Iceland,Part 2

Yesterday we spent driving up the east coast of Iceland. This is the oldest part, geologically, and it truly was a feast for the eyes. There are a few farms here and there along with some very small villages, but because the bulk of Icelanders live around the capital and no-one lives inland, most of the country-side is very sparsely populated.The raw and naked mountain peaks and ridges are all photogenic. Cameras clicked whenever possible at a furious rate!
Waterfalls cascade wherever there are low spots; white water is an abundant commodity on this island. There are fish in almost all streams. How I wanted to toss in a fly somewhere!
The drive along the coast revealed barren mountainsides that look like they just slide right down into the sea whenever there is a little tremor of the earth. We did see lots of water birds swimming---land animals? No. Iceland only has fox, mice, rats and reindeer.
More rugged coastline with absolutely no vegetation.
In the areas where there is a bit of topsoil there are small farms. I'll never again feel that Silverton is remote!

We have people from England (8), Hong Kong (2), Tasmania (2), Australia (4), Canada (2) and the US (9). It is a good group---people are on time, cheerful, and willing to participate in all the walking tours, meals, etc. Lots of laughter...

Tune in for the next posting which will include puffins, icebergs, and other tales from the north!

Iceland is Fantastic!

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings from Iceland! Marie, one of my traveling friends, and I are here for ten days and are finding it quite fascinating. We are traveling with a group of 28, including lots of interesting people from the UK, a number of Aussies, a couple from Tasmania, a darling Chinese girl and her mom from Hong Kong...

There is something here for everyone but if one enjoys gorgeous scenery and odd bits of geology it really is the place to be!

Waterfalls abound...
Wild flowers are lush---these look like our moss campion in the Rockies...
Sheep have been randomly placed and are really fat and fluffy...
Mountains are abundant and their geology can only be described as "odd" as no two are alike due to all the volcanic activity here...
Everything is velvety green...
Geysers are here and there...

But I do believe the huge waterfalls are my favorites so far. The food is great, too. I've had pickled herring and smoked salmon for breakfast every day and tonight we had a three-fish dish of salmon, cod and lobster. Last night it was lamb...

Keep tuned...Penny