Magical Mystery Tour

This was our favorite day in the north of Iceland, with mostly sunny skies and more importantly, the companionship, laughter, and comfortable transportation (not in the car above) provided by our friends Agnes and Berglind.

It began with a look back at their wonderful small city, Akureyri (population about 17,600), which is rich in interesting things to do, cultural opportunities, and good food. Our first stop was Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), one of the most beautiful of the estimated 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. In the year 1000, the chieftain of that district and Lawspeaker of the Althing was entrusted with the task of deciding whether Icelanders should adopt the Christian faith. After his decision was formally accepted, he went home and threw his statues of pagan gods into this waterfall, which is said to derive its name from this event.

Our next stop, at Dettifoss, said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe, was quite a contrast to the relative tranquility of Goðafoss. I found myself unable to go down to the lower level, right in front of the waterfall, where Agnes, Phil, and Berglind were taking photos -- the sound and energy of that waterfall was too overwhelming, with 500 cubic meters (17,700 cubic feet) of water tumbling over its edge every second.

The detail of this bright lichen on a volcanic rock was more my speed, but most of all, it was the endless interplay of land, light, and clouds that touched my heart -- see here, here, and here -- and the pleasure of sharing these wonders with our Icelandic friends.

(Note: the road in today's blip is the Ring Road that goes around the perimeter of Iceland, one lane in each direction.)

(This will take you to the set that includes those linked above and a few others, if you'd prefer to see them all at once.)