The LAVA Center is a fabulous place to learn about the convulsive geological events that formed Iceland. The people live with and are prepared for spasms that lead to quakes and plumes. The museum tour starts with a twenty minute video of eruptions since 1900. Nature is violent but the photos were beautiful.
Iceland has thirty volcanic systems, any of which is expected to erupt every 3 - 5 years. They are a couple of years overdue. Excellent interactive exhibits demonstrate the action of these eruptions.
One exhibit featured an artificial earthquake but, having been in more than one real one, we passed.
Hekla is the mountain expected to erupt next, as if one would know what the land will do.
Iceland tops this mantle plume.
Looking out the window of our bus we see a flat landfill made of ash.
The mountain tops of the southeast are flat due to the less severe ice carving of the glaciers. In other parts of the country mountains are steep due to carving.
The snowfall did not diminish the beauty of Seljalandsfoss, meaning “island, mountain, glacier.”
Plants bind down the black sand that covers the land. Otherwise the roads would be closed due to blasting sand.
The waterfalls we visit are on private land. The owners may charge for parking, toilets or have cafe/souvenir shops.
Along our drive we passed caves, some of which are used for storage or even homes. Some have door and windows at their entrance.
We don’t have a photo but a local artist has created an installation of bra art. Yes, that is spelled right.
At Skogafoss we viewed the falls and had a lunch break.
The black sand beach of Renisfjana is considered dangerous because of the undertow.
The hexagonal pillars shot up and the surface was rubbed smooth.
The pebbles on the beach are mostly shades of black, white and grey but a few were in light hues.
A large cave on the beach was a real attraction.
The black sand beach of Renisfjana is considered dangerous because of the undertow. The hexagonal pillars shot up and the surface was rubbed smooth.
The town of Vik is always prepared for flooding from the geyser. Attempts to build only near the top of the peak have failed due to human nature doing what it wants. The church was the highest point in the town and is the evacuation point should the need arise.
The town myth is that Thor lived in the mountains with his goats whom he kept killing with his hammer and who kept returning to life.
Another cave myth is of a seaman who found a seal in a cave. He skinned the seal and a beautiful young woman appeared. They lived happily until one day he came home and she was gone. She had found seal skin and returned to the sea saying she had left seven children in the cave and seven in the sea.
Iceland is a Lutheran Country but no longer has a state church. It began as a Catholic country in 1000 AD. When they became Lutheran, Catholics were beheaded. Some continued to practice in secret at the risk of their lives.
Paganism continues with the worship of Issir. This sect is increasing in members. There is also a continued belief in “hidden people” like elves, fairies and trolls.
Oh and it’s snowing. Lovely but no Northern Lights
No comments:
Post a Comment