We're starting to think the weather here (to put it mildly) sucks. It's been raining almost constantly since we got here yesterday. And the rain, well it's evil. Not normal rain that falls straight to the ground. It's rain that speeds perpendicularly toward you, ensuring that you get drenched.
So the Golden Circle was a wash out. Kinda fun once you get used to being damp all the time. Well that was till we were literally soaked through at Gulfoss!
Thingvellir (Þingvellir, rift valley) was rather cool. It's where the European and American plates meet. Though to really get a feel for it, you have to evoke your imagination, conjure up large vikings riding cute stubby Icelandic horses to parliament. :)
Geysir is well sad. The original Geysir is dead - hasn't erupted in years. You get to see a smaller one which is lame. Being an ugly American wannabe, Old Faithful at Yellowstone is way more spectacular. But we consoled ourselves by saying that Geysir is what all geysirs are named after, albeit dead.
Gulfoss is quite spectacular. I know, Americans want to know how it compares to Niagara Falls. Well it isn't as big, but I thought it was neat since you can get up really close, right up to where the water descends over the edge. With the wind blowing wildly, sounds of water gushing, and water flying everywhere, it is worth a trip!
The Golden Circle is very easy to do in a day, especially in the summers when there's no snow and days are long. Just so you don't think Iceland is totally unworthy, the Golden Circle really pales in comparison to the rest of the island. I suppose it's all famous since it's close to Reykjavik and easily accessible.
We also had time to stop by Skogarfoss along the way. Not so grand after Gulfoss but still very pretty.
Places Covered: The Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Gulfoss, Geysir) and Skogarfoss
Accomodation: Hotel Lunde at Vik (South Iceland). Really a no frills $170 per night kinda place. The windows are small and weird. Like a prison cell. Not that I've been in prison before. I suppose it's clean at the very least.
What I wish I'd known:
1) Really, bring waterproof pants. They aren't kidding. Even if you think they're ugly. Sigh, the price I paid for vanity.
2) There is a gravel road between Thingvellir and Geysir. Our first encounter with gravel. We were so innocent then ....
3) Buy a good road map. Lonely Planet is for bus takers. Rough Guide is well, rough!
>> Take me to DAY 3!
My Iceland Travel Blog Index
Day 1: Hello Reykjavik!
Day 2: Battling Nature? Not for the Faint Hearted
Day 3: It's a Beautiful Day (channel: U2)
Day 4: The road to Myvatn
Day 5: Iphone Malfunction
Day 5: All Fossed Out
Day 5: Jarbodin - Spa Myvatn
Day 6: The Barren Interior and Askja
Day 7: Off the Beaten Path
Day 8: Hellish Driving Day!
Day 9: Revenge of the Puffins
Day 9: Food and Botched Reservations
Day 9: Nuni? No Nüni ....
Day 10: Time to Say Goodbye
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