Iceland 2016
Day 1
We arrived at the airport excited at the prospect of the week ahead. It was busy although we checked in and boarded the plane without any issues. The airline we were on was lovely as it offered movies and television series to keep us occupied during the flight. The first glimpse of Iceland was beautiful; a unique landscape from a birds’ eye view.
Having met our coach driver and tour guide – Omar and Betty – we headed to ‘the bridge between the continents’. Here we experienced our first black sand which was intriguing as it was different colours and textures than we were used to. The sun was bathing this area with a warm glow, giving us the perfect opportunity for our first group photo. This took a few attempts but eventually we had one that we were pleased with.
Our next stop was the steam vents and mud pools where we first experienced the unique scent of Iceland! This was something many of us were not expecting and the eggy smell of sulphur was to follow us throughout the week to come. The steam columns rising into the sky were spectacular and provided us with a little heat , we could only guess at the high temperatures beneath the surface.
At the end of the day we went to have a fish and chip dinner. There was plenty to go around and we enjoyed it immensely. We had an Icelandic style pancakes for dessert which were amazing.
Finally, tired but happy, we arrived at our hotel and had some ‘down time’ Before going to bed excited for the days that were yet to come.
Day 2
On the second day, we woke at 7am so we could have breakfast at the hotel and pack our stuff. Our first stop we to the Rift Valley where we saw the point at which the plates were pulling apart from each other and stood on the point of Iceland’s first Parliament.
We then went by coach to a lava tube known as the ‘Girl Cave’ . We got changed into some mechanic-style overalls and were given a helmet with a light before heading into the cave. Having scrambled over large boulders for about 30 minutes, we got to the mid-point of the cave where we stopped to hear how it had got its name. We also experienced absolute darkness when we all turned off our head lights. We then made it back to the surface and set off on our journey to the geothermal spa. Here you could swim in the lake or the geothermal pools – both heated by underground activity. We then visited Geysir which shot up to heights of 10 metres. Some of us climbed a nearby hill to see views across the surrounding valley. Our last stop of the day was to Gulfoss – an immense waterfall where you could really feel the force of the water – with spray everywhere.
Day 3
We had an early start at around 6.30am. We ate breakfast and set off to Seljalandsfoss – a waterfall. When we arrived water was cascading over a rocky overhang into a plunge pool. The water fall had a path looping round behind it. As we walked along this path we were drenched by the spray but it was worth it as it was stunning from behind. A small group visited a second waterfall a little further along the coast. They used natural stepping stones to make their way down a stream through the Gljufurarfoss Canyon and found themselves in a relatively small space directly below the waterfall. They then had to rush back to the coach so that we could meet the adventure company to do some glacier walking.
After having snow, rain, high winds and freezing temperatures in the morning, we were unsure as to whether we would be able to do the glacier walking but luckily the sun came out. After putting on crampons, being harnessed and being given an ice-axe, we were ready to climb on the Solheimajokull. After an amazing trek up onto the top of the glacier, negotiating crevasses on the way up, we finally discovered what the ice-axes were for – to take cool group photos!
Day 4
Another early start as we had a long coach journey along the South coast to the Ice Lagoon. We travelled through sleet and snow with the promise of better weather to the east. Our first view of the Ice Lagoon was spectacular – huge ice floes in a massive lake surrounded by high peaks and glaciers. We walked along the shore, stopping to admire the shapes and colours of the ice bergs. We were lucky enough to spot a number of seals and then… something that no-one had expected, one of the ice bergs decided to turn over. This was accompanied by groaning and grumbling and a small tidal wave!
We walked the short distance to Diamond Beach where we watched two surfers emerge from the waves whilst we stood shivering in our layers. Scattered along the beach were pieces of ice that had been washed ashore having left the security of the Ice Lagoon. These provided us with plenty of photo opportunities.
Day 5
We woke up at 7 and were at breakfast for 7.30. We gathered our belongings and set off on our journey back to Reykjavik. On the way back we stopped off at a few locations. The first was Skogarfoss waterfall where we could experience the beautiful sight of tonnes of water cascading over the rock face. Some of us chose to view this from above whilst others dared the spray near its base. Those who viewed it from above climbed the steps leading to the top – here we stood tall surrounded by the fantastic Icelandic landscape with the roar of the waterfall behind us.
We then travelled on to the Eyjafjallajokull exhibition where we watched a short video made by a local farmer and his family who had been forced to save their farm after the eruption in 2010 – the sweeping ash cloud had threatened the future of their business. Fortunately they have managed to rejuvenate their farm and have even benefitted from the tourists who come to view the volcano.
We drive a further 2 hours before arriving in Reykjavik. Here we drove to the Pearl in order to see 360° views of the capital with the sea as a backdrop. We then went to the Cathedral where we saw the giant organ and the various statues of Jesus. Finally we made it to the shopping mall where we were given an hour to buy souvenirs. Time was limited as we had tables booked at a nearby Pizza restaurant for 8.30. At the restaurant, we indulged in a pizza and garlic bread buffet with everyone thinking back over an unforgettable week.
