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
I am an artist, accountant and author living in western New York, transplanted from Denmark, Michigan, Florida, West Virginia, Pennsylvania (in that order!) I love the beauty of the world and sharing it with others through jewelry, photography, digital painting and writing.
Prometheus unbound (Shelly, you could’ve packed it for some light reading)
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘Light’ reading, he says
LikeLike