Monday, September 15, 2008
View north over the flood plain to Vatnajokul.
The longest straight run in Iceland, its over a glacial flood plain. The plain is caused by glacial bursts (Jokulhlaup) that are the result of Volcanic eruptions underneath Vatnajokul. The floods are so violent that pieces of ice up to 1000 tonnes could be found several kilometers from the glacier. The last flood took place in 1996, it released 3.6 cubic km's of water with a flow rate of 55000 cubic metres\second. For more info see: http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v21/i3/iceland.asp
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Here is a video from the Sigur Ros concert I went to in June. The concert was free and was intended to raise awareness for the environment, in particular the impact of aluminum smelting which is big industry here. The concert included Björk and Olfur Arnalds. The translated title of this song is "Within me a lunatic sings" and its from Sigur Ros's new album, if you haven't heard it yet I highly recommend checking it out.
Taken in Djupivogur
Djupivogur is surrounded by marshes that are a haven for migratory birds, I was there at the wrong time of year but there were still several interesting things to see. In the ocean around Djupivogur there is a headland and several small islands, in the last century sediment deposited by the tide has connected the islands making the low-lands where the marshes are found.
The mountain in the background (Mt. Bdiandstindur) is a perfect pyramid shape and is said to be the home of a Troll.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
One of the more challenging hills I encountered and, I think, the highest mountain road in Iceland. The grade was so steep that when I stopped for water I couldn't get going again and had to walk for few minutes until it was easier. The view from the top was breathtaking, one of the most beautiful I saw in Iceland.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Whale watching in Husavik
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The first gravel I rode on, I was a bit nervous but everything turned out fine. I even worked up the confidence to take my rig to 52 km\h on a steep downhill, at the bottom of the hill I hit a huge pot-hole, after that I wasn't afraid of anything... Also on that day I attempted pumping up my rear tire only to find that my pump was broken in the process I snapped the valve off the tube letting all the air out. It took 1.5hrs to hitch a ride to Husavik (20km), the only portion of the trip I didn't cycle.
Evening sun over lake Myvatn
Cycling begins Frostastaðir to Vik ~1100km
At the Dalvik fish festival
Monday, August 25, 2008
Its been awhile since my last post and a lot has happened. I started the cycle touring portion of my trip on Aug. 13 and it has been going fairly well. I haven't had any mechanical failures and only a few minor hiccups with my gear. As for myself, my training is doing me quite well. Who would have thought that 2 months of eating and drinking heavily would leave me feeling so...tired. But, I've managed to average about 60km\day and I've seen some really amazing things which I will share with you when I get a chance. Over the past week and a half I've determined that cycling is definetly the best way to see Iceland. I've been lucky enough to have traveled by boat, bus and small aircraft and I've found cycling to be the most satisfying so far. But, I have also been luck enough to have had superb weather my opinion could easily change after a few days with a strong headwind and a little rain...
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