Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Day 12 - More Waterfalls...and a bit of LAVA

Today was out last drive day and we headed south for the big glacier.  The drive was outstanding, the weather cleared, and we had blue skies for most of the day.  Our first stop was at the LAVA center. We weren't sure what to expect and we were amply surprised.  The center is brand new and ultra-modern with loads of interactive and interesting digital displays.  There's also the sen-surround aspect that honestly could have been left out...but then the kids seemed to be enjoying the floor shaking and the noise, smells, and mists.  The interative wall sized depictions of the major eruptions we cool and the cinema was outstanding.












Next up were a series of waterfalls, the most stunning we had seen so far and each was a bit of a hike from the parking areas.  One allowed up to walk around and behind and that was a refreshing and WET experience.













 At this watefall was an Asian couple taking the wedding photos.  I instantly retold the store of the 1,000 brides in the Lake of Heaven in Urumqi, China.
We next visited the glacier.  It was similar to our Exit Glacier in Alaska in being able to walk up to its face...The biggest difference was the obvious place lava sand that colored the glacier in so many places...and it was HUGE.




We finished our drive at the town of Vik with its magnificent black sand beach, interesting rock formations, and a stunning arched rock that jutted out into the sea.






This was our turnaround point.  On the way back to Reykjavik we slowed down to enjoy the several shelters built into the sides of the mountains, each with their stone walls and sod roofs.


 This farm was about as picturesque as it gets set up against the volcanic cliffs.
We ended our day with a visit to a herd of Icelandic horses alongside the road.  As soon as we approached the fence they were in our faces.  It was amusing to see them turn down their noses at our carrot and apples offerings.  These guys are "grass only" it seems.




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