Geography Trip to Iceland
A group of forty-two intrepid Fifth Form students headed for Iceland with the Geography Department team on the very first day of the Easter break. Anticipating cold and rainy weather, aside from a rain shower to greet us on arrival, we were treated to sunshine and consequently very little snow lying on the ground to create those all important snowballs.
The first day saw us access the now evacuated fishing village of Grindavík on the Southern Penninsula. Close to the site of the Sundhnúkur volcano, which briefly erupted a few days before, we were lucky to spend time on three recently cooled lava flow. We then headed for the bridge across the continents where tectonic activity increases the gap between two sections of crust by 3cm a year. The bridge is built to accommodate this movement and proved to be a perfect place to appreciate the impressive dynamism of this particular part of Iceland.
The second day saw us visit the sights of the famous Golden Triangle. Starting at the impressive double waterfall of Gullfoss, we then headed to the always entertaining Geysir. Finishing at the Þingvellir National Park, we witnessed the enormity of the continental rift and envied the people who had the opportunity to swim in the freshwater rifts with their crystal clear glacial water. The day itself ended for some with a trip into Reykjavik shopping whilst others “relaxed” in the municipal thermal pools near the hotel.
Day three saw us head back towards the Golden triangle to enjoy a Superjeep adventure down the post-glacial river valley of Þórsmörk. Getting up close and personal to our first glacier, we saw the awesome erosive power of the glacial water melted by the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption in 2010, as well as the retreat caused by global warming. Two longer walks also saw the group ford streams and see some fabulous Game of Thrones’ dragons lairs. The tour ended getting drenched behind the towering Seljalandsfoss. Unsurprisingly everyone headed back to the municipal pool for an evening swim with the local.
Our final sightseeing day led us to the southern fishing village of Vik and the stunning black sand beach with its’ towering columnar basalt. A visit to the Solheimajokill glacier allowed all to throw the rocks they had been unable to do at the beach due to the dangers of strong currents and freak waves. We also got up close and personal with the enormous glacier and its impressive black find of ice and glacial ash. The day ended with a competitive quiz before an early night. The final day started just after 1:30am but we were home by 3:00pm, happy, relaxed if not a little fatigued.
With thanks to Miss Swift, Miss Diver and Mr Farnfield for their outstanding support and all students for being such exemplary travellers.