Next we went to a volcanic crater with a lake in the centre. We walked around the rim turn descended to the floor. The lake was frozen fairly solid. Now I can say I've been inside a volcano!
Next was a waterfall which, in summer, is hone to a large number of salmon. Try have even built concrete steps for the salmon to use to 'jump' up the waterfall!
Next it was lunchtime. We stopped at the Geysir to see the geysir blow its steam top. It blows every 10 seconds to 10 minutes so you just have you wait patiently. Well it was icy & fingers get cold holding cameras for ages, just waiting for this thing to blow! We were granted with 2 however while we were filming. There are lots of little pools around too & the hydrogen sulfide gas is plentiful.
After lunch we headed to the Golden Waterfall. This consists of 2 waterfalls, a small 11m one followed by a larger 22m one. Unfortunately for us, just after we arrived we got hit with a massive snow blizzard. And just like that, the waterfalls disappeared. We ended up covered in snow down our backs & cameras had to go away. The waterfalls were amazing though when we see them.
Next was a trip to a local dairy farm which has a cafe selling icecream made onsite from the farm's cows. There were some calves there and one came and tried to eat my hand! We also played with the dogs before it was time to go.
Our last stop for the tour was the þingvellir national park. It is famous because it is the only place in the world where the mid ocean ridge rises above the ocean surface & you can walking on it. We started on the European plate then entered no man's land. The distance between the plates is 7km (I think). Eventually you make it across and end up on the North American plate. You can see the continental walls of the North American plate and walk alongside them. Oh and Game of Thrones season 3 was filmed there and they think season 8 will be too.
Hello North America!
After conning beck to my hostel I decided to check out the local pool as 2 of my guides recommended it. The locals frequently go to the pools to sit & relax in the hot tubs (heated to 38c). Weird experience though: step 1 get a locker & strip naked. Step 2 take your bathers & towel to the shower & shower naked, ensuring you wash very well under your arms, feet and between your legs. That's what the sign on the wall says! Step 3 put bathers on & go to the pool. Clearly Icelandic people don't have any problems seeing others naked (same genders). After bathing in the pools, you return to the change room, strip naked & rinse off, towel dry then return to your locker to get dressed. It was very nice though, relaxing in the super warm 38c water and having the occasional snow fall.
My guide ingi.
Tomorrow is my last day in Iceland & its now a busy one! Volcanic lava tube caving, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights tour (if the weather cooperates).
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