Iceland Part ii of II ~ Mother Nature Serving Tectonic Plates, Hot Springs and Waterfalls

After our "caving" experience we packed up into the van with our trusty guide Oliver and were on our way to our next adventure.

Þingvellir or Thingvellir lies in a rift valley

between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

 As we meandered around we were able to experience the grandness of this space.
You could feel how it would become a protected national shrine for Icelanders.  A country small in size feels quite mighty in stature.

On to our next stopping place a wee bit down the road.  As you can see the weather outside was just a tiny bit inclement for this traveling day.  Didn't hamper any spirits in our group though.  The countryside (visible only to folks in the front of the bus) due to the fact that the inside of our bus was fairly steamy in nature as well.

Oliver, our guide, had told us of the Icelandic phrase “þetta reddest” described as the country's motto.  "it will all work out okay" 

 I suppose you could view the Iceland as a barren, harsh, cold environment but through our experiences we joined in with the Icelanders and developed a carefree mentality and "went with the flow" feeling that everything will work out in the end.

Next stop was to the Geyser Hot Springs.  These two glíma wrestlers demanded a photo op as we walked past.  Really - how could you not?! 

They exhibit traditional Icelandic martial art originated by the Vikings.

They liken it to Sumo wrestling - I would say perhaps wedgie wrestling?

Once again the colors were present through the muted fog and rain

 a calm pool 

 the beginnings of an eruption

 Strokkur letting loose

....spouts every 5-9 minutes 

 Once again the landscape changing at every spot that we visit.

 Next up was the Gullfoss Waterfall.  You could feel the different energy as soon as you started to walk about.  The sun was about to set (on or about 3:40 pm mind you) and you could see and feel the change in the atmosphere.

 Gullfoss - means golden waterfall.  You could see from the surroundings how it would take on a golden hue with the sunshine.  That will have to wait for another day.  Seeing it at dusk made you focus on the sheer power of this river.  Hvita River flows over this two tiered waterfall into a 32 meter deep crevasse.

powerful - mesmerizing - awestruck - grand

The walk back up to the visitors center was brisk.  Folks steps quickened as we made our way back full circle.  

Next up the warmth of our Farmhouse and some furry friends!

enjoy,

k