WOW, WOW, WOW…. what a wonderful day in Iceland. Simon was our driver/guide for our small bus tour – a youngish man, he was very informative and interesting…. He was born in Iceland and would not live anywhere else… but with earthquakes happening daily and the winters they have to endure, not sure about living in this remote volcanic island. Interestingly, they have a huge ice-cream industry with the most ice-cream consumed per person world wide…..sadly didn't get to try L
Simon took us to many beautiful attractions included in the "Golden Circle" tour and the scenery was totally breathtaking. The day just kept getting better with stops at Kerid Crater, Gullfos Waterfall, the spouting geyser 'Stokkur' with boiling thermal pools and hot springs and on to Thingvellir National Park – home of the Viking parliament, and the rift valley which is the divide between the American and Eurasian continental plates. Dramatic geology, with enormous rock formations as well as beautiful lakes – picture perfect J
We had imagined Iceland to be fairly baron, but in this southern part of the island, it is very green – not many trees though, due to the volcanic soil and winds. Along the way we stopped to have a chat and pat a few retired Icelandic horses.
Simon also told us how the farmers freely graze their sheep up in the highlands and when the time comes to gather them, they are herded and divided into pens, depending upon their tags. This is a very special time of the year when the neighbouring farmers party hard whilst gathering their flock - copious beers being consumed by one and all….
Whilst at Geyser, we enjoyed their famous lamb and vegetable soup for lunch which really hit the spot J
Fabulous day with our great driver and guide and a very big 'thank you' to Marie for organising such a great tour.
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