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

Snowdrops at Chippenham Park

We visited Chippenham Park yesterday, and the display of snowdrops was better than ever. If you have never been, it is worth a visit; the gardens are open every Sunday in March as the daffodils take over from the snowdrops.

St Ives in Infrared

We visited St Ives on Saturday for the Interprint Competition and also to spend the afternoon photographing around the town. For those who wanted a bit of direction, we had a phototrail with 6 tasks to complete. I had a go but certainly didn't get a satisfactory image for each of the categories. I was using infrared camera which gives pleasing clarity to the shots.

  (1) A picture of or from Chapel Bridge suitable for a Tourist Guide to St Ives

(2) People enjoying their Saturday on Town Quay or in the town

(3) Oliver Cromwell and/or his view of St Ives

(4) All Saints’ Parish Church or Churchyard in Church Street

(5) The Great Ouse

(6) Shopping in St Ives

Paxton Pits Birdlife

 windy day at Paxton but the birds were not put off coming to the feeders - nice variety including male and female Reed Buntings.