After a good night of sleep, our crew headed on foot to Braud & Co (Bread & Co) where we found word-reknown croi-cinamon buns and cruffins stuffed with caramel. Along with some rather plain coffee, we jumped in the Kia and headed south to tour the Yellowstone of Europe: the Golden Circle.
We took the scenic route plotted by Rick Steves, heading south on the 1 to a hiway that took us past the only high security prison in Iceland (holds 40 cells) and adjacet to a pipeline fed by one of the hydo thermal dams located on the lake. The terrain changed from lush green grass with bloooming lavendar lupine and white daffodils to moon like volcanic rocks and red dust. It was dramatic, breath taking and the best route we could have taken. At the bottom of the pass we came upon a little parking area with a map indicating a trail. We took it and fond ourselves marveling over a vast valley with a giant lake and the thermal plant below us. The smell was sulfuric but the view sweet.
After hiking the small trail, we hopped back into the car and made our way to Thingvellir, where the tectonic plates meet and the Cheiftan of old Viking ages met for legal and official democratic precedings each year Some movies and one raher famous TV show was filmed on location here as the scenerary is pretty astounding. Walking down a steep gravel path you find yourself straddling continents, with a sheer rock wall on the left represeneting America and the shorter wall on the right representing Europe. There is a large rock naed Law Rock where the head Cheif would speak to the tribes gathered below. There are also 2 waterfalls, one with a pool where women were drown for being witches (!) and another where the rocks are burnished orange, the moss a brilliant green and the only thing spoiling the scene are the millions of tourists and gnats.
yes,, so while Iceland does not have a sinle mosquitoe, it does hold records for gnats, or some nasty fly that relentlessly flies into your nose, mouth, eyes and ears. At first I made fun of the people with nets on their face, but they knew what was up.
After several miles of hiking and exploring, we headed towards Drumbo, the river rafting base where we took a jet boat adenture. This high speed jet boat took us on a wild ride up a river white with glaciel run of and narrowing as the canyon headed towards Gullfoss waterfall. We had to wear giant, inflatble suits (like thick ski suits), helmets, goggles an a life vest. The driver spun us, sped up the river, came dangerously close to rock edges while doig 90 KM / hour. It was incredile and we all loved it.
Next stop is the OG geysir, Geysir. Yes, all other gyesirs in the world are named after this granddaddy who has pretty much entered retirement. Strokker, however, is reliable if not as impressive as Old Faithfull. Every 10 minutes Strokker blows its top and wee witnessed it several times while walking around to admire several other pools and geysirs. This area has a really nice gift shop and restuarnat, where we grabbed a quick meal.
We then headed north to see Gulfoss, the mighty Niagra of Iceland. this waterfall is wide, mammoth and loud. We were able to climb right up to the edge and also to an overlook. The spray was present, the crowds also present but less than at Geysir. It was great to see this majesty in the summer, instead of frozen in the winter.
On the way back to Reykjavik we stopped briefyl at Fridheimer the tomato greenhouse. Grady tried and quite enjoyed tomato ice cream while I ordered and truly enjoyed the Happy Mary (gin, green tomato juice and tonic). Steve also ordered tomato beer and it as surprisingly not red but a slight green. Also good.
After driving the 1.5 hours back to town, we changed clothes and made our way to Apotek for dinner. It was sprinkingling when we walked there but poured while we were at dinner, which included lamb, tiger shrimp, plaice, duck confit with waffles and the craziest desserts we have seen yet. of course, Steve decided he needed another Reykjavok hot dog for his dessert so we walked down there and then to the waterfront to see cruise ships that were in port. We also walked around the Voyager, a silver metal sculpture in the shape of a Viking ship.
Now we are tucked in our hotel, resting up for a great day tomorrow.
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