From the Air
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The return flight from Iceland took us over Greenland (above) and northern Canada:
More photos from the air (in sequence):
Monday, July 23, 2012
From the air - July 18, 2012
The return flight from Iceland took us over Greenland (above) and northern Canada:
More photos from the air (in sequence):
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Homeward Bound
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| Sculpture in Reykjavit Harbour |
Homeward Bound
On our way to the Keflavik International airport we stopped at the Reykjavit Cathedral. From the steeple we took photos of the city looking in 5 directions:
Some Iceland Observations:
Although there are KFCs, Taco Bells, Subways and Dominos, there is not one McDonalds in Iceland.
Everyone speaks English, most without any accent.
There are more Icelanders living in Canada than in any other country. The people we met were cordial and confident. I asked the man who set up our car and tour if there were any aboriginals in Iceland. He said he was (of Norwegian background) and there were a few descendants of the Irish that boated over in the first century. Land claims and race were not issues; the Irish and Scandinavians have assimilated well producing an amazing number of drop-dead beautiful blondes who all look to be about 19 years old.
In Iceland thermal power plants produce electricity (with a hot water by product) with no raw material cost and no pollution. Hot water is piped to every household at no cost to citizens. This low cost power is used by manufacturing plants (such as aluminum) that require a lot of electricity and thus Iceland is able to export its natural resources as aluminum (or other high energy products). Consequently education and health care are provided at no cost to the consumer. It looks like a win-win scenario beyond any possible controversy. But no! Environmentalists are concerned about the sight of high voltage power lines stretching across the vast lava fields, destroying the natural scenic view. They want no more power plants nor industry.
The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet (and run north/south) in Iceland forming a beautiful rift valley that moves measurably annually. So one can stand with one foot in North America and one in Europe and generally view a waterfall at the same time.
In Iceland thermal power plants produce electricity (with a hot water by product) with no raw material cost and no pollution. Hot water is piped to every household at no cost to citizens. This low cost power is used by manufacturing plants (such as aluminum) that require a lot of electricity and thus Iceland is able to export its natural resources as aluminum (or other high energy products). Consequently education and health care are provided at no cost to the consumer. It looks like a win-win scenario beyond any possible controversy. But no! Environmentalists are concerned about the sight of high voltage power lines stretching across the vast lava fields, destroying the natural scenic view. They want no more power plants nor industry.
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| Thermal Power Plant and Blue Lagoon - near Reykjavit |
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| Waterfall to the right: Europe |
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| Escarpment to the left: North America |
Before the currency collapsed in 2008-10 the exchange rate about 1500Kronas to the dollar. That rate is now 125. However, many items that were priced in 2010 still have the same price tag on today. Thus an item that once cost 35 dollars now costs over $300 - as we found out by accident.
The cheapest one-draft beer Happy Hour habit cost 1400 Kronas or about $11 Canadian and that was after the 40% Happy Hour discount.
Gasoline is only 95 octane and costs 245 Kr/liter ($1.97CDN)
The Iceland self drive tour was arranged by Kathy at Uniglobe Travel in Cranbrook: kathy@uniglobebakerstreet.com
Our Suzuki Swift was equipped with a Garmin GPS pre-set to the nine Guest Houses, B&Bs and hotels in the 9 different locations that we visited.
The travel kit included a 3g iPad loaded with videos telling about the significant sites along the way. It also included a cell phone with the phone numbers of the tour company and an emergency number. And a bunch of maps with the route well marked. A geezer-proof travel equation and, as we observed, far better than any guided bus tour.
Farewell from the Icelandair Lounge where Happy Hour started an hour ago:
Farewell from the Icelandair Lounge where Happy Hour started an hour ago:
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| Happy Hour(s) |
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Iceland - Day 10 and Blue Lagoon
Day 10
Ho hum! More mountains, ocean views, glaciers, volcanoes, craters, thermal vents, sheep, cows, horses, birds, beautiful flowers, hay bales, churches, old and new.
The photographic highlights of the day were the two volcanic butts on the shore and the bird population there.
Also of interest was a circle tour of Haffjorour, a beautiful fjord which was occupied first by the British, then the Americans during WW 2.
We finished the day’s activities with a soak in the restorative waters of the Blue Lagoon and had our last supper at a return visit to a delightful sea food restaurant.
More photos:
Iceland Day 9 - Craters and Volcanos
Day 9, Monday, July 16
A lot of driving today, high above the Arctic Ocean, down beside the ocean, through lava fields, mountain passes, past volcanoes, and glaciers, through lovely valleys, fishing villages and past farms with large plastic bags of hay in the fields. There were a few short stops to stretch and get our bearings, and one long stop to view craters.
The crater stop involved a long hike to the rim of the craters aided by a series of wooden steps but was treacherous on the lava path sections.
For a change, it became a warm sunny day and we had to strip to the bottom layer of clothing. It was warm enough to eat at an outdoor table.
Images along the way:
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Northern Iceland, Day 8
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| Arctic Ocean Coast |
Day 8
Drove from Husvik north to the Arctic coast and westward to Blondous.
One stop of interest only: Godafoss waterfall. Further on, sheep on the road approached the car for a memorable photo op.
The lighthouse environment is typical of the north coast
Photos:
Day 7 Whales!
Day 7, Saturday, July 14
A day of no driving - but sailing, bird watching and whale watching in a traditional gaff rigged oak schooner, a restored fishing boat, one of 2 boats of this kind now unique in Iceland - an opportunity to “experience the aura of past times”.
And a great whale day; 2 Humpbacks and a couple of Minkas. Also thousands of Puffins at their nesting grounds on a cliff at Puffin Island. Happy hour was OK too.
More photos:
More photos:
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Iceland - Day Six - East Coast
Iceland, Day 6
East Coast of Iceland and to the North
Explored Eastern fjords and Djupivogu, a beautiful fishing village with a long history. Drove past an impressive fish farm. The drive north was tricky because of high winds. Scenery included rough tundra landscape and extensive lava fields. An interesting stop was made at an area of intense thermal activity.
Arrived at our destination, Husiak, known as the whale watching capital of Europe. Signs announced that whale watching trips cancelled due to weather conditions.
More Photos:
https://picasaweb.google.com/117596286881126262536/IcelandDay6?
authkey=Gv1sRgCLnku5LxqKXGqQE
And a couple of iPhone videos:
authkey=Gv1sRgCLnku5LxqKXGqQE
And a couple of iPhone videos:
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