurdsson on the square by the Parliament
building. He argued long and hard for Iceland's freedom from
Denmark. In 1874, Denmark allowed Iceland to establish a
constitution; giving them authority to govern themselves (to a
degree - trade was still controlled by Denmark).
Independence occurred in 1944 when Nazi Germany over ran
Denmark. Iceland took the stance that the previous
agreement was with the Denmark Monarchy - which became
void when the Nazi's dissolved the Monarchy. The Allied
nations backed their claim. Independence Day was
established on June 17, Jon Sigurdsson's birthday.
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View across Austuuvollur Square.
The building with the flag is the Althingi
(House of Parliament).
Iceland’s Parliament is still small enough
to conduct official business here.
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8. As we walked around on the 17th (our first
full day of sightseeing) we stood against a
rope and watched while some youth
practiced marching with Icelandic flags.
Then the honor guard marched in and lined
up (we are not sure who makes up the
honor guard (our term) since there is no
military service. Maybe police or members
of the Coast Guard?).
Next thing we knew, a few security
personnel took positions along the rope, the
Church bells rang, and out came the
President and Prime Minister; followed by
diplomats and special guests. We found
ourselves with a front row view of the official
National Day ceremony.
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The President and Prime Minister laid a
wreath at Jon Sigurdsson's statue - and we
were just yards away from these leaders.
When Heather met with the Reykjavik
Public Librarians, she mentioned her
amazement of how close the public was
during such an official ceremony. One
Librarian got an aggravated look on her face
and stated that two years ago there was no
rope and you could sit where you wanted.
Last year she was told she had to sit in the
back so she didn't bother attending this year
because of how things had changed. We
were amazed by the access; she was
disappointed by the “control”.
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Youth choir signing national songs during
the procession of the President and Prime
Minister. Icelanders who had attended the
official the church service started gathering
around the rope, so we left to give them
room – it was their special day.
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9. 114
Oldest standing building in Reykjavik (1762). There
were a lot of fires in Reykjavik during the 1970s and
1980s so they banned wood framed buildings. This one
survived.
Downtown sculpture reflecting the 106
geothermal activity of the island.
109
View of the city's beautiful architecture. Love the
mountain in the background. The architecture isn't
very old by European (or even American)
standards. Iceland was extremely poor for much
108
of it's history, so there were not many show-case
View across Tjornin, the large pond in Reykjavik. homes built by "the wealthy". The 1990s and early
The building at the left is the City Government 2000s brought increased prosperity. As with many
Building. The "person" on the bench is another other countries, they over extended the building
sculpture. The far side of the pond was filled with boom and international credit holdings grew
booths and entertainment for the National Day beyond control. The bust hit hard. Tourism (not a
festival; which included music, rides, a puppet major industry prior to then) has helped their
show with a huge crowd of children, a vintage car recovery – which a guide thanked us for.
show featuring many American models, and a
strong man competition.
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10. The National Museum was very good (and free
on National Day). Settlement of the island is a
recent event historically speaking. There were
no-pre-history peoples. Extensive use of sod and
wood for early buildings results in few ruins.
Churches were the most long lasting structures
from which historians could build an
understanding of early settlements. Displays also
show recent (within our lifetime) aspects of
society, including a collection of photographs
from ordinary citizens. There is also a display on
the 1972 Fischer / Spassky World Chess
Championship held in Iceland.
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Note that the sign includes English as well as
Icelandic. Displays (in all museums) were in
Icelandic and English. Most of our fellow tourists
were from Europe, but English is the default
language for non-Icelandic speakers. While the
tourist excursions were in English this didn't mean
they were catering to the American and British
tourists which were in the minority. The exception
was the number of German speaking tours
offered (again, they came by the busloads).
Also note that "Iceland" is "Island" in Icelandic.
We also toured the City Settlement Museum (no
picture) - an archeological excavation of an early
home.
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Einer Jonsson sculpture along the Tjornin Pond.
More on this artist later.
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11. 120
View of what has become the "upscale" shopping street
- Skolavoroustigur. It leads up to Hallgrimskirkja
Church which dominates most views of the city.
Architecture is based on columns of 122
volcanic basalt rock. Statue is of
Leifur Eiriksson.
123
Guides pointed out with pride how
Eiriksson discovered North American
long before Columbus. 121
View from Hallgrimskirkja Church down Skolavoroustigur.
11

12. View inside
Hallgrimskirkja
Church .
Simplistic (vice
ornate) but
grand.
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The pipe organ is huge and
beautiful. The church hosts many
recitals and concerts. The backs
of the pews easily switch positions
so people can sit facing the organ.
Stained glass window in the Church.
147
Beautiful Baptismal Font.
Every Icelandic birth is
registered with the Lutheran
Church. People can change
their registration but many
don't bother. As a result over
84% of the Icelandic people
are Lutheran (according to
the registry).
138 Hallgrimskirkja Pulpit. 139
12

13. City view from the Hallgrimskirkja
Church bell tower. Looking toward
downtown and the original harbor.
The ridge along the horizon to the
right is the same one we view from
our hotel.
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The dome structure just right of center is
the Perlan (referred to as the "Pearl"). It
is a museum, restaurant and observation
point built on top of huge tanks used to
store hot water for Reykjavik. Pictures
from that location appear later.
158
View of the shoreline and the
path we used to get back to our
hotel.
We happened to be in the tower
when noon chimed. We could
feel the reverberation.
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14. 171
Loved the "stack 'em where you can" used book
store. Icelandic people love to read - and write
(one in ten will be published). This is a store you
could spend days in - if you could read Icelandic.
172
We think this must be the shop Heather's
brother Greg visited and struck up a sitar jam
session with the owner. We'll find out for sure.
173 174
Reykjavik is famous for its lamb and beef Picture opportunity along the longest
hotdogs. Somehow we didn't get around to shopping/dining street - Laugavegur.
eating here, even though we planned to. Icelandic mythology is filled with Trolls,
More than one guide told the story that Bill Elves and Hidden People who live farm and
Clinton ate hot dogs at this stand, and had his raise families among the rocks. Planned
heart attach a month later. They love that roads are willingly (matter-of factly) re-routed
story - the Icelandic sense of humor was if they come across rocks recognized as
clearly evident throughout our trip. places where hidden people live.
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15. 177 182
Harpa Concert Hall - a unique architecture with Inside the City Government Building (which
prism-shaped glass; again inspired by volcanic is bigger than the Parliament Building) is a
basalt rock formations. The building reflects large relief map of the island. Of course the
light in multiple ways and colors. We mentioned old cartographer Dave loved it.
it positively to one guide who disagreed. Many A partial view of the building from across the
see it as an intrusion of the shoreline. It is seen pond was on picture 108 (page 9).
as an example of Reykjavik trying to become
cosmopolitan which was out of character. It is
also one of the reminders of the building boom
that contributed to the financial crisis. The
people we met were more than willing to share
their perspectives - which was a good way to
understand their society in a personal manner.
186
During Heather's meeting with the Librarians,
she learned about one of their intercultural
191
programs – Women's Story Circle. They created Hateigskirkja Church - another
this “map” of the Reyjkavik area. It was on architecturally unique church within
display in the City Government Building. Reykjavik. There are many bells in
the towers.
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16. 200
Some of the colorful homes
throughout the city.
205
This intricate mosaic is made from
many small pieces of tile. It covers
an entire side of a building.
202
Another bright and colorful building. We
wondered what WOW Air was (ventilation
systems?, radio station?). We found it
Heather is standing in front of another 206
was an actual airline when we saw ticket
section of the mosaic.
counters at the airport. Fly WOW!
Beautiful!
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17. 210 211
Einar Jonsson (1874-1954) was Iceland's View from the sculpture garden.
first famous sculptor. Many of his works Jonsson and his wife lived on the small
are throughout the city. He built this home top floor, the middle floor was a display
and workshop on top of a hill outside of area, and the massive ground floor was
town when there was nothing else around - his workshop.
but this has changed over the years. This
picture is taken from the grounds of the
Hallgrimskirkja Church. The building
houses many of his works. A sculpture
garden is in the back.
232 235
We are now inside the Perlan (see picture View of the dining area with the
158, page 13). observation level on top. There is a
The ground floor of the "Pearl" displays many view from inside, or you can walk
works of art (plus a small museum and gift around the outside of the dome. It was
shop). We believe the palm trees reflect a windy and misty day but we walked all
more of the Icelandic sense of humor. The around the observation deck.
rounded walls are actually sides of the water
tanks the observation tower is built on.
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18. View from the Perlan - of Reykjavik
and surrounding mountains.
236
The clouds cleared over this mountain.
To the left you can see the bell towers
of Hateigskirkja Church (see picture
191, page 15).
We reference other pictures to make
the point of how close (relatively)
everything is. We could easily walk
most places (although this location was
a stop on the Reykjavik bus tour we
took).
237
View toward Hallgrimskirkja Church.
239
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19. 245 The excursion van took us through surrounding suburbs 250
Zoomed-in view from Perlan across
(seven towns grew together to make up the Reykjavik
the Reykjavik Airport (regional flights to
metropolitan area). 80% of Iceland's 320,000 population
other parts of the island only). The
(320,034 according to one sign in a restaurant - more of their
buildings in the distance (red roofs) are
sense of humor?) lives in this metropolitan area.
the President's home.
We came to an old farmstead near the end of a peninsula.
This is where the President lives. The Icelandic flag was raised
- meaning the President was there. We were asked, out of
respect, to not go beyond the Church building. That was it - in
terms of security. No gate, no fence, no guards, no snipers
stationed on the roof. Another unique experience.
251 View from the grounds of the President's home 253
Many large farm complexes of the early
looking back towards Reykjavik. We started talking to a
territorial leaders included churches. These were
journalist who was riding with the tour. He mentioned that
symbols of power and sources of income (they got
the next Presidential election was 30 June, and the leading
a portion of the tithes). When the economy crisis
challenger (Ms. Thora Arnorsdottir) was the wife of a long-
hit a few years ago, people were mad that the
time friend. Heather voiced surprise that there was no
Parliament was discussing minor issues rather
indication that a major election was less than two weeks
than addressing the crisis. They started banging
away. He mentioned that his friend had just put up some
on pots and pans outside of the Parliament
posters at bus stops. Debates were held, but
Building. Many of the members were forced to
advertisement-type techniques are not how they do things.
resign by this "pots and pans" revolution. The
When Heather mentioned to one of the librarians that we
guide told that some protesters came to the
met someone who knew Ms. Thora, she replied - "Oh yes,
President's home. It was cold out, so he came out
I had lunch with her yesterday". It is a small country.
and invited them in for coffee and hot chocolate.
By the way, the incumbent was re-elected. 19

20. 301 303
Our first excursion outside of Reykjavik Our first stop was at Gerouberg Cliff a
was north to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula long cliff formation of volcanic basalt
(Mon. 18 June). The bus took us through rugged (the inspiration of artwork and
landscape with numerous old lava fields. We saw architecture).
many small farms with free-range grazing sheep (not
in flocks), horses and a few cattle. Hay is harvested
where ever it can be to help feed the animals through
the long winters. This picture shows a few remnants
of ancient volcanoes.
308
View from the cliff across the vast
landscape (ancient volcano in the distance).
305
The climb to the exposed rock was
fairly steep and the cliff was tall.
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21. The shoreline at Arnarstapi, along the southern 314
315
coast of the peninsula, was extremely rugged.
The very hard volcanic rocks form vertical cliffs Many seagulls nest on the steep cliffs.
and tall standing rock formations.
317
319
We visited at low tide, which
More rock formations. A few feet from where Dave exposed more of the rock.
is squatting is a sheer drop to rocks below. There
are few safety measures at the parks in Iceland.
As with most countries, there liability laws are
different than what exists in the US.
325
Looking inland from the coastline. 323
Monument to the local protective entity.
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22. 335 337
Black sand beach near the end of the The pebbles got smaller as we neared
Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Walking through the the coast.
smooth oval pebbles along the shore was cool -
and a challenge. The rust colored items are
metal debris from a ship wreck. It is left in place
out of respect for those who lost their lives.
Unfortunately, our time at the black sand 340
beach was short. We hiked a whirlwind
circuit, but would have loved to spend
more time here.
338
It is taking Mother Nature a long time to turn this rock into black sand.
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23. 342 351
View of the Snaefellsjokull Glacier at the end Visit to Stykkisholmur Village; a small, but still
of the peninsula. When the sky was clear, we active, fishing village. The harbor is well protected
could see this feature from our hotel room (see by the massive rock. A quota system and
picture 018, page 3 – this is the distant regulations try to maintain the viability of these
mountain at the far left on that picture). small fishing operations and communities.
353 354
View from the fishing harbor. There are Sheer volcanic basalt cliff of the
numerous rocky islands just off the coast. massive rock seen above (picture 351).
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24. 363
This excursion was heading into rough
361 road and off-road territory within
On Tue. 19 June, our excursion took us
along the southern coast to Thorsmork Thorsmork. A bus like this (and an
(Thor's Woods) National Park. We drove through experienced driver) was a must. Some
vast flat "fertile" (by Icelandic standards) agricultural people hire vehicles, like the one next to
areas We could have been in Nebraska (minus the our bus, for small group excursions.
grain crops).
This picture is of the volcano that erupted in 2010 -
disrupting air travel over much of Europe. We were
expecting to see a lot of devastation, but that was not
the case – recovery has been rapid.
The volcano is Eyjafjallajokull. This rolls easily off the
tongue of Icelandic speakers.
366
Thorsmork (note: the actual spelling uses
a rune-like character similar to a P with the post
extending above the loop. Everywhere in this
guide where you see "th" for place names or a
365 person's name (i.e. the Presidential candidate),
View of the rugged valley leading into the rune is actually used in the spelling).
Thorsmork. Streams meander through the
valley carving ever changing paths through View as the bus was fording this stream.
the rock and rubble. Holding a steady camera in the bouncing,
rocking and rolling bus was a challenge.
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25. 373
The hard volcanic rock erodes into
371 huge, sheer and fascinating
Thorsmork National Park
formations.
The guide leads us on a hike through
Stakkholtsgja, a valley that narrows
progressively into a gorge.
375
Like the bus, we had to ford our own streams
on the hike. The experienced guide bounded
right across - then lent a steadying hand to all
us tourists.
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The valley narrowed into a gorge along
the way. We didn’t follow this branch,
but continued to what the guide
promised would be a special treat.
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26. 378
The destination of our Stakkholtsgja hike
was this very tall, vertical cut into the rock.
A waterfall cascades down the cliff forming
a pipe-like cut. We climbed into the
crevasse and onto the fallen rocks to be
right in the midst of this natural wonder.
It was a special treat as promised.
Pictures cannot capture this spectacular 381
feature, but here is one attempt. The water
is falling along the right side of the "pipe".
This hike was a highlight
of the trip's highlights.
Beautiful Awesome
389
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27. 396
View across the large rugged valley.
There was off-n-on drizzle during this hike.
Starting a second hike after off-roading 395
deeper into the park's large valley. This location
offered camping spaces and basic services for
people on days-long hikes. This portion of the
park also contains large tracts of Birch trees (the
only tree native to the island). Throughout our
visit, guides referred to any stand of trees, no
matter how small, as a "forest" - probably that is
the translation since we were often looking at the
results of reforestation projects.
View of our hiking destination - after walking 400
along the narrow ridge at the lower left on the
Numerous small flowers blossom during the 397
picture. The background shows another view of
short growing season. Here are a few examples.
the valley with meandering rivers and streams.
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28. 403
Another view from the rock formation we hiked
401 to. We then finished the loop back to the bus.
View from the rock formation on the previous A young British man and his 80-something (we
picture - looking back at the path we took think) grandmother were on the hike. She
hiked along well (an inspiration), but slow.
Falling behind on this loop trail, they took a
wrong turn and became lost. As we all waited
on the bus, the guide made another quick loop
but couldn't find them. He started a second
loop with the bus driver heading along the
valley in case they picked up a different trail
and existed elsewhere. While driving, Heather
spotted them sliding down the hill to get to the
valley. The driver worked the bus over to
them, then picked up the guide (who had quite
a workout). It was raining steady at that point,
so they were wet as well. The grandmother
quickly fell asleep - thankfully safe.
View of a glacier finger extending toward 413
a valley. This looks like a black and white
shot, but it is the same camera. With the
black rock, white ice, and grey sky, these
The dark streaks are from layers of dust/soil 412
were the only colors in view.
that accumulates between layers of ice.
These are exposed as the ice melts.
28

29. Back near the entrance to the national park is 420 423
Seljalandsfoss. While not a spectacular falls Seljalandsfoss is also popular because
(according to our guide), this falls is a popular stop you can walk behind the cascading
because of its proximity to Thorsmork’s entrance water. We thought it was spectacular
(visitors don't have to go off-road to get to it). (i.e. by Shenandoah standards).
429
In addition to the Seljalandsfoss, there are many
smaller falls emerging over the ridge. The water is
only partially from the summer melting of snow.
426 Much of it is precipitation that falls on the island.
View from the other side of the falls - the
direction the mist was blowing. 29

30. 445
The Golden Circle excursion started along back
roads just outside the Reykjavik metropolitan
area. We drove through lava fields that do not
have much vegetation taking hold.
We came to an area where geothermal steam
vents reach the surface.
Thingvallavatn (the lake), our destination area,
can be seen in the distance.
446
View of bore holes (the white domes) that
tap into the natural source of energy.
Pipes carry the hot steam and water to
the energy plant (later in the tour).
448
The Golden Circle excursion is one of the most
popular tours. Cruise ships offer this tour to their
passengers. Plus it was a Saturday, so each stop
was shared with many people. The white bus is
ours - the largest of any excursion we took. The
other bus is with the same company (Iceland
Excursions - Grey Line) and on the same run; only
it was conducted in German.
Another view of the natural steam vents with
Thingvallavatn in the distance. The thick moss
that has grown on top of the lava rocks is very
soft and cushiony. Our feet sunk down into it.
452
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31. 465
Thingvellir National Park is extensive and
contains many natural wonders. It is popular
with tourists, and also is a vacation spot for
Icelandic people. There are numerous summer
cottages throughout the area.
The lake is very clear. Excursion companies offer
The Atlantic Ridge that separates the North 463 scuba tours (with very warm wet suits) to view the
American teutonic plate and the Eurasia plate underwater formations and water life.
runs through this part of Iceland. These two plates
(and therefore the island) are pulling apart at about
two centimeters a year - leaving a deep and
uneven trench in the landscape.
Notice the two columns of steam on the side of the
mountain in the distance; that was our first stop.
467 471
Another view of the separating teutonic Two of the massive number of tourists.
plates - looking away from the lake. There is a large multi-bus parking lot and a
visitors center at this site. Pay toilets, though.
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32. 478
Althingi is the site of the annual gathering of
ancient leaders and their entourages from across
the island. They met to rule on official business,
form agreements, and govern themselves. This is
seen as one of the earliest parliamentary forms of
governance in the world. If you remember page 7,
the current Parliament Building has the same
name (Althingi). 480
Example of how clear the water is.
The day we visited, the interior part of the island
This is a view of rocks on the
actually reached 23 degrees C (upper 60s - 70 F).
bottom of the stream (not algae
Short sleeves in Iceland!
floating on top).
482 View of the surrounding landscape. It was 483
View from the spot where the Icelandic fairly lush along the small rivers that
leaders conducted official business. Social meander through this valley. It could easily
and competitive events were also part of support a large gathering of people and their
this annual gathering. animals.
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33. 484
More picture at Althingi.
Another view or the valley -
looking towards the lake
(Thingvallavatn).
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View of a large stream that falls
from the cliff, then cuts a
parallel course along its base.
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The stream then enters the
ancient meeting grounds.
The flag pole marks the spot of the official
meeting. The lush streams and vegetation
seen on the previous pictures lay in
between the near and far rock formations.
501
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34. 508
Gulfoss is a crowning jewel on the
Golden Circle Tour.
Truly awesome display of nature.
509
View of the distant mountains that are
a source of the water. The vast flat
land funnels the water to the falls
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Once the water falls, it takes a 90 degree
turn to cut a deep and narrow gorge
through the hard volcanic rock.
Tremendous amounts of spray chimney
up above the gorge.
Very unique and awesome.
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35. 518
More pictures of Gulfoss.
Directly above the falling water -
looking along the narrow gorge.
523
The sound of thundering water was awesome. At
the National Gallery of Iceland in Reykjavik, there
is a display that encases a series of large panels.
When you pull one out, you see a transparent
picture of one of Iceland’s prominent falls, and also
here a recording of the sound it makes.
Of course there is nothing like the real thing.
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A view downstream from the falls.
A partial and distant view of a large
glacier - Langjokull. The ice extends
beyond the full length of the picture.
This is as close as this excursion
came to it.
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36. 540
Geysir is the name of this location - from
which our term geyser came from. This
is the most popular and accessible site of
geothermal pools and geysers. Not
nearly as extensive as Yellowstone, but
still wonderful.
541
We hiked, on our own, up a small ridge
flanking the Geysir area and came
across this hot spring bubbling to the
surface, then flowing down to join the
main area of geothermal activity.
Bubbling hot springs in Geysir. The area is
open for people to wonder as they wish. We
even saw a camper rinsing a metal pot by
dipping it into a spring (not a smart move).
551
36

37. View of the Geysir area from the
ridge we hiked up.
Happened to catch the main
geyser erupting.
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Another view from the ridge – the
upper portion of the hot spring area..
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View of the other side of the
ridge; which opened to a lush
(relatively speaking) valley.
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38. 563
Skalkolt – site of the first bishops’ compound
on Iceland. This is a reconstructed old church.
Archeological digs are discovering numerous
structures and providing insight into how they
lived and interacted with others in the area.
565
Distant view of Hekla, Iceland's most active
volcano - erupting about every 10 years.
The guide said it was due.
Our last stop on the Golden Circle excursion was at the
Geothermal Energy Plant outside of Reykjavik. Use of
geothermal energy sources is why Iceland exists today (in
the words of the plant's guide). It supplies reliable and
inexpensive heating and hot water to most of the
inhabitants. Recently, a contingent of Japanese energy
experts visited the plant to learn how they can tap into this
source of energy on their island (they had made the
nuclear choice years ago, but are rethinking the decision
after the tsunami disaster). They commented on the irony
of going to Iceland to see how to utilize geothermal power
and finding the generators and equipment were
manufactured in Japan. 570
Some of the generators. Notice the pipes
coming over the hill carrying steam and
water from sites such as the one the
Golden Circle excursion started with.
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39. 591 594
The largest brewery in Iceland (Egils brands) A sample of the offerings. Gull is their award
is in a suburb adjacent to Reykjavik. The tour winning beer. It flowed freely – which the lads
was a surprisingly small group (11 of us). took full advantage of.
When we arrived, a local resident dropped The other major brewery (Vifilfrll) creates Viking
off 5 young English soccer players and and Thule brands and is in Akureyri in the
arranged for them to joined our group. northern part of the island. The clean Icelandic
water does not require chlorination – a reason
This tour was not about the plant and brewing for the great taste. Unfortunately, we have not
process. The hostess talked about the found Icelandic beers offered anywhere in the
history and cultural aspects of Icelandic beer. northern VA area.
It was all about entertainment (Heather The hostess asked everyone in the group where
thought the hostess was an actor by trade). they were from. There were the British Lads of
The British "Lads" (as the hostess referred to course, another person from Britain, a couple
them) added to the entertainment experience from Canada, one lady from Australia, and the
(leading the group in a pub song at one rest from America. Everyone who signed up for
point). the brewery tour was from an English speaking
country - go figure.
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The hostess gathered cameras for group The hostess took a second picture with our
pictures as we toasted "Skal". The Lads are camera after the posed "Skal".
the enthusiastic ones in the back. Clearly everyone had fun.
Allow us to say "unique" once again.
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40. 611
View from the back of the building.
The Reykjavik harbor is behind us.
Heather had arranged to meet with the Youth 610
Services librarians at the Reykjavik Public
Library to share experiences and information
on programs. View of the Library which is
located near the Reykjavik harbor.
The top floor of the building houses the
Museum of Photography; which rotates works
by Icelandic artists.
There is a colorful and fanciful mural
painted along the entire wall of the
building (parking lot side). When
Heather asked about it, the librarian
answered that an American artist
offered to paint the mural, which was
accepted. They had no real idea of
what he had in mind. She was clearly
not thrilled with the result. But she
accepts it in true Icelandic spirit.
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41. 628
Heather with an example of the public art that
was on display throughout the library..
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View of the library interior. Dave read
magazines while Heather met with the
staff. They provide magazines in English
as well as Icelandic.
We close our highlights with this statue –
the likeness of a prevalent ancient icon found
throughout the island. There are differing
opinions of what the icon represents or
symbolizes. People don’t agree on what the
figure is holding. Icelandic people don’t worry
about any of this. They still revere it as part of
their heritage (as much as the trolls, elves,
and hidden people.)
This trip was more than we could have imagined.
Awesome country and awesome people.
We returned with more memories than could
be captured in this summary.
Very unique experience! 262
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