Better late then never...pic spam - part 2
All pictures are either 1024x768 or 1600x1200 and are hidden behind a cut.
To pick up where my last post about Iceland ended. After stopping to feed the horses we were driven to a lava park. This is a clear example of Icelandic volcanic past. Of course, we were treated to both geological explanation - which I cannot remember well enough to recount here- and the more folksy version. In Icelandic folklore, trolls once were numerous in Iceland. And about a thousand years ago, almost all of them went to visit a troll that lived so far away, that he was very lonely for fellow troll company. Upon arrival, they had an incredible party that lasted all night, but they had so much fun during the party (and alcohol) that they forgot to retreat underground when the sun came up. As per legend, they turned to stone, forever immobolized in their last moments of revelry. That is a far more livelier explanation for the lava park then the actual scientific one:)
The park is enormous, and about 25 years ago, a French gentelamn has gotten lost for more then 20 hours, but if we keep in contact with the guide, the chances of getting lost are almost non-existent.
Personally, the park has not really impressed me that much. Saw some impressive scenery later though.
Then, we were off to the place where the two plates, American and Eurasian meet, with a short excursion towards the cave where the hot baths used to be.
This is not the best picture one can take, but essentially, the caves house hot springs and it was a popular bathing spot for the local populace. Unfortunately, after the volcanic eruption over 20 yers ago in the area, the water is too hot to bathe in.
Here is the split, that divides the plates. Considering the fact that my hotel stands on the American plate, one could say I've been to the continent without going through the pesky customs officials.
Let's just say you do not want to fall down there:)
On the way to see the mud pits, we saw the evidence of how truly hot Iceland is underground. Since most people use geo-thermal water, holes are drilled and generators are placed to make use of the steam power. The perfect example of hot steam rising.
This hole was drilled about 2 years ago, unfortunately, they cannot utilize it. The power of the steam is too much for the current equipment, that is on hand, to use. They are waiting for more powerful equipment, the goverment has to give aproval to buy. Beaurocracy is everywhere:) This is the hole really up close.
Since we were so close, it is amazing how powerful nature really is.
So, more views from the top.
A frozen crater, covered in ice on top, but boiling in the bottom under the ground. The expression of "Hell freezes over" has come to mind more then once:)
And more scenery featuring mud pits, they may look cold, but they are boiling.
Next stop - Krapla and sulphurous boiling mud. It looks better on camera, I swear!
To pick up where my last post about Iceland ended. After stopping to feed the horses we were driven to a lava park. This is a clear example of Icelandic volcanic past. Of course, we were treated to both geological explanation - which I cannot remember well enough to recount here- and the more folksy version. In Icelandic folklore, trolls once were numerous in Iceland. And about a thousand years ago, almost all of them went to visit a troll that lived so far away, that he was very lonely for fellow troll company. Upon arrival, they had an incredible party that lasted all night, but they had so much fun during the party (and alcohol) that they forgot to retreat underground when the sun came up. As per legend, they turned to stone, forever immobolized in their last moments of revelry. That is a far more livelier explanation for the lava park then the actual scientific one:)
The park is enormous, and about 25 years ago, a French gentelamn has gotten lost for more then 20 hours, but if we keep in contact with the guide, the chances of getting lost are almost non-existent.
Personally, the park has not really impressed me that much. Saw some impressive scenery later though.
Then, we were off to the place where the two plates, American and Eurasian meet, with a short excursion towards the cave where the hot baths used to be.
This is not the best picture one can take, but essentially, the caves house hot springs and it was a popular bathing spot for the local populace. Unfortunately, after the volcanic eruption over 20 yers ago in the area, the water is too hot to bathe in.
Here is the split, that divides the plates. Considering the fact that my hotel stands on the American plate, one could say I've been to the continent without going through the pesky customs officials.
Let's just say you do not want to fall down there:)
On the way to see the mud pits, we saw the evidence of how truly hot Iceland is underground. Since most people use geo-thermal water, holes are drilled and generators are placed to make use of the steam power. The perfect example of hot steam rising.
This hole was drilled about 2 years ago, unfortunately, they cannot utilize it. The power of the steam is too much for the current equipment, that is on hand, to use. They are waiting for more powerful equipment, the goverment has to give aproval to buy. Beaurocracy is everywhere:) This is the hole really up close.
Since we were so close, it is amazing how powerful nature really is.
So, more views from the top.
A frozen crater, covered in ice on top, but boiling in the bottom under the ground. The expression of "Hell freezes over" has come to mind more then once:)
And more scenery featuring mud pits, they may look cold, but they are boiling.
Next stop - Krapla and sulphurous boiling mud. It looks better on camera, I swear!