farmland are all features of this area - no way to see it all in one day -
but I sure tried!
Iceland is one of the most volcanic countries in the world and the volume of
water in Icelandic rivers give rise to some spectacular waterfalls.
On this day I actually saw more horses than sheep. The horses arrived with
the Vikings and are considered one of the purest breeds existing today -
they are exported, but no horses or sheep are allowed into the country to
protect the pureness and health of the breeds. It is estimated that there
are between 80 and 100 thousand Icelandic horses in Iceland today (and about
5 million sheep).
Started the day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National
Park. Here the lava flow covers the valley with rough outcrops and unusual
plants. This is also the site of the world's oldest parliament, The
Althing, where the chieftains and their subjects gathered to hear the laws
and to settle disputes, not always peacefully.
Then we made the long and bumpy journey through the rugged terrain onto the
icecap of Iceland's second largest glacier, Langjokull - the Long Glacier.
Had to lower the pressure in the special tires of our modified super truck
several times to ascend the white world of ice and snow. The sun was so
bright that a light jacket was all that was needed.
Had a light lunch at a small restaurant and store for campers before taking
in the picturesque waterfalls - Hrauntos and Barnafoss - could not take
enough photos.
Headed back to the city of Reykjavik along the shores of the bay where the
Americans and British had their naval fleets based during WWII. Saw some
amazing rainbows before taking a short tour of the city and getting back on
the ship.
During the day I saw more troll marshmallows, even some green ones - wonder
if these were lime flavored?
Never saw Jon Snow and the Night's Watch, but assumed they were keeping us
safe here today!
