Tuesday, Wednesday. August 23, 24.
We are driving through a bare mountainous landscape. The eroded and weathered mountains covered by green moss, make a desolate impression.
After a sudden change from the spacious outskirts of Reykjavik to this almost surrealistic landscape there is not a living soul insight. Except for some cars. We’re on the “Golden Circle” route. A 120 km trip, that takes us to several natural phenomena and sights.
First stop is a dead ancient volcano crater. We are not alone. We are joined by several touring cars, loaded with mainly Chinese and Japanese explorers. Everything is new to them and is put on camera, even the two young Icelandic women preparing food on a gas cooker. Strange brew those tourists….
We continue. The countryside looks more attractive now, but changes all the time. We have lunch at a tomato nursery. The energy for this tomato culture is supplied by a close by geyser. En route many of these steam spitting energy springs can be observed. The Icelandic energy supply depends heavily on these natural and clean power sources. The tomato farmer serves a delicious meal, you can guess… tomato soup. The owner identifies us as Dutchmen and informs us that all the greenhouse basics, from seeds to incl. bees for fertilisation, originate from the “Westland” area in The Netherlands.
We continue past the Strukkor geysers to the Gullfoss Falls, one of the largest falls in Iceland. An impressive sight. The water crashes, like a two stage rocket in a cloud of vapour and with thundering noise, into the canyon. Some natural violence.
When we return to the cars, one of the rentals shows a clutch problem. After consulting the rental company we decide to return the car.
The other car will continue towards the Thingviller National Park. But first we make the obligated but oh so lovely stop at the “Secret Lagoon” thermal bath. After strolling for miles past craters and falls, the saunas and steam baths, heated by the natural springs, feel beneficent. The water in the lake next to the bath, surrounded by mountains, has a striking warm temperature. Heated by the same springs used by the saunas.
Going back to the car we receive the message from the others. Not far from here their car broke down completely. Shortly we find them, sitting along the road beside the car.
They enjoy the sun and are joined by a newly arrived passenger. A friendly dog, with a name and phone nr tag, decided to join this problem haunted party. A recovery vehicle with replacement car is under way. We kill the time playing with the gay dog. A passing Icelandic driver who stops to give assistance recognizes the dog. He contacts the dog’s owner and gives the dog a lift home. In the meantime the new car has arrived.
It all ends well and we continue to our last stopover, Thingviller National Park. Situated next to a beautiful lake we walk in the sun-set to the last fall. A salutary quiet reigns in this National Park. No busloads of rushing tourists, only tranquil campers, walkers and divers. On a picnic table two fully packed bikers enjoy a large bag with chips for dinner.
The surroundings are stunning. A place, for a person who loves unspoiled nature, to stay for a long time.
Next day we drive around the Snaefellskokul mountain peninsula. Approximately a 150 km round trip. It’s a trip with splendid sea views and wide landscapes with impressive mountain ridges in the background. Snow covered mountain tops, volcanic moon landscapes, craters and waterfalls. Not surprisingly they call this peninsula “ Little Iceland”.
During these two days we covered just 10% of Iceland. If you want to see it all, you need 3 weeks. Iceland is not cheap, but worth every penny.
Tomorrow we make the crossing to Greenland. A 4-5 days voyage, 600 Nm. The forecasts look good. The ship is refuelled, catered and ready.
