Day 3 - The Golden Circle of Iceland - Gullfoss Falls, Geysir, Thingvellir National Park and Videy Island

We have been enjoying the sighs, smells and sounds of Iceland very much.  I am not sure why, but the air has a freshness unlike any place I have ever been.  Perhaps it is because the city runs on the geothermal energy and there is very little exhaust being put in the air to run the city.  There is never any harsh traffic - rush hour means there is another car passing you on the road. It is quite a welcome change from the fast pace, congestion and sounds of Chicago. 

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Thingvellir National Park

Earling demonstrating where we were on the map and how the tectonic plates are colliding providing the geothermal energy and volcanoes of Iceland.

The Drowning Pool - where women were taken for punishment hundreds of a years ago. Hard to believe a place so beautiful could be used for such terror.

Our morning began with a stop at the famous Thingvellir National Park.  We were brought through another deep ravine again that separates the Eurasian and American tectonic plates by Earling.  He is amazing to listen to tell stories and welcomes all kinds of questions about Iceland. 

Scenic views on the way to Thingvellir National Park

The rift between the continents of Thingvellir National Park. This shows our the Earth's crust is ever changing and holds power beyond our comprehension.

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Gulfoss Falls

Our next steps brought us to the famous Gulfoss Falls in Iceland.  A very wise guest made note that we should not compare spectacles to other things we know – merely, we should appreciate them for their individual beauty.  Earling was very quick to let all of us know that there were 108 steps to the lower level of the falls.  As we made our way to the top viewing area, you could hear the roar of the water creating a mystical song.  We made our way first cross the top taking in the beauty of the rocks where the walk was easy and calm.  Earling then brought us down the 108 steps. What he neglected to tell us was that there was a pretty intense incline walking DOWN to the lower level.  What goes down must come up!  And, Mr. S. enjoyed the lower level waterfalls only to see Early and his 76 year-old self outpace Mr. S. back to the bus.

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Geysir - an eruption!

We then were brought to the host springs of Geysir.  Whenever you hear about a geysir on the planet, it is in reference to the place we visited.  The hot springs were different than the day before.  The smelly rotten egg smell of the bubbling waters were not present – however there were more of them.  Little signs were littered around the grounds with protective ropes keeping you safe.  I walked up slowly to the “main” geysir that regularly exploded into the air.  With each step, I say the bubbles starting to build and bubble.  Suddenly, a giant plume of water shot up over 100 feet into the air.  The crowd “oohhed and awed” as the water came falling down ot the ground like a rainstorm.  Of course, Mr. S. had to position himself in the direction of the wind for the next eruption of water!  It was exciting and fun!

The video is of Mr. S. first walking through the park.  At the very end is a geyser eruption!  Walk along with me..  This one was much smaller than the one photographed. 

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Vidley Island

Tonight was a spectacular night – once in a lifetime.  Our group were blessed to be on a charted boat to a remote Icelandic Island where dinner was to be served to us in a house dating back a 1000 years!  The salmon and cod were equally prepared with the utmost of care where each morsel melted in your mouth accompanied by expertly chosen herbs and seasoning by the master chef brought in for this special occasion.  Additionally, Icelandic musicians were brought to perform both traditional and contemporary music of this beautiful county.  The lead vocalist had a siren-like voice that possessed both strength and delicate tones bringing the ambiance of Iceland unlike any I have ever experienced.  To top it off, there was a special memorial to John Lennon (lead singer of the Beatles) brought to the island by his wife, Yoko Ono (ask your parents about this one).  While my photographs are of a white cylinder, the memorial becomes a light sculpture during historically significant times of John Lennon’s life.  The ultimate message of the “light sculpture” is one of peace and unity.  I wish that I could be there when the cylinder is shooting a light show into the night’s sky.  What a memorable evening.  The final photo was shot as I walked home from the boat that brought  us back from the island.  The evening sky never dims during this time of the year offering many incredible reflections of the boats in the harbor.