Day 11: Skogar to Rejkavik 261km from geological wonders from ice to fire to rifts.

In two short days we have been treated to wonderful scenes of creative geological activity.

Iceland is aptly described as the land of fire and ice. 
We have been privilege to ride...
To be within touching distance of glaciers at sea level and then 100 km away...
To be only feet away from one of the biggest geysers in the world, then a short distance away...
To be in the Pingavellur  region where Europe ends and America begins as the tectonic plates move apart... 
To be in Rejkavik for a couple of rest days.


The Pinvellir region is the centre for Icelandic culture...
Iceland was settled about 870AD.
In the area where we are standing we are holding the Europe and America tectonic plates apart.  
It is also the location of the first general assembly, The Alpingi, which came together here in about 930AD. 
It is centrally located for access for people from all regions. Icelanders adopted the Christian religion here at Logberg in 1000AD.
In 1662 the Icelanders swore an oath to the King of Denmark and self government was wiped out. The modern Icelandic republic was founded here in 1944.
Pingvellir lies within a belt of volcanic activity and fissures which form part of the Mid Atlantic range - the junction of the American and Europe tectonic plates.
Pingvellur national park was formed in 1930 and was added to the UNESCO world Heritage list in 2004.

 
 
 
 
Strokkur geysir  spouts forth every 8-10 minutes. 
It put on a splendid show for us as we stood only metres away. 
 
We ride through extensive lava flows in this region.

Who have we here...? 
 
The Hiking Vikings. 
We loved meeting Jocelyn/Isleifr, Thomas/Stig, and Yoann/ Snorri. 
Modern Vikings.
They have made their kit  and food including some chewy grain bread - which they shared with us.  They have hiked from Rejkavik to Pingavellur. About 40km. 
 

 
The landscape on our way to Rejkavik.
 
Downtown street with novel barriers. 
Some street have shared vehicle and pedestrian access.
Pedestrian have right of way.

 
Some grand classic cars swan down the stree.
This photo is for my brother and my nephews.

 

These are the tourist novelties that are in every shop.
 


And beautiful knitwear...
 
 
 

 
Good days end with good food.
Tonight we enjoyed some surprises from the chef at Torfan restaurant and we enjoyed lovely service from Julius.
This surprise is salt cod, scallop, tomatoes, radish, baked sweetened olive with sprouted sunflower. New flavours and textures.
The joys of Iceland fire and ice are matched with wonderful food where we we go.

Comments

Margit said…
Still I wonder, if you get my comments. I cannot see them, when I go back.
Anyway I try again after reading the captions to this blog. Lovely people you met. And still the food is so yummy.
Julie said…
Isn't if amazing how Reykjavik seems to be the mecca for chefs? We have been treated to many creative yet completely local meals there!

Popular posts from this blog

Homeward bound: Picton to Queenstown, New Zealand. 875km, 11.5°C-22°C

Ngorogoro Crater