Dettifoss the mighty!

Today we traveled what is dubbed ‘the Diamond Circle.’  Starting at Husavik, we went clockwise around the peninsula.

But first, I must relate the gorgeous sunset over their rains we saw last night after my post. Words cannot describe it.

Back to today.

Our first stop was the coastline north of Husavik where many seabirds lived. I saw some puffins down in the water, but nothing close. The views were amazing.

Then we explored Asbyrgi Canyon, a place you could drive all the way into. Bus loads of German tourists arrived behind us, shattering the peace and silence of the place.

Dettifoss is the waterfall featured in the opening scene of the movie, Prometheus. The road to this wonder, however, is not precisely tourist-friendly. It wasn’t really an F-road, but it was dirt, rutted, and had frequent embedded rocks that prove anathema to car tires. Having already been victim to a flat tire, I was in no hurry to repeat the experience.

About an hour on this road brought us to a smaller waterfall just near Dettifoss. It started with Hjala, and ended with -foss. The middle escapes me. It was gorgeous, and easily accessible.

Dettifoss was a tour bus madhouse, and a 15 minute walk down stone steps, but we both managed it well enough. It was positively worth it. Such amazing power. Most powerful waterfall in Europe.

Rather than walking the 5 mile trail over to Selfoss, we decided to drive around to it, as I’d heard the roads were paved. Well, they were. But not until we got off this road, which was another 10 miles or so. My teeth were well scrambled by the. But 10 miles in paved road is a hell of a lot quicker and smoother than the same on unpaved gravel roads. Can I hear an amen??

In the event,seeing Selfoss required an hour hike I had no energy left for, especially with dark storm clouds fast approaching, so I reluctantly gave it a miss and moved in.

Next time I’m researching accessibility to each site.

On the way back towards Husavik, we took the chance to explore the hot springs near Namaskard Pass. I think I rather like the smell of natural sulfur. Others were not so impressed. Jason saw several tourists throwing up from the smell.

We got back to Husavikjust as the sky became brilliant blue, except for some stubborn puss hugging the mountains across the bay. We tried some seafood pizza.

An enjoyable day in the sometimes fickle sunshine.

Don’t miss information on Celtic myth and history, as well as practical travel planning tips, and hidden places, in my travel books. And watch out for my upcoming historical fantasy novel, Legacy of Hunger!

– Stunning, Strange and Secret: A Guide to Hidden Scotland
– Mythical, Magical, Mystical: A Guide to Hidden Ireland
More info at Green Dragon Artist :: Home,
Christy Jackson Nicholas, Author, and
Tirgearr Publishing – Christy Nicholas

Green Dragon’s Cave Blog

About Green Dragon Artist

Celtic Fairies, Fables, and Folklore! Bestselling author (top #100 Amazon Canada, #1 in Paranormal Fantasy, Amazon Canada) Christy Nicholas, also known as Green Dragon, is an author, artist and accountant. After she failed to become an airline pilot, she quit her ceaseless pursuit of careers that begin with 'A', and decided to concentrate on her writing. Since she has Project Completion Disorder, she is one of the few authors with NO unfinished novels. Christy has her hands in many crafts, including digital art, beaded jewelry, writing, and photography. In real life, she's a CPA, but having grown up with art all around her (her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are/were all artists), it sort of infected her, as it were. She wants to expose the incredible beauty in this world, hidden beneath the everyday grime of familiarity and habit, and share it with others. She uses characters out of time and places infused with magic and myth. Combine this love of beauty with a bit of financial sense and you get an art business. She does local art and craft shows, as well as sending her art to various science fiction conventions throughout the country and abroad. Facebook: www.facebook.com/greendragonauthor Homepage: www.greendragonartist.com Blog: www.greendragonartist.net Twitter: www.twitter.com/greendragon9