Friday, July 8, 2016

Vik, Iceland

They call it the Golden Curcle. When I heard that I scoffed. Today we experienced the Golden Circle and I retract any hint of scoffing (except to note there were 3 blockbuster stops - as Adrian noted, that is more like a Golden Triangle). But as I say, I scoff not, 

1. Þingvellir (pronounced something like "thing va leer", was fascinating. Has geologic interest, year 1200 interest and a sweet waterfall. Basalt lava cliffs formed as two tectonic plates pull apart has given the area an other worldly appearance. The cliffs are still being pulled apart 3mm per year. But try as we might, we did not feel the earth move. Within this area a small colony of Icelandic settlers lived. The first Icelandic parliament met here in the mid 900s. They had a system of parliament that met here and gave out stiff penalties for breaking the law-beheading men and drowning women. Maybe that's why Iceland is now an incredibly safe place to visit. The waterfall was quite a nice find and served as our up close and personal introduction to these amazing displays of the power of nature. 

2. Geysir. This is the site named for a column of water spewing from the earth for which all others have since been referred to as geysers. Only Geysir is spew-free these days. Instead Strokkur steals the show. Very entertaining to wait about 10 min between these water blasts and try to anticipate by the breathing in and out of the pit exactly when it would spew forth. 

3. Gulfoss. You have to really see it to understand the power of this magnificently powerful waterfall. Literally meaning Golden Waterfall, it is more powerful than Niagra. We approached first from above where the extent of the falls is best appreciated. The power of the water is sensed best from below. The spray from the cascading water caught the darting sun rays to create dancing, beautiful, ghostlike rainbows. There were no hotels, helicopters or Jewel of the Gullfoss tours. Just the river, the falls, the gorge it created and people fortunate enough to experience this glimpse into the beauty and power of nature. 

The golden circle, golden triangle or any other name wound fail to describe adequately our day today.

Just about midnight now. Sun is setting but it is still not dark. Tomorrow is another day.