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Iceland 2013
by Jamie Bird S
eventeen 4th and 5th form
geographers, along with their
teachers Mr Bird and Miss Mann,
spent five glorious days in the Easter
holidays visiting and exploring the
beautiful country of Iceland. The trip
incorporated a whole host of geological
features and Icelandic culture.
The jam-packed days included visits to
Reykjavik, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in
Thingvellir National Park, the 'Great
Geysir' Strokkur as well as the majestic
waterfall at Gullfoss, which has most
recently been seen in Ridley Scott's sci-fi
film, Prometheus.
There were also walks into the Icelandic
wilderness of Thorsmork Valley in which
the Myrdalsjokul Glacier and ice cap
could be clearly seen. Braided rivers,
clear running streams and a landscape
full of snowy peaks and glaciers were
enjoyed by all. There was also a visit to
the Skogar Folk Museum to gain an
understanding of Icelandic heritage. The
93-year old owner and curator was
especially keen to show off his
accumulation of oddities!
On the penultimate day, the group was
led by their superb guide Arni, up and
across the snout of the Gigjokull Glacier -
one of the many highlights of the trip.
Pupils also saw the sea stacks of
Reynisdrangur, visited the pungent
Krysuvik Geothermal field and saw the
spectacular Northern Lights on the final
night of their stay. The visit was
completed with a dip in the infamous
Blue Lagoon with its geothermally heated
mineral-rich waters!
The Iceland 2013 geographers
visiting a canyon at Thorsmork