“Mum’s gone to Iceland”
Angela Owens, Llandudno Trefoil   North Wales

We all met at Heathrow, our tour to commence.
We’d packed snow boots and thermals, our bags were immense.
To Iceland our journey, from Trefoil we came.
Our flight uneventful, though excitement was plain.

Our cheery Guide Ian, a geographer to boot.
Escorted us quickly, to get us en route.
Keflavik town, was our first port of call .
The hotel warmth so welcome, as we entered the hall .

Ian, our guide, an incredible chap.
Entertained us with facts about this and ‘bout that.
Of mud pools ,smoked lamb,hot springs ,rancid shark!
He even told stories of things after dark.

Of a fabulous sky show, of colours so bright ,
One could gaze up in wonder at such a heavenly sight
Our journey cross country, gave us moonscapes, galore .
But the freezing cold winds made our British cheeks sore.

The Blue Lagoon beckoned, hot steam and mud too,
We hurried to sample, the water, pale blue
All of us swam, in the heat and the steam.
And most of us said we came out feeling clean!

Our faces mud covered, our hair frozen stiff
‘Twas quite an experience, getting changed in the” buff”
We’d picnicked quite grandly, served on platters, in style.
Then onward to “Ghost town”, where we stopped for a while.

A museum or two, salt fish and hot magma.
Day one  included a young ghost; was it Ragnar?*
We’d observed the mud pools and all things geothermal,
But were not quite so lucky with happenings nocturnal.

The very next morning we awoke with a shock,
The whole of Iceland was held in “grid lock”
A huge raging blizzard, snow here to stay.
Covered all of the country. No travel today!

But by lunchtime we’d mustered and planned to depart.
There was much more to see, we’d best make a start.
There was something quite strange though. Could it be the Elves?
The place was deserted, we had Iceland to ourselves.

We sang songs and we chatted as we travelled around
We even taught Ian how to silence a crowd!
More snowy white waterfalls, a geyser, a crater,
Once more Ian filled us with Geographical data

His fabulous account of the volcanic eruption,
Had us spellbound—in seats, no interruption
‘bout farmers and livestock and the people affected
He told us the facts from an Icelandic perspective.

More waterfalls today, which isn’t  suprising!
We even had glimpses of waterfalls rising
Some waterfalls large and some of them thin
Then an elderly gent showed us all how to spin!

Next stop was a village, for more coffee and cake,
Some of us even, felt the earth shake!
Eruptions and waterfalls , veg under glass
We are now all quite used to, that volcanic ash!

Hanging valleys and fjords, meanders and lakes
We travelled where Icelanders take Summer breaks
Lava fields beckoned , more waterfalls too
The highlight for some was an immaculate loo!

IAN
With this little “ditty”, I wanted to say.
A huge “takk”and  thank you from all of us today .
You’ve filled us with knowledge, your passion’s infectious
We will all be so grateful, for the experiences you gave us.
Every turn in the road every Geographical feature
Oh how we wish you’d been our geography teacher!

*Ragnar was our excellent Coach Driver

 This sums the trip up perfectly – thanks Angela!

Last night (of the 5th day) was the Trefoil Guild group’s last evening in Iceland so, after the evening meal, the 7th floor Conference Room in Hotel Cabin was used from 21.00 – 22.00 for a gathering of the ladies to have a little social time and some singing. At the start of the meeting a poem was read out by Angela O (who composed it too); she had chronicled the tour in verse; it was funny, whimsical, emotional and poignant, a wonderful summation of a quite wonderful tour; many thanks (and I hope it will be typed up and circulated to all).

Now on Day 6, an action packed morning was enjoyed in Reykjavik. The sun was out, the sky was blue and the city and surroundings looked very fresh and colourful. Mind you, it was still . BRACING! That wind still persisted. First stop was the Perlan, a high vantage point over the city and from which a 360 degree panorama was gained over the city as well as the landscapes beyond (to the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the Western Fiords and also to the ReykjanesPeninsula, where the tour started many months ago…or so it seems!). The Perlan is a set of massive hot water tanks, located on a city centre hilltop, that store hot water for space heating in the city’s buildings; no wonder the air is so clear (the only air pollution is from vehicular traffic – mind you, even that might go if Iceland achieves its goal of a fossil fuel free nation by 2050; much research is being done for alternative fuels e.g. hydrogen, battery, methane, bio-fuels).  Then it was off to view Hallgrimskirkja, its exterior architecture mimicking the columnar basalt of Iceland’s volcanic rocks. . Most ascended the bell tower by lift, well worth the 600 ISK, and gained views over colourful “Legoland” downtown Reykjavik 101 (the address to have). The church interior was much admired too – grand in scale, simple in its architecture, impressive in its ambiance  And, oh yes, the Gift Shop had “big hits” too; postcards seemed to be the most popular items!

The group then transferred to the Volcano House, down by the harbor area, to view a film about Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, some areas of which have been visited on this tour (leaving many more to explore on a return visit!); the eruption on Heimaey (1973) was well illustrated in the film, with this year being its 40th anniversary. Then the more recent Eyjafjallajokull and Grimsvotn eruptions were seen – well, at least by those who stayed awake! For some, 6 days on-the-road amidst staggeringly wonderful scenery, a comfy seat, in a warm room, in the dark, was conducive to a little light slumber! Volcano House also has a fine rock display that is very much “hands-on” but, once again, so too was the gift shop!

The remaining hours were spent out-and-about downtown, some seeking gifts, some seeking coffee and cake; such priorities had been to the fore throughout the week! A couple of hours later, rendezvousing at City Hall, everyone had their stories to tell and their shopping successes to show. Before heading away for the Airport, a lovely vote of thanks was given by Mandy to both Jon Ragnar and myself in the coach; this was most heartening. It is always excellent to get everyone back safely to the airport after a tour, but if all are happy then this is additionally most rewarding. The signed cards we received expressed messages of great pleasure and appreciation; it seems like the tour was a bit of a mega hit for all participants; excellent!

So, where is it to be for the next Trefoil Guild Tour? Morocco is now a hot favourite; having described Marrakech, the High Atlas, the Dades Valley with its oases settlements and a thousand kasbahs and the Sahara, perhaps the clincher was the thought of a camel ride to view the sunset from atop a desert dune! Having been with such a super group of ladies this week, how well do I now know that they would all be totally “up for it, nothing daunted”! And just think of the shopping opportunities in the souks! So, something for Colette, Charlotte and the VA team to mull over.

En route to the airport I read out the entries to the Icelandic number plate competition; the winner was Angea O (our Poet in Residence) – her spotted plate was Hi Saeti i.e. Hello Sweetie! We said our final goodbyes (for this trip) at the airport with many hugs and kisses. It had been a great tour, much enjoyed and many positive memories created. But, for myself, it was time to return back in to Iceland, to get back home, to unpack and unwind; it had been a great adventure for us all.

FOOTNOTE: Should I say that the night skies were clear this night, with frosty weather too? As a result, so sorry, the Northern Lights were like stage footlights, beaming rays skywards behind the volcano Thrihirningur, close to Eyjafjallajokull. I think they were offering a farewell wave to the TGTtI3 members and proffering an enticement to return. Iceland?

It is simply awesome…and some!

Well, Day 5 began with some most interesting breakfast conversation. No, not about the wondrous sights seen, the sights yet to come or the many fantastic experiences so far covered, oh no. This topic was much more important and closer to home – all about the delicious merits of thermal underwear! This was indeed confirmation of the demographic with whom I was travelling! “Oh yes, always best to wash them before first use” was an earlier heard comment on this topic too! I am, of course, taking notes for future reference!

After a fine and hearty breakfast (with a very fine bread selection indeed), and after discussion with Jon Ragnar and myself about our itinerary options today, it was decided to take the West Coast route as planned on the schedule. We had hoped to maybe try to include a visit to Thingvellir National park (which had not been possible on Day 3) but on checking the road conditions on the web, the roads were coloured purple and white, the former indicating that snow ploughs were in action and the latter indicating that the snow covered roads had yet to be cleared. Thus, anticipating tricky driving as well as impossible walking conditions in Thingvellir NP (amongst the fissures), JR and myself were happy to go west. Good decision; we had a wonderful day, a great contrast in sceneries to the previous days. Leaving Reykjavik, we headed to Mossfellsbaer and to Hvalfjordur, Whale Fiord. The majestic and very grand (and very big scale) glaciated mountains were awesome to view. Hvalfjordur is a huge sea loch, ice carved by a massive glacier. All around the fiord other smaller tributary U-shaped valleys hung above the main fiord. The roads were totally clear of snow but the mountains were lightly clad in it, emphasising the rock structures of impressive basalt layering as well as filling the deep water sculpted gullies and ravines; Tolkeinesque indeed! Stops were made to “ooh and ah” and to take photographs galore (yes including some beautiful Icelandic horses). Explanations of the many forces at work to form this amazing landscape were given as well as discussion of its use for an aluminium smelter and a whaling station (both equally controversial). This fiord also played a very important role in the Second World War as it offered anchorage to British and American warships. Goose neck meanders were the seen (all geographers like a fine goose neck meander!) before arriving at a welcome comfort stop in Reykholt. Here, in the museum (with public toilets the like of which had never been seen by anyone before – they were immaculate) there was also a chance for a little light gift shopping (but, although tempted, one Trefoil Guild lady resisted the temptation to purchase a handbag at £170! However maybe it wasn’t so much the cost that put her off, more the fact that it was made from chicken skin!).

Time for lunch; we drove to Hraunfoss (seeping water from between the layers of lavas) and Barnafoss. Again, silence commenced as fullest concentration was made to do justice to, yet again, a very acceptable set of sarnies, biscuits, apple and drink. Then it was time to stroll, to view the waterfalls and to ramble over a wonderful lava field with impressive ropey lava formations and domed “explosion” craters on its surface. For a few “maximum intrepids”, we took an additional walk to above the gorge to maximise on the terrific photo opportunities all around. This outing was much enjoyed by everyone.

Then it was to Deildartunga Hot Springs (the largest in the country) to see the earth’s energy in bubbling abundance. But viewing all this bubbling hot water had a down side – it made everyone think of boiling kettles and the one thing that would now be very much liked … a cuppa! So, off to Borganes, a quick tour around and then to the Bakari for a hot drink and a “fUncy piece” (i.e. a fine piece of cake as it is referred to in NE Scotland); some Trefoil Guild members, however, thought I kept saying that I was after a fancy piece … but that’s a quite different matter! But if everyone thought that the day was already brimful with wonderful scenes (it was a magnificent day … and we had the entire area, all day, almost to ourselves) there was one final “hit” still to be enjoyed (eagerly anticipated by at least one member of the group… myself!). Soon we were to enter the 6kms long Hvalfjordur Tunnel; I do like tunnels and this is a fine one indeed!  Soon the Reykjavik skyline was coming in to view with the HallgrimskirkjaBellTower prominent (a destination for tomorrow morning). All eyes were peeled at all the cars as everyone sought to find their best entry for the “Number Plate Competition” (something else for you to ask you friend/relative about!); being rush hour on a Friday evening, many fine examples, I hope, were spotted. Exhausted? I’ll say. Exhilarated, absolutely! What another great day out and about in fabulous Iceland. Many are saying they have to come back; many are asking when is the best time; my answer?, “Any minute, of any day, of any week, of any month, in any year”. Every second Iceland has something magical and entrancing to offer; being amongst its nature is uplifting, always.

It was sad to leave Eldhestar Hotel as it had been a wonderful stay (even if we had lingered longer indoors in it than we had planned yesterday!). But the weather was positively balmy by comparison to yesterday and the planned itinerary was hopefully to be completed.

We first drove out eastwards, along the SouthCoast. We passed through Selfoss, the dairy town where much of the milk is processed into various milks, cheeses and yogurts (including the delicious Skyr that everyone visiting this country should try). Then it was out along the wide open expansive plains of the sandur lands that lie between the West Volcanic Zone (yesterday’s location) and the Eastern Volcanic Zone (today’s destination). The volcano Hekla was not seen but stories of its eruptions, its characteristics and the monitoring and mitigation techniques to keep an eye on it were explained as we travelled.

The weather continued to be exceptionally windy but Jon Ragnar was extremely professional and safe in his driving; I relegate JR up to 6 star status today! JR used to drive with his grandfather when his grandfather was collecting milk from the farms; his grandfather told JR about the local winds and where to look out for gusts within the general airflows; JR must have listened attentively to such advice as he would say to me that there would soon be a buffet of wind, look out, and, right enough, right on cue, there it was; amazing!

We drove into glorious Fljotshlid valley, once a sea loch, now a valley choked with deposited sediments from glacial meltwater rivers flowing towards the sea. First stop was Stora Dimon where we parked the coach with a view looking directly towards Eyjafjallajokull volcano/icecap (ask your friend/relative how to pronounce this when they get home – we were all “letter perfect” today in the coach when we had a go together!). This stop was used by me to talk about being part of both the Fimmvorduhals and Eyjafjallajokull eruptions in 2010. I went through many wonderful (as well as sad and frightening) experiences during both these eruptions as it had been quite a “geographical ride” for me. By the end of my many tales many mouths were agape (in wonder and awe, I hope, and not because everyone was by now fast asleep with their mouths open!).

Then it was to Seljalandsfoss; remarkably it was falling vertically downwards as it was in a sheltered neuk, unlike the rest of Iceland. It was still blowing severe gales elsewhere; indeed, we saw many “waterups” as opposed to waterfalls as the winds were so severe that waterfall water was rising up like steam in an upwards direction rather than falling downwards; Iceland? Magical!). There was much in the way of ice and icicles all around making the location entrancing. Next stop was the Eyjafjallajokull Visitors’ Centre. The farmer and his wife were actually on duty; this was exciting as it was their farm, Thorvaldseyri, that was at the centre of the eruption. The film that was seen is spectacular and most moving. It describes the farming of the area in past generations, the events of the eruptions of 2010 and the clear up work done to bring the farm back to like; definitely a spine chillingly emotional and warming film. A great quote from the farmer’s wife in the film is, “Despite everything, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world”; how well do I know and empathise with that emotion; they were powerful times to live through.

Rumbling stomachs were by now becoming ever more noticeable (only joking) so a lovely packed lunch was had facing the Skogafoss waterfall. This is a 62m “curtain” waterfall, with a short gorge entrance to it. But now I know 2 ways by which to bring Trefoil Guild ladies to complete silence – the raising of one arm and providing them with a delicious packed lunch; not a sound could be heard as we all munched away! The one minute trick at the waterfall went down well (aha!) and then many went close to the face of the fall for some spectacular photographs.

After the “car wash” waterfall of Skogafoss, it was to the nearby SkogarFolkMuseum. Here a most enthusiastic guide took us around a few artifacts of yesteryear, related especially to the fishing in the past. Times must have been exceedingly tough then, for example wearing sealskin clothing softened with fish oil; mmm, I think I prefer Goretex! The two thumbed gloves were also interesting (something else to ask your friend/relative to explain!). The owner, Thordur, made an appearance. In his early eighties, he is a delightful man who immediately set to demonstrating how to spin wool using a hand held spindle, quite a skill.

Our final location for the day, Solheimajokull glacier, was always going to be a possible visit after the wild weather of this week. We were all up to try but on reaching the road end, it was obvious that there was way too much snow to make it wise to attempt it. So, sadly, this had to be dropped from the itinerary; everyone totally understood the reasoning. But there is so much to do that I discussed with Jon Ragnar various options we could do on the way back west. We plumped for a stop in Hveragerdi to visit the earthquake Exhibiiton, the bakari and gift shops. As part of the E’quake exhibition there is a little house inside of which you can experience what an earthquake might feel like; several tried this, of course, led by those who were the “Ice cream with Smarties” brigade last night for dessert in Eldhestar!; the more sensible headed directly for the bakari (myself included – the Trefoil Guild ladies are exhausting me . I need all the sugar I can get!). We then had time for a tour in the coach around Hveragerdi to discuss and view aspects of greenhouse cultivation. Then it was up and over the West Volcanic Zone and into Reykjavik by early evening.

And so ended another invigorating and stimulating day as we arrived at Hotel Cabin and settled in to our deluxe rooms. A delicious served meal of mushroom soup, white fish, pots and veg and then a huge bowl of ice cream and strawberry for dessert topped off a topping day! What the Trefoil ladies are dong now I have no idea; I need sleep! There are still 2 days to go! Rest assured that everyone is having a fantastic time (myself included).

Wednesday was the day that South Iceland’s winter truly arrived! We awoke to a howling gale as well as snow obliterating all views from all windows of the hotel. This was a remarkable storm. A quick check on the web told us that the whole of Iceland was at a standstill; this is not normal! Nobody was going anywhere. My heart sank; what a shame, all these lovely Trefoil ladies, looking forward to a fabulous day and we could go nowhere – except perhaps back to bed! However, the spirit, support and understanding was remarkable from everyone. But it really did look like we were to be hotel bound all day…or were we? Games were played, stories were told and I set to work to see what could be rescued to make for a good day, if at all possible; it was not boding well. The whole of Reykjavik city was at a standstill with every rescue team, police person, fire brigade being called out to assist; this will be a most memorable day for all Icelanders as well as 20 Trefoil ladies for years to come.

I held a Briefing Meeting at breakfast time, a follow up at 10am and then one at 12.15pm. All the time I was planning that something could be rescued. I was in frequent contact with our fantastic Icelandic coach driver, Jon Ragnar Olafsson (of GT Coaches, Selfoss) , who was so very helpful, most kind and tremendously caring. We hatched a plan; there was a “window”, we might be lucky; maybe we could get out for some hours; fingers were crossed. At all times, complete security of our group was considered with no element of chance being entertained; we planned to travel to Gullfoss and then on to Geysir (missing out Thingvellir). Remarkably the roads were clear of snow in this one area of Iceland. Web cams were consulted and it was all systems go.

The Trefoil ladies were told of the situation, fully and honestly, debate was encouraged but we were all up for heading out at 12.30pm. One lady did then say that she might like to stay in the hotel; both Jon Ragnar and myself talked her through the situation and she changed her mind – she was going to be part of it as well, after all; brilliant, I was very pleased about this. And, this lady has now returned to the hotel, exhilarated, delighted and extremely pleased to have been part of a most memorable (and a World Record breaking day – honestly!).

We had a BALL! What a special day it turned out to be. A stop at Faxifoss waterfall was added in as a little “starter bonus” to get the ball rolling after our picnic lunch eaten indoors at the hotel! This is a delightful waterfall (with fish ladder) and was much appreciated. The falls were frozen and cameras were clicking like crazy – what a sight. Faxi means “horse’s mane” and the waterfall just looks like the flowing locks of a horse’s main (well, it does when the water is water … and not ice!). But, as I suggested, it was as nothing as they would soon see at Gullfoss; prepare yourselves! And Gullfoss was utterly incredible! The wind was full force but we managed the visit to the lower car park to allow all to enjoy it fully. A few “super intrepids” (3!) and myself walked to the upper viewpoint platform too and I carried a few cameras to take pictures for ladies who preferred to head to the cafe and gift shop! The cafe was very welcome – the understatement of the day! Hot drinks and slabs of cake soon revived everyone (and a wee bit of retail therapy didn’t go amiss).

Then it was on to the Geysir area for the hot springs and shooting geyser Strokkur – wow, all this heat amongst all this cold! But it was doubly spectacular, magnificent, wonderful. Now, to the World Record mentioned earlier. We were the ONLY coach to have visited Gullfoss and Geysir today, 6th March, 2013; this is unheard of; never in the history of Iceland, since the settlement in 874 AD, have these “honeypot popular” places been so empty! Only our coach, only our group were there today; our driver is very proud of this Icelandic record, as are we; we are now in the annuls of Icelandic history! Then it was back via Laugarvatn to marvel at the new (and very classy) Fontana Spa beside the lake (that is half frozen/half open water due to one area having geothermal water bubbling up from the lake bed). As a final additional bonus we made a stop at Kerid Crater, one of a crater row; the colours, tones and textures were sublime (and again we had the world to ourselves – this will never happen again!). But the excitements and experiences of the day were still not yet over – can the Trefoil Guild ladies take much more?!  I am not sure if I can! Of course! In the morning I had asked the hotel staff if we might perhaps visit the hotel’s stables and riding ring – no problem (in Iceland, “it just all works”). So, off we headed to see the sturdy Icelandic horses once we got back to the Eldhestar Hotel. They were in superb condition, were super friendly and were contentedly eating. Everyone looked for “their horse” – each room in the hotel is named after a horse rather than just having a number; there were many happy reunions!

So, quite a day! So many stories to tell, so many experiences to relive; be prepared, all friends and relatives of the Trefoil Guild ladies, you are going to be subjected to many Icelandic tales (and a thousand of photographs) on their return to the UK. The stories will not be embellished,  no need; the reality of the day was simply amazing, no need for embellishments!

So now all are chatting after a superb meal (leek flan starter, baked salmon main course and a delicious desert of Skyr, traditional Icelandic yogurt and blueberries … and for the “youngsters”, home made “Smartie enriched” ice cream! Tomorrow? Who knows; let’s wait and see. Jon Ragnar and myself have plans up our bulging sleeves; we’ll do our best! Await the next Blog posting. And, by the way, this Blog only briefly outlines the delights of today -you haven’t heard it all by a long chalk! There was so much more! Godan nott.

Today was elemental – and brilliant! The wind was powerful to say the least and the windchill took temperatures well down below zero – to double figures below! But the Trefoil Guild spirit was stronger than all of this and everyone has had a fabulous day in a less often visited part of SW Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula.

The clouds were high – and the sun appeared awhile in the morning – so all day the vast volcanic landscapes in all their glory were viewed in good conditions. Lava flows, ropey lava, domed lavas, blocky lavas, volcanic cones, boiling puddles, steaming fumaroles were all enjoyed with many photographs being taken. The coastal scenery revealed wave eroded volcanoes too as we travelled through the West Volcanic Zone of the Mid Atlantic Ridge. All are in awe of this awesome land – you really all should be here! However, one of the most frequent questions asked of me this morning was, “Have we got the packed lunches”?! We had, of course, and what a treat they turned out to be – many photographs were taken as it was unwrapped! As well as many delicious sandwiches with savoury fillings (including smoked salmon), some traditional smoked lamb on flat kokur (like potatoes scones) were included; many has seconds, thirds and fourths! Then the carrot cake was literally the icing on the cake! So, Hotel Kelfavik is to be congratulated; I have told our new hotel, Eldhestar, of the great packed lunch today so hopefully (all part of my plan!) tomorrow’s lunch will be equally as tasty!

The SalfishMuseum and MAGMA Earth Energy exhibitions in Grindavik were very much enjoyed as was the welcoming hot and free coffee. The Blue lagoon was “choppy” and woolly hats might have been a good idea but it was an experience very much enjoyed with many happy, rosy and wrinkle free faces being the result of our 2 hour stop there.  After then travelling through more of the stark but fascinating landscapes of the Mid Atlantic Ridge it was to Stokkseyri and the Ghost Museum/Elves and Trolls Centre, including the Northern Light Show that concluded the day; they were very much appreciated too – as, again, was the free coffee to calm all of a nervous disposition after their ghost, elves and troll encounters.

Now everyone is in Eldhestar, a most cosy country note. We received a wonderful warm and caring welcome. So now it is time to sign off, our evening meal is soon to be served. Our driver, Jon Ranar, a most excellent driver in every way and perfect for our group, is off to watch Manchester United play Real Madrid this evening – and we all cheered his team for tonight as we said a big thank you to him for his efforts today.

This Blog entry in no way covers all the excitement, activities of today and adventures we have all had, collectively, individually and in small groups; the Trefoil Guild ladies are certainly as exhausting as ever but a joy to be amongst.

The Trefoil Guild group has arrived, all safe and sound, if a little windswept! After a transfer to the hotel the group settled into their rooms before many of them opted to join me on a pre-dinner stroll; I think it was my suggestion that we could maybe see a troll in his cave that was the incentive to brave the Icelandic elements! We’ll all certainly have a good appetite tonight.

Here’s a little reminder of what is in store for day two of the Trefoil Guild trip to Iceland.

• Explore the fascinating landscape of volcanoes, lava fields, colourful hissing ground, steam vents and bubbling mud.
• Visit Grindavik where we will visit both the Saltfish Museum and Magma: Earth Energy to learn about fishing in the past as well as the fascinating geology of this amazing country.
• Visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon, an extensive relaxing spa set amidst the Illahraun, the Evil Lava.
• Drive along the South Coast road where a fascinating coastline of ocean eroded volcanic cones will be seen as we cross the dramatic mountainous landscape of the impressive Mid Atlantic Ridge.
• Visit to the Northern Light Experience (a DVD projection) and Ghost Museum.

We will keep our fingers crossed all day in hope that there will be the opportunity to view the Northern Lights from just outside the hotel door!

Stay tuned for further updates as the week goes on.

It is a bit blowy this afternoon (we’d call it a strong wind … but not the Icelanders) and it is a bit nippy too, reading at just minus 7 degrees C this morning! Visibility however is good and the raw awesome landscapes shortly to be seen by the group on arrival will inspire great wonder.

Today the Trefoil Guild group will see a rocky brown and black landscape but tomorrow it may all be white as snow bearing north winds are forecast to continue; all should look magnificent! Icelanders call this “good window weather” as it’s good to look out from within a nice, warm building but the intrepid Trefoilers will want to get out amongst it all, I’m sure!

Well, Iceland’s winter weather has thus far been a little bit crazy. In the west, north and east there have been heavy snows and big storms. However, of late, in the south, it has been warm (well, Icelandic warm) and very wet. So much so that Reykjavík experienced its highest ever recorded February temperature, a dizzying 10.2 degrees!

The warmth has increased glacial melting and this, plus the high rainfall, has swollen rivers to very high levels. But this is all set to change in time for the Trefoil Guild Trip to Iceland – next week snow is forecast to return. This is excellent news; if temperatures fall, high pressure builds and if the cold night skies are clear then this could well produce good conditions for viewing the Northern Lights; keep those mittened fingers crossed!

It’s the first day of March which can mean only one thing…in 3 days time the Trefoil Guild trip to Iceland will be underway and what an exciting and mesmerising itinerary I have in store for the ladies.

On day 1, after arriving at Keflavik Airport in late afternoon, a short transfer will take us to Keflavik, an important fishing town on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Our hotel is the very comfortable 4 star Keflavik Hotel. After settling in, evening options include strolling to the leisure craft marina or to the local swimming pool where outdoor hot tubs can be experienced (38 – 40 degrees C, wonderful), very much a part of the Icelandic culture.

The 2013 Iceland Tour properly begins on Day 2 in SW Iceland, a fantastic area and one often by-passed by most arriving tourists. Day 2 will allow us to explore this fascinating landscape of volcanoes, lava fields, colourful hissing ground, steam vents and bubbling mud. Grindavik is another important fishing town and here we’ll visit both the Saltfish Museum and Magma: Earth Energy to learn about fishing in the past as well as the fascinating geology of this amazing country. A visit to the Blue Lagoon is part of this day, an extensive relaxing spa set amidst the Illahraun, the Evil Lava. Its mineral rich waters will invigorate, stimulate and exfoliate; I only hope that after a couple of hours here that I recognize the emerging, rejuvenated Trefoil Guild members! The day continues out along the new South Coast road where a fascinating coastline of ocean eroded volcanic cones will be seen as we cross the dramatic mountainous landscape of the impressive Mid Atlantic Ridge. A visit to the Northern Light Experience (a DVD projection) and Ghost Museum concludes the planned inclusions of Day 2. Our accommodation this evening (and the following evening) is Eldhestar, a lovely, small, country hotel, set midway between Selfoss and Hveragerdi. If conditions allow, there may well be the opportunity to view the Northern Lights from just outside the hotel door! Fingers crossed!

Day 3 takes in the three must-do places of any Icelandic tour itinerary; Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir area and Gullfoss waterfall. At Thingvellir, the rift valley of the plate boundary between the North America Plate and the Eurasian Plate is awesome, in scale, in scenic beauty and in the way it illustrates how our globe works. The Geysir area is one of hot springs and colourful fumarole areas with the “star” being the shooting geyser of Strokkur (a challenge to all photographers trying to catch the doming bubble and the water jet!). To conclude the scenic wonders of Day 3 (and they are truly “wonder full”), Gullfoss is magnificent, any day, any time. This double fall waterfall is spectacular when seen from above but, for the intrepid (and that includes all Trefoil Guild members!), to take a walk down to the cascade’s lip is thunderously wonderful. An optional swim is then possible as we return to our accommodation centre. We might also be able to sneak in an additional stop at Keri Crater, one crater along a fissure row. Then it’s back to Eldhestar and to once again seek sight of the alluring Northern Lights.

Day 4 is spent travelling east, way out along the South Coast. First stop is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that can be walked behind (ice permitting). Next we shall stop off at a delightful little Visitors’ Centre at the base of Eyjafjallajokull (yes, they will all be able to pronounce this by the end of your tour) to view a very good film about the 2010 eruption that stopped much of the world for many days. Then Skogafoss is a massive “curtain” fall of water that can be viewed close up after entering a short gorge (waterproof clothing definitely advised). The “iced gem” today is Solheimajokull, a valley glacier coming from Myrdalsjokull icecap (the icecap beneath which sits Katla volcano). Beautiful ice formations will be seen here at the snout of this magnificent retreating glacier. Vik, Iceland’s wettest settlement (population just over 100), is a “rest and recovery” stop with its café and Wool/Gift Shop no doubt being a most welcome sight. Then it’s heading back westwards to Reykjavik for overnight (and for tomorrow night as well) is in the cosy Hotel Cabin, Reykjavik.

Day 5 our compass shifts. On this day we travel up the west coast of Iceland. Massive glacially carved basalt mountains will be seen with their long, deep and straight U-shaped valleys. Here the rocks are much older than those seen on previous days. Many such valleys have been flooded to produce long sea lochs e.g. Hvalfjordur, Whale Fiord. Expansive landscape too will be seen, many scattered with traditional summer houses that Icelanders love so much during the brief summer season. Deidatunga hot springs, Iceland’s largest, will be visited (perhaps seeing tomatoes grown using this abundant geo-thermal heat) followed by strolling amongst the glorious waterfalls and surrounding landscapes of Hraunfoss and Barnafoss. The return journey to Reykjavik will be via Borganes with time to relax, have a coffee, catch up on some gift shopping. On our return to the city, for those with some energy left (and I hope that includes myself), Iceland’s largest swimming pool complex is just a 10 minute walk away from Hotel Cabin (and it has great flumes/slides if you dare) so this could be an evening option.

Day 6 allows time to enjoy the capital city. There is much that can be done and full discussion will allow a wide variety of things to be incorporated. One such is to visit Volcano House to view a superb film on the landscapes of Iceland including the Eyjafjallajokull eruption; it has a lovely café plus an excellent selection of rocks on display for handling. But then, sadly, just after lunchtime, it will be time to head back to Keflavik and then on back to the UK. Everyone will no doubt be heavier in luggage (gifts and many collected rock samples) as well as, hopefully, full of happy, long lasting memories garnered from the TGTiI3.

Let’s go or as they say in Icelandic. Afram!