Wanderluster

Iceland's amazing countryside full of natural wonders

The whole island was formed from volcanic activity, with different parts of the land in various stages of the natural process from lava rock to moss covered lava land mass to fertile soil that stays put. Aside from what we could see of this in Reykyavik, we decided to take a day trip out to see a few waterfalls (such as Gullfoss), a volcanic crater, Geysir (and other hotsprings like Strokkur), and Thingvellir (Iceland's ancient parliament right on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge). It was a full day, to say the least.

Well, after a day like that how could we stop there? We rented a car - I know... driving in a foreign country... look out!! and went up the west coast to the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It was, of course, beautiful and hard to describe. As Lonely Planet points out, it's no wonder that Jules Verne was inspired by the are for his Journey to the Centre of the Earth. We stayed with a great family at their Guesthouse outside of a little village called Grundarfjorthur - where, coincidentally, they were celebrating a group of French sailboaters' arrival. Funny to see French flags everywhere in preparation for the welcoming festivites, but neat to get to overhear the military band's welcome.

Eventually we had to come back - again, as with everywhere, wishing we had more time but greatful for having had such a fantastic trip. I wish we could have found a spot to stop along the twisty mountain road on the way back - it was great - I don't know if I could ever get so used to this amazing nature as to take it for granted here... it seems to demand that you pay attention and recognize the control that nature has over mankind even now.

*sigh* eventually it all had to come to an end and we had to travel back to reality.... really a month wouldn't have been long enough for me and I am already mentally planning the next trip....

posted by Wanderluster @ 10:52 PM