Heimaey is the largest of the Westermann Island. In 1973, the Eldfell volcano suddenly erupted, destroying much of the town in a few hours, though all 5300 residents found safety. A museum, comprising a destroyed cottage along with photographs and explanatory exhibits, tells the dramatic story. After a visit to the museum, we drove along the coast to view some of the jagged off-shore formations.
On our second free day in Iceland, we engaged a Tours by Locals guide to take us to the Westermann Islands. Our prime goal was to see the multitudes of puffins that make nests and burrows on the island. Unfortunately, it was raining and blowing heavily, so there were only a few puffins to be seen. Nonetheless, worth the try.
After Landmannalaugar, our guide took us to Urridafoss. Not a high waterfall, but beautifully situated and adorned.
We encountered a group of Icelandic ponies and some sheep browsing in a heather-adorned lava field.
From Hjalparfoss our guide drove us to Landmannalaugar, where he led us on a hike that was lovely but became increasingly difficult.
From the online "Guide to Iceland": "Landmannalaugar is a truly rare area, both geologically and aesthetically. The dramatic region can be found nestled beside the raven-black Laugahraun lava field, a sweeping expanse of dried magma that originally formed in an eruption in 1477.
"Landmannalaugar itself is made up of windswept rhyolite mountains, a rock type that creates a full spectrum of dazzling colors. Shades of red, pink, green, blue, and golden yellow make for an ethereal location."
"Hjalparfoss is one of several waterfalls in the south of Iceland situated in the lava fields north of the stratovolcano Hekla..." (Wikipedia) Sounds a bit like something out of Norse mythology, doesn't it?
We were taken to this very scenic area by a Tours by Locals guide who had a good sense of what we'd enjoy. A double waterfall, neighbored by mossy, stony ground and lovely plants, was a fine start.
The following several posts will also be from this general vicinity.
From Wikipedia: "HallgrÃmskirkja is a Lutheran (Church of Iceland) parish church in ReykjavÃk, Iceland. At 74.5 metres (244 ft) tall, it is the largest church in Iceland and among the tallest structures in the country Known for its distinctively curved spire and side wings, it has been described as having become an important symbol for Iceland's national identity since its completion in 1986."
As we strolled around Reykjavik, we noted various modes of transportation. The Icelanders being sensible and frugal people, they rely heavily on electric vehicles, muscle power, and (from history) Icelandic ponies.
On August 4 we flew on Iceland Air from Portland to Keflavik Airport, Iceland to begin an Arctic expedition with Silversea Cruises. Arriving early on April 5, we took a taxi into Reykjavik, rested for a while at our hotel and then strolled around this attractive city. Some of our first sights:
Photos of Portland's NW 13th Avenue from last week, converted to black and white in Adobe Lightroom. I like the tonality.
We live on the west side of the Willamette River, but I like to take pictures of buildings and bridge structures, facing east across the river.
Each year, around July 4, a couple of Navy ships steam down the Willamette River and dock in the middle of Portland, where they give tours to interested civilians. Interestingly, a proposed earthquake-proof bridge over the Willamette has had to be redesigned because it was too low to accommodate the ships.
