Iceland 2

Here are a  few more images from the two Iceland PTAW's (Photo Tours and Workshops).  We visited some wonderful geothermal areas in the Reykjanes peninsula as well as massive lava fiels and valleys.  This section of Iceland is like a lunar landscape.  The ocean's might and the winds are a real indication of why this region is abundantly populated with shipwrecks.  There are more lighthouses in this region than there are villages.  The famous Blue Lagoon and spa is situated here as are some massive geothermal power plants.While visiting this lava field above we were pounded by a hail storm - that hurt.It is here that the North American and European tectonic plates in the Earth’s crust are as clear as can be. At Þingvellir: the plates diverge about 1 inch per year. However the gap is refilled as volcanoes have been erupting on a regular basis.This overlook ridge is host to a magnificent  waterfall.  Getting to the base of this fall was most difficult as the path was sheet of ice.  The second workshop group was unable to get here as it became far worse of a hike the following week.The famous Blue Lagoon and the Power Plants are wonderful photo opportunities at night.This coloration is a result of the sulphur in the air.  In some cases the color becomes greenish as in the image below.The next two images are from the geo thermal areas of the peninsula.Glorious colors are abundant around the mud pots and hot springs.  Considering that more than 3/4 of Iceland is barren, the barren beauty is breathtaking.

More to come