The past few days the group has been in Reykjavik. The 13th we toured the city, visiting ON (okra nátturunnar- a geothermal energy plant)the History Museum of Iceland, the Hallgrímskirkja church and city center. On the 14th we set out on the first of our geologic day excursions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, studying lakes and cliffs off of highway 42, Krjswík-Seltún geothermal mud pots and steam vents, the bridge between the North American and Eurasian continental plates, sea stacks and sea cliffs, and the iconic Blue Lagoon. The days were so full but I wouldn't have it any other way. Iceland has already won my heart.
Today, however, was moving day. We loaded all of our things and left Reykjavik for Grundarfjörõur, although the journey here was not direct. We first traveled to the Borgavrus Water Tower. We arrived around 11am and I can say that was the first time I felt really, really cold. The kind of cold that people think of when they talk about Iceland. This stop gave us a higher view of the surrounding landscapes. We discussed and viewed rouch moutanes, meandering streams, tides, glacial movement and then looked at the rouch moutanes closer to view their mineral composition and look for any striations indicating glacial movement.
After this we traveled to the Eldborg Crater and wow this was breath taking. We hiked 2.5 km to the crater and then climbed almost vertically up the rocks to make a 2:20 pm summit. It was so nice being able to get out and hike, especially with a reward as amazing as this crater. This younger scoria cone was formed due to volcanic activity. The various eruptions lead to the accumulation of magma creating this crater. The visibility of the varying layers of rock was incredible. Not to mention the view from the top of this 60m tall crater was incredible. I could see everything from the surrounding mountains to other volcanic cones to the natural brush and farm lands (side note: the baby sheep on these farms absolutely melt my heart).
We made several other stops after this, including the Olkelduvatin Mineral Spring, where the water is so mineral and iron rich it has a bubbly taste to it, and Ströridin, the coast between Stapi and Hellnaur where sea stacks, column joints and waterfalls can be seen. The coast was a beautiful site. We also stopped at Dritvík-Djúpalónssander. I was so cold and so tired by this point I just wanted to stay in the bus, but I am so glad I didn't. This beach was unlike anything I had seen before (per usual on this trip). It rested between a-a lava flows and it's sand was black stones. The cliffs went into the sea and were intertwined with natural pools, a unique feature. There was also remains of a shipwreck from the early 1900s scattered about, adding a nice artistic touch.
I cannot finish talking about today without talking about the drive. It was stunning. The whole way through. In the morning we drove under the fjord in a tunnel. We drove through volcanic landscapes consisting of ah-ah flows and pahoehoe flows. We saw erosional features including terracing, columns and alluvial fans. When literally driving into the sun out of the cold clouds we had been stuck in all day, we saw our first glacier. My breath was taken away. We drove along the cliffs by the ocean through Olasfvík, possibly the cutest, quaintest, sea side town I have ever seen, just before arriving to Grundarfjörõur, which itself is just as precious.
While moving days are usually stressful, today has been the best moving day ever. I am so excited for the days ahead (tomorrow we visit the ice cave!). And heck, they will be even better since I can sleep in my own double bed.
P.S. Happy Birthday Eric!
Bring me a baby sheep haha
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