Iceland, August, 2000
Since I had flown on Icelandair to Norway, I had a free layover in Iceland. I stopped there on the way back to the USA and spent 2 nights in Rekjavik. I wanted to spend the bulk of my full day outside of the city, so based on the recommendation of some of my friends, I went on a tour known as "The Golden Circle." It's a really popular tour that goes to some of the most famous scenic locations in southern Iceland. Three of the pictures below are from that tour. I have to say though, that I really disliked being on that tour and I would not recommend it. It's set up to pack a lot into one day, so it's a lot of the "get off the bus, take a picture, get back on the bus" mentality. And since the tour is so popular, and run by several tour operators, each stop is overcrowded. I think I would have been happier exploring on my own instead. Renting a car in Iceland is extremely expensive, but there is limited bus service, and it's safe enough to hitchhike.
Click on images for a larger view.
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Some scenery along the road between the airport and Rekjavik. Iceland has virtually no trees since most were cut down for building materials, and they are only just figuring out how to grow them back. |
Overlooking a volcanic crater. Yes, the water in the bottom really was that green. |
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Gullfoss waterfall. |
Thingvellir National Park. Although I look wet and miserable in this picture, I was really psyched to be there. The valley behind me is the split between the north American and European tectonic plates, so it gets wider every year as the plates diverge. Since I'm a geologist, this was sort of my Icelandic pilgrimmage spot! |
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This photo was taken at the Blue Lagoon, outside Rekjavik. The Blue Lagoon is a semi-natural thermal pool that is supposed to have special skin-healing properties due to the high silica content in the water. The lagoon is a popular resort complex, but I went late in the day when it was almost empty. The weather was perfect for being there - it was like 40-45°F, and there was a light rain falling. The contrast of being in the hot water with the cold rain on my arms and head felt like heaven. A great way to end the day. |
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