Where America and Europe divides

After Reykjavik and the hot springs, we ventured further north. Our first stop was Pingvellir National Park, where the shift in tetonic plates mark the divide between the continent of Europe and Northern America.



The movement of the plates clearly shown in the photo above and below, continues even today at a remarkable rate of 10cm a year! It is said that in years to come, Iceland will be divided into two.



Our next stop, the magnificent two-tiered Gulfoss waterfalls was certainly a testament to the power of nature - we could feel the blast from the falls even metres away! We wished however that the weather that day was sunnier with rainbows arching across the sky, instead it was gloomy and wet. Oh well - can't expect postcard-like weather everywhere we go.



We ended our trip by putting our newly acquired horse-riding skills into practise. We were to test our resolve against the legendary Icelandic horses, favoured by the all-conquering Viking warriors. Thankfully this image of a menacing, fiery steed soon dissolved when we saw the petite, lovable and (what turned out to be) good-natured horses.


We had an enjoyable ride across the volcanic landscape (except the bit where we encountered a painful hail storm later in the afternoon!) - a great end to the trip as we rode off into the sunset. As KL says," John Wayne would have been proud!"

Around Reykjavik

A view of Iceland's capital.



There are a lot of unique sculptures around the city centre, but this piece of a viking ship by Jon Gunnar Arnason is a favourite among tourists.



Hallgrimskirkja, the cathedral dominating the sky line of Rejkjavik.
Located at the front of the church is the statue of Leif Eiriksson, credited with the discovery of America.