This morning we ventured out of Reykjavik to see what lies beyond the city limits. Piling into two compact cars, we were transported by Doc Lane and Patricia on this day full of Icelandic wonders. Let us share what we saw.
Don't worry, Archana is flinching from the light. No unsightly stomach mess.
Our first destination: Þingvellir (thing-vet-ler)
We walked side by side with the ghosts of more than two millennia, absorbing the history of a people and their country. Learning of their laws and customs, we gazed upon the sights seen by the first settlers. With the lovely comes the gruesome, so enjoy the sights, but be ware the informational placard and the deceptively beautiful drowning pool that follows!
We were taken by surprise when, mere moments after recovering from the shock of learning of the placid pool's pernicious purpose, a hard wind blew a heavy shower of snow against our backs! Fortunately, we pressed on and were rewarded several minutes later with body and soul warming sunshine - and a pristine view of the first of the day's aquatic splendors.
After learning the nation's history (and the history of the lake - how many people know a study has been launched there due to the swift evolution of the fish population?! We do!), we piled ourselves in our modern chariots, made a brief stop for snacks and beverages of the warm persuasion, and took in the breathtaking landscape on our way to the next destination.
We made it to The Great Geysir of Iceland (yes, that from which the world's geysers take their name) just as its little sibling, Strokkur, erupted. The sun shone and we strolled through the swirl of cold wind and hot steam. It seemed, though, that our friendly little storm from earlier wanted to see what we were up to. We were caught far from shelter in a pelting hail storm that transformed the landscape in minutes.
Our dearly beloved readers, our final destination of the day took us to a treasure of the natural world. Pardon your narrator while she waxes poetic. From afar she appeared as a heavy plume of steam rising from the face of the snow-speckled earth, but this was her great deception. As we drew closer, a ravine became apparent, tantalizing travelers with her secret. A great roar became audible, a hypnotic lure promising great reward for those who persevered in their struggles against the icy wind. And great it was. She dances from step to step in a fiercely joyful flight, a thick veil of mist rising from the booming cave at her feet, whispering of worlds just beyond our sight. She is magnificent.
After the awe and wonder we felt at the vision of Gullfoss, and fatigue from yet another encounter with the playful snow, we returned to our cars and our house with warm hearts and warm fingers. It is movie time again and cards are being played. Dinner is coming to fill our bellies and send us off to deep sleep and sweet dreams. We wish the same to you.
Patricia P. & Co.
Sweet dreams!
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