Geog a Blog in Iceland - Day 1


After a pleasant journey on wow air we descended through adverse weather conditions into the barren depths of Iceland. We were wowed at first by the bright orange scrub and lack of vegetation and were then informed that the fields we in fact created by two types of lava, pahoehoe and aa-aa. The aa-aa type was more jagged and broken, and the pahoehoe lava fields were more smooth with ripples. We learnt how to date lava fields, as the advancement of the vegetation succession gave a clear indication of the age of the new crust. 
We visited a small geyser on the way and learnt that their water is naturally heated by hot magma and carried through pipes stretching up to 25km long (in which time the water only cools by 3 degrees Celsius). They were zig-zag shape rather than straight to allow for movement in the case of earthquakes, showing how the country has adapted to is hazards. We then re-entered the coach, and on the way to the beautiful blue lagoon we drove past some impressive mountains, where we learnt that the flatter top mountains were sub-glacial (mobergs) and the conical mountains were post-glacial.


Through the harsh wind and rain, we then entered the paradise that is the blue lagoon. This was initially formed as a mistake when the power station released all its waste hot water into the surrounding basaltic fields, expecting it to sink in as the rock is porous. However the large levels of silica in the waste water created a silky white impermeable layer on top of the rocks, creating a majestic lagoon. Met by some charming Icelandic natives, we were told that we had to shower naked before entering, part of Icelandic culture. Unfortunately we decided that was not for us so hid from the attendant for a while. We slathered our hair in moist conditioner as the silica in the lagoon, whilst good for your skin, wreaks havoc on your hair. We then walked outside into the bitter winds and promptly sought refuge in the steaming lagoon. The experience was extremely spiritual with the soft Icelandic sun setting in the back drop. We waded through the steamy fumes with the sounds of different cultures popping up eerily around us as we tasted fresh, cold Icelandic water. We were then treated to white silica face masks which were beautifully refreshing and smoothed your face beyond recognition. The warm mineral water was the ultimate relaxer and we left feeling wonderfully calm and content. It really was one for the bucket list. We then re embarked the coach but had to wait to leave as a dumb boy decided to show off and crack his head open (thanks Rudy) so were late for dinner.


We arrived at our home to be in the dwindling light, and after a quick dash from the coach to the fisherman’s hut, we were at our accommodation. We were greeted by a welcome sauna (but were later told that it was out of bounds) and one bathroom between 8 girls (not ideal). However the rooms were decked out in true Icelandic style, with wooden furnishings and very clean and bright. We headed over to the main cabin for dinner and then it was off to bed with promises of an early start but a fantastic adventure tomorrow. 

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