We started off with a visit to the coast at Reynishverfi where we saw the Atlantic waves crashing onto the black sands beach - they were enormous due to a very long fetch. We also saw glacial deposits, basalt columnar jointing (which the geologists explained to the geographers) and some impressive stacks and caves.
Next was a stop off at Solheimajokull glacier where we saw how much it had retreated over the last 50years and we walked up onto some of the ice (keeping off the main glacier ice due to it melting so it being very slippy!). We were able to see glacial features being created, spotted the striations down the side of the valley and the geologists considered the thrust fault nature of the crevasses in the ice.
Another waterfall (Skogafoss) was next - many did the 431 steps to the top to get a good view of the water cascading over before going and having a look at the plunge pool below (and getting a good soaking at the same time!).
We then had a long drive (a catch up on some sleep for some people) before reaching the largest of the waterfalls on our itinerary - Gullfoss. This stepped waterfall is particularly impressive along with its 70m deep gorge.
Back on the coach for a few minutes and we arrived at Geysir. Geysir is the name of one of many hot springs though it no longer spouts due to its vent being too big (enabling the water to cool more quickly). However Strokkur erupts at least once every 10mins so we were able to see that a few times...many were testing their reaction times for taking photos!
Finally our last destination of the day was probably most impressive. We travelled to Thingvellir, the ancient capital of Iceland but also the national park around the Mid Atlantic Ridge. Our guide, Oli, explained how there is not a single line between the Eurasia and North America plates but a graben system so there is a large subsided area between the plates. These plates are moving apart approximately 2cm/yr. We walked along the edge of the North American plate which included the location of the Law Stone where they used to hold Parliament and the pool in which women used to be drowned if they were sentenced to death.
We finally returned to Reykjavik youth hostel before most headed out to the outdoor heated swimming pool next to the hostel for a short while before heading for dinner at Hotel Cabin - an excellent buffet spread of soups, breads, pastas and salads.
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