In continuation of earlier blog DTI 10: Snow Mobile, James Bond Style
There were various beautiful lava rock formations. These rock formations also formed large caves, as large as an acre each. Asphalt pillars were also seen here. They were the by-product of lava flow during eruptions. Though they were natural, it looked as if they were carved out of a large rocks.
It was then time for us to visit the Skogar waterfall. It is known for the enormous force of the water. We climbed about half a kilometer on a steep mountain adjacent to the waterfall, to watch the source of waterfall. It was cold and raining, but it did not stop us from trekking.
We stayed over night in a guest house owned by Mr. Uxi who was a very popular chef in one of the five star hotels in the Capital. We enjoyed our stay there and so also the vegetarian breakfast he cooked specially for us.
Hberagardi Natural Hot Springs
More natural wonders were to follow. There is a specific hot spring belt running from Keflavik airport and it cuts across the country. Geysers and spots where boiling water bubbles out, is common on this belt. On the penultimate day, it was time for us to visit a small town Hveragerdi, a town with countless natural hot water springs. We could see smoke coming out of the hot springs all over the hill town. They were just a few yards away from each other. I guess some of the private houses had natural hot springs in their own backyard.
We climbed half the mountain to see the various hot springs. At the top of the mountain there was a natural hot spring lagoon. However the weather turned adverse with sub-zero temperatures, wind and rain, we did not go up to the lagoon.
We were in the coastal area which was created by lava flows.The lava had even extended to the coastal area of the country by 5 kilometers. We drove through volcano eruptions through the trip. While we were passing through the lava land, there were heavy dusty storms. The wind was so strong that I found it difficult to control the steering wheel. I guess the lighter vehicles would not have stood to that storm and would have flown away.
Lava fields, Iceland
Lava sand, lava eruptions and lava mountains – it is not an exaggeration to say that this is what makes Iceland.
These were completely isolated kachhaa roads. There were occasions when we felt we have lost the way. I started suspecting the accuracy of the GPS as we were left at a location surrounded by lava mountains and dusty winds with no one in sight. It was a great relief when we finally reached the main road leading us to Blue Lagoon, the last of our stops.
Blue Lagoon is the master of luxurious spas. It is a lagoon, a large, open water body flowing from natural hot springs. The pool water was a lovely, uniform marine blue. The water was warm and at some places, even warmer. We reserved this site as the last point of our tour. After a hectic week around Iceland, these were well-deserved relaxing few hours.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Nishi, our 8-year old granddaughter was an entertainer and inspiration in all the activities, whether it was trekking on rough terrains, climbing the mountains, entering hot water springs in freezing temperature, glacier walking or snow mobiling. It was good we had a child like her with us, to keep the child in us alive.
In earlier years, when I imagined about Iceland, I expected to see ice and snow all around; it was Iceland after all! However, that’s not the case. I wonder whether a few more eruptions would make ‘Iceland’ into ‘Lavaland’.
Our wonderful trip had come to a close. A rich, fulfilling week later, we returned the vehicle and were at the airport to catch our flight back.
Dear Mr. Manish
I was out of station during the weekend and hence could not reply to you earlier. It is nice to know that you enjoyed reading Iceland blogs. I am sure many of the hints given in blogs would be of use to you when you visit Iceland
May is also a good month to visit Iceland. It would be about 3-4 C deg colder compare to August and hence you should have warmer clothes. Kids should enjoy if they are quite ok with the cold temp.
Scandinavian countries are developed countries with all type of facilities whereas if you want to really enjoy Iceland, you should be comfortable with cold temp. I am not sure whether you would get opportunity to stay in igloo in either of these. I think, in May, you can stay igloo in Alaska. Midnight Sun, yes, you can watch from both the places, rather Narvik, North of Norway, would be a better place.
Driving in Iceland interiors is definitely in isolated places. But I enjoyed. Where else can you get to drive in such isolated places! But you would surely be spending some time on the Coastal South (Highway 1, I think) which is comparatively lively. They the capital Rykjavic has all type of entertainments.
Badri Baldawa
Hello Mr. Badri,
Really enjoyed reading your Iceland blog. I had a question:
We are a faamily of 4 (kids are ages 13 and 11). Do you think a trip to Iceland in May will be enjoyable for kids also ?
How do you compare it with a trip to the Nordic countries like Sweden, Finland and Norway ?
We want to experience snow activities like sledding, living one night in Igloo etc. besides seeing the midnight sun.
Does the sparse population while driving on roads etc. create a sense of boredom ?
Regards,
Manish Mehta
Too bad Drive Through Iceland came to an end. We were living it with you. You have passed on your zest for adventure to Nishi.