Kim and Mike's Most Excellent 2010 Ride to Lava & Ice (Iceland Redo)

[2touringtheworld]

As we made our way, we saw this bulldozer with a couple of sheep lounging in its tread. But how many were there really?

Two?



Four?



Actually, there were seven! Three more were behind the bulldozer when I took this pic!

[2touringtheworld]

When you look around at all the rock and sand, sometimes Iceland can look a bit lunar. But even in these areas, you find that life and nature breaks through. Although not as large and boastful as plants we might regularly see, you find small patches of beatiful flowers making their mark in the otherwise barren rock and sand.

Nature at its best...







Pretty cool huh?

[2touringtheworld]

Along the way to Heydalur, we came upon some beautiful sights. We first had to go over and between through a couple of mountains. Here are a couple of pics and videos from along the way...

First a bit of a ride beside a beautiful blue lake...

[2touringtheworld]

Now for some pics...





As we descended the mountains, we knew we were approaching the Dynjandi falls (Fjallfoss). We could tell by the reddish color of the road surface. You may recall the falls from the pics we took last year, but it would be a error of epic proportions not to post a couple more from this year. So here you go!

[2touringtheworld]

As we neared Heydalur, we spied a marvelous mountain house. It looked old and mysterious. How old it was and who it housed are a mystery to us, but it stood solitary on the top of a mountain miles away from any other structure, sod roof and all. We had to stop and take a few pictures. We hope you enjoy!







Looks like a painting doesn't it? I assure you, it was quite real!

[2touringtheworld]

We made it to the Heydalur Guesthouse which also operates a good size horse farm. Here's a few pics of their horses...







Well folks, that's all for now. I may post some more later tonight.

Til later!

Mike and Kim

[2touringtheworld]

The following morning, we were up early at the crack of 11:00 and headed out. We first had to cross a fjord which is a bit unusual for the western highlands. Often you go around them and get to enjoy their scenic splendor. But this time we crossed...



We hadn't stopped for fuel during the previous days ride so we were forced to search for fuel. We found a small hotel that offered it. However, when we went to purchase some, it turned out that the pumps were not working. Not to worry, a person from the hotel came out and called someone at N1 who sent a refresh signal to the pumps...



Eh viola' fuel was flowing and the small crowd that had gather was thus able to replenish their thirsty conveyances.

[2touringtheworld]

Fueled and raring to go, we were underway on roads like this...



The ride to Blonduos was beautiful, but frankly, I don't have much in the line of pics for you. When we got to our hotel however, this was the view from our back window...



No the pony is not dead, it is a distinct habit of Icelandic horses. They do spend quite a bit of time lying down on the ground. I imagine to stay out of the wind, but I am not expert on this topic.

See, here's junior just a little while later, sidled up to mom....



As nice as this was, things were going to get even more spectacular the next day on the way to Gullfoss.

[2touringtheworld]

Today was the day we were going to ride to the Gullfoss and ride to the town of Gullfoss. We knew the Gullfoss was going to be special, but we really didn't recognize how special. Not only was the Gullfoss not something to be missed, but the ride there was equally impressive. The landscape along with the weather and shadows created by the weather made for awe inspiring sights. So what are we waiting for? Let's go!!!



Kim leads the way on a great day!



One of the glaciers along the way...





Getting closer to those glaciers...





We then found this mountain house with a great view of this glacier...



and a view of this river...



What a place to call home!

[RockyNH]

Hey 2TTW, loved the waterfall shot and the mountain house.. hey, its all good but those were real standouts!

Pat in NH

[2touringtheworld]

Thanks Pat! Glad you like the mountain house and Dynjandi. Wait till you see the Gullfoss coming soon...

2TTW

[2touringtheworld]

As we rode closer to where the Gullfoss was, we could see something in the distance. What was it. A fire? Maybe some geothermic steam brewing from the earth? But as we got closer, we realized it was neither... Something far more fearsome and stronger... By now, you're all probably getting an idea of how big and powerful this thing is. But what you can't see yet is how beautiful it is as well. Well... here you go, no words, just pictures for a while.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[2touringtheworld]

One thing I absolutely love about Iceland is that there is acess to areas that you would not have in the US. There would be gigantic warning signs, high fences, with barbed wire tops and all sorts of barriers to stop you from getting near any hazard. Not so here. So how did we get these pics without signs and fences in the way? This way...

You walk down this path with the small fence to the right....



and you stand on this rock in the river without a gigantic fence and take beautiful pics.



Oh, and just so you know 2TTW was there...



Isn't she cute? You should see her ride too! Now she blasts through water crossings. Video later.

[2touringtheworld]

These guys know how to do 4WD. They have impressive vehicles. There are plenty of roads where only 4WD (or motos ) are allowed. So they do 4WD extremely well on these 4WD only roads, on glaciers and other unimproved areas. Here's one with more to come.

[2touringtheworld]

Hope these give you an idea of the power of the falls.