Flight From Reykavik to Akureyi

Beautiful sunrise for our flight to Akureyi yesterday morning but we ran into cloud as we approached the north. Bit apprehensive about landing on iced runway but no problem - obviously well practised.

Myvatn Pseudocraters

 Friday 28th February. We arrived at Myvatn in a blizzard but decided to have a walk to the pseudocraters. They are formed by steam explosions as flowing hot lava crosses over a wet surface, such as a swamp, a lake, or a pond. The explosive gases break through the lava surface and builds up crater-like forms which can appear very similar to real volcanic craters.  They were preparing for husky racing over the weekend.
I am looking forward to working on  these images and printing them - the subtle colouring and structures are difficult to portray digitally.

Akureyi in the Rain

• We spent an hour or so in Akureyi on Friday. It was raining so we sheltered for a time inside the Cultural Centre (large building at top of first photo). The building's design represents iceland's natural features. Externally, the building is clad with rods and bars of a special variety of Icelandic granite called Studlaberg. The building's interior represents a ravine between rock walls. Openings in the rock walls provide access to the cultural functions: a concert hall with room for 600 spectators, a multi-purpose hall, and a sculpture courtyard.
• We then visited the Church. This is a Lutheran church and was designed by architect Gudjon Samuelsson and consecrated in 1940. It was thought the the central stained glass window above the altar formed a part of a set which was destroyed in an air raid on Coventry Cathedral in England but this is now disputed. There is a large 3200-pipe organ, a unique interpretation of the crucifixion.

Godafoss

Friday 28th February. We visited Godafoss on the way from Akureyi to Myvatn where we were to stay for 3 nights. The light was very poor and, because of the snowy conditions, we couldn't walk down to the foot of the waterfall. However, the dull conditions allowed some slow shutterspeed work on the water and the blue glacial water really stands out from the overall grey. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters. 

The name derives from the legend where  the Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that he threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall.

Svartsengi Power Station Iceland

The aurora images in yesterday's blog were taken from the Northern Lights Hotel at Grindavik. The hotel is situated right next to the Svartsengi Power Station. This is a geothermal power station producing power and pumping hot water. Surplus mineral-rich water from the plant fills up the Blue Lagoon, a popular bathing resort.

Northern Lights Iceland

 Just over 2 hours after arriving at our hotel near Keflavik, the display started while there was still some residual light in the sky. Retired to bed 3 hours later with the display still there and changing. Here are a selection grabbed from the many. It was the best display seen by our guide this winter. I particularly like the Angel of the North flapping her wings.

Paxton Pits Flight Photos

 Taken last week on a very windy day at Paxton. Not many Herons braving the wind but the Cormorant and the Goosanders were moving around the pits