18.02 This is Iceland as we walk and scramble up the mountain behind Lake Pingvallavatn.

A picture to set the scene above Lake Pingvallavatn.



Jenni coming down the mountain; geothermal activity strong in the area.




Sun makes a guest appearance; locals wonder what it is.



It sure takes getting used to—the weather, excessive light, constant winds and high prices. Don’t even
get us started on name and word pronunciations—we’ve given up on them. In the early hours of the morning, it
feels eerie. Firstly, light abounds although the sun has disappeared. The wind calms somewhat at that time
but the swaying of the trees and the rustling of the bushes makes us feel slightly uneasy. Fortunately, we
get over it quickly and return to bed and sleep.




A scene with much activity—the local power plant positioned over geothermal site.



Jenni absorbs the wondrous sight as the sun shines again.


Our landlady, who was with child when we arrived, is now with child in her arms rather than womb. Another good reason to drink a Diet Coke to wet the baby’s head rather than bed. We’re most grateful that she made it to the nursing home rather than ask us to assist. We’ve forgotten how to handle children and anyway, we much prefer dealing with grandchildren.



Commencing the scramble over rocks but also spongy ground cover.



Guest appearance as we return from a summit; try keep it to a single showing, if you please.
Notice the steaming activity on the barren hill behind.




Blue water, mountain, snow capped peaks, solid snow summit, low clouds and wild sky. Who's complaining?




If you're looking for a hot sulphur bath, block the nose and dive in...um maybe take a walk down.


When we woke to find a clearing in the clouds, we were excited. We collected our car and headed
on Highway 1N, in search of the Nesjavellir hike, always a bit of a challenge for us. Nevertheless,
we made it without incident to the trailhead but struggled at one stage to regain the trail. The distance
amounted to eight miles with a cumulative gain of about 2,400 feet. We covered interesting terrain including
hummocky moorland with rough and rocky fell side in between. What’s an extra couple of miles on a Sunday afternoon?



Editor feels the blues.




Something I said and the editor steams off.




Love the sun shining in the foreground; actually, take any sunshine we can get.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey