To start off we left our hotel and headed to the Selejalandsfoss waterfalls where I did end up getting wet. This was a really cool waterfall to witness and take some photos in front of. There was even a path to take you further back into a cave with another really cool waterfall. This was absolutely stunning. I did get soaked, but none of that matters if I got a cool photo right? It does seem to make you wonder, since there appears to be so much water falling from above, the stream should be flowing quite rapidly. However the stream below was very calm.
The next stop, was another waterfall where there was a rainbow appearing because of the refraction of sunlight against the water molecules. This was especially interesting because I could see exactly where the rainbow started and ended. However, I was disappointed to see no pot of gold at the end. Maybe another time? This waterfall had even more force behind it since, there was a significantly sized river up at the top. Therefore, it pummeled a lot more water at us from the bottom and I got absolutely soaked. Thank goodness for waterproof clothes or I would have been shivering. Along the side of the waterfall was an old, rusty, metal staircase leading to the top where a lookout platform was. My quads were burning by the end of this short hike, but once we got to the top the view was astounding. We then continued onward down a trail and got to see several more waterfalls, mountains, and neat overlooks. Life really does not get much better than this.
After the waterfalls, we took a small drive over to the Skogar museum which an Icelandic gentleman founded by spending his life collecting artifacts to preserve the unique place’s history, culture, and heritage. However instead of simply collecting artifacts he also had turf homes, older tin sided houses, and an old Lutheran church. The turf homes were interesting to me as an aspiring civil engineer because they demonstrated the commitment to using what was available. The ceiling were low which worked out for me since I am not very tall, but I could imagine it could be quite difficult for some tall Icelanders. I appreciated how they used turf in between the stones which acted as cement and also as insulation for the cold winters. Since there was no wood to burn for heat, the only heat they had was from people living inside the house. Therefore, it was very important to keep in as much heat as possible.
The next part of the museum we got to see was the technical museum with some Model AA, T, and various other Fords. There were also some planes, jeeps, snowcats, and other vehicles that were retrofitted with tank treads and skis on the front to cross the countryside. The effect of World War II definitely is seen here and how it had a positive impact on the country. Marshall aid provided airports, roads, and ports that Iceland could not have afforded to build itself. It also introduced vehicles, radios, and various other technologies into the culture. Everything they have that is modern was brought over in the past 80 years which is very intriguing. It was not 3-4 generations ago, like for my family, but just 1-2 for them.
Then we went to check out the Sólheimajökull glacier which was really cool to see in person. From where we were standing we could see people walking on it and it was neat to see. Ólöf said that in the last 25 years the glacier has receded quite a lot due to increasing global warming and the creation of a lake at the bottom. This is truly disappointing to see, but it is very hard to stop nature from continuing on a course once it gets started.
After that we got to see the black sand beaches, which was kind of odd to see and feel. At some points it felt like sand, then it was small pebbles, and then at other times it was full on rocks. It is quite the difference from the beaches I have seen on the East Coast! Nonetheless, I am grateful I got the chance to see the beaches before the currents take them out to sea permanently.
Lastly, we went to our hotel and had Arctic char which was phenomenal. Then it got even better when we had chocolate cake for dessert. Today was a thrilling day that makes me want to come back and do some more hiking here in Iceland!
Swanson School of Engineering 