Today we begin with a visit to Godafoss ("waterfall of the gods"), where the current carries rushing water along a glacial river and over the rocks, falling 40 feet into the pool below. It is said to have gained its name when one of the leaders of the country's parliament disposed of his statues of Norse gods at this waterfall upon the adoption of Christianity as the official religion in the year 1000.
We'll visit a handcraft workshop run by local women before discovering the Lake Myvatn area, sculpted throughout the ages by volcanic eruptions and renowned for its diverse bird population, with ducks, gyrfalcons, plovers, ptarmigans, and more. We'll explore the pseudo crater field, formed by steam explosions when lava flowed over wet earth, at Skutustadir. Afterwards, we'll visit the whimsical "black castles" lava formations of Dimmuborgir, where a lonely troll is said to have lived. According to legend, he was paid a visit by his friends, and they stayed up dancing and celebrating all night long—until the light of morning turned them to stone. After lunch at a local restaurant, we witness some of Iceland's more recent volcanic activity during a visit to the Námaskard geothermic area.
Then we travel overland back to Akureyri. Upon arrival, we'll explore the city, visiting the harbor and then the Botanical Gardens.
Iceland is a land of contrasts. Gods and Trolls. From boiling hot geothermic water to frigid sub-arctic water... and lots of both. Interestingly, even this far north, the gulf stream keeps the waters here from being even colder than they are. This 'Waterfall of the Gods' is one of many waterfalls that dot this island, so much so that by the last day of our trip, Beggie begged our indulgence for 'just one more waterfall.' Maybe it's the negative ions, or whatever it is, just being around water, and especially falling water, puts one in a halcyon embrace.
Again, we were impressed with how well they treat the horses here. Jan chatted with a gal that had ridden up on horseback with a group that had been riding for a week or so. They take along twice as many horses as they need, so they can switch them out during the ride and not overtax them.
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
Oops, that's Shakespeare... we'll be visiting him on the second leg of our journey.
Gods thrown over waterfalls. Trolls turning to stone. Boiling Mud. It's been quite a day! It was time for a soak in hot water... well a soak and a slide.
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