Saturday, June 25, 2005
I am a Rock, I am an iiiiiiiiiiceland
You all know that I love words – especially big, descriptive ones – but to express what I saw today, I don’t believe words can do justice. I took an “Icelandic Super Jeep” (read: a van tricked out with 44” wheels, and other goodies) on an 11-hour tour to the barren center of Iceland. What I saw there was more amazing and awe inspiring than any nature I have ever seen before – it even puts Galapagos to shame (and that’s saying something)! After about a 60 KM drive on paved road, our super jeep took a sharp right turn from the path of civilization into a world that felt as untapped as the day the Vikings arrived. In the course of half of a day we would see waterfalls, valleys, ridges, geysers, glaciers, and tundra that can only be described as lunar. Here are some photos for you to see before I go into a little more detail on some of the experience that can be put into words.
Pinvellegar:
THE original geyser, after which all other geysers in the world are named (here’s one of your requests, Uncle Glenn):
Two waterfalls coming together just off “highway 1” the main road heading from Reykjavik:
An incredible valley we saw. The water running through the picture is part of what is referred to in Iceland as “the money river,” because it is dammed in multiple places providing the hydroelectric power that runs Iceland:
140m high waterfall. The guide made us follow directly in his footsteps on the hike out, because it is so high up, and so steep that one misstep would mean a fatal fall.
The valley surrounding the 140m high waterfall:
Just a few of the dozen waterfalls in this stunning vista:
Yes, this is still the same country – only about an hour’s drive removed from the previously pictured valley. Here we are on top of Mt. Helka, the highest volcano in Iceland:
More stories to come soon, including: bathing in a natural hot spring, our “Icelandic Super Jeep” meeting its kryptonite and breaking down in the middle of nowhere, and spelunking in the depths of Icelandic caves…stay tuned.
Pinvellegar:
THE original geyser, after which all other geysers in the world are named (here’s one of your requests, Uncle Glenn):
Two waterfalls coming together just off “highway 1” the main road heading from Reykjavik:
An incredible valley we saw. The water running through the picture is part of what is referred to in Iceland as “the money river,” because it is dammed in multiple places providing the hydroelectric power that runs Iceland:
140m high waterfall. The guide made us follow directly in his footsteps on the hike out, because it is so high up, and so steep that one misstep would mean a fatal fall.
The valley surrounding the 140m high waterfall:
Just a few of the dozen waterfalls in this stunning vista:
Yes, this is still the same country – only about an hour’s drive removed from the previously pictured valley. Here we are on top of Mt. Helka, the highest volcano in Iceland:
More stories to come soon, including: bathing in a natural hot spring, our “Icelandic Super Jeep” meeting its kryptonite and breaking down in the middle of nowhere, and spelunking in the depths of Icelandic caves…stay tuned.
Comments:
<< Home
Spectacular images that I'm sure cannot capture the real feel of the place. The name of the original geyser...is it called "Geyser" as a proper noun?
It seems like an ongoing incredible adventure. Continue enjoying it and soaking it in.
It seems like an ongoing incredible adventure. Continue enjoying it and soaking it in.
# posted by 
: 6/25/2005 1:52 PM
: 6/25/2005 1:52 PM
Alex:
The photos are spectacular and the descriptions and accounts are fabulous. I am loving every minute of it.
Of course, your cousin Dave would love to hear and see the woman of where ever you are.
Uncle Fugg
The photos are spectacular and the descriptions and accounts are fabulous. I am loving every minute of it.
Of course, your cousin Dave would love to hear and see the woman of where ever you are.
Uncle Fugg
# posted by : 6/26/2005 10:44 AM
: 6/26/2005 10:44 AM
Alex,
Your pictures are fabulous. I am enjoying being able to 'travel' along with you through your blog.
Love,
Mom
Post a Comment
Your pictures are fabulous. I am enjoying being able to 'travel' along with you through your blog.
Love,
Mom
# posted by : 6/26/2005 5:13 PM
: 6/26/2005 5:13 PM << Home
