Natural Images by Sally Vennel: LAST DAY OF 3 DAY TOUR

The last day we were picked up from our hotel by bus, (thankfully) and driven to the Thingvallir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Rift Valley. The park marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Though the ridge extended from the Artic to the Antartic, Iceland is the only place where it is above land and can be seen.

The Park besides being of such Geological importance is also of great cultural and historical importance. It was founded in 1930 marking the 1000th Anniversary of the Althing, the national parliament of Iceland, which was established at the site in 930 AD.

To the south lies the Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland

The gravel path down the Almannagja Fault extended all the way to the top until 2011 when on March 31st a hole appeared in the middle of the path. After investigation a larger and deeper fault was discovered almost 10 meters deep. The hole was probably caused when a large boulder and layer of rocks and gravel fell deeper into the crevice loosened by the 2000 and 2008 earthquakes. The decision to build a wooden footbridge on top of the rift was, I thought a good one.

As we continued to descend to the gravel path I was glad to not know that story yet.

Green grass took over, and moss and vegetation began to appear on the rock walls. This, I assume was the area where the council set up their temporary dwellings with walls of turf and rock and roofing of homespun cloth, though little if any trace remained.

However, the wildflowers were beautiful, and we saw trees appearing now and then.

In the Colorado mountains these beautiful flowers were called Blue Flax, I don't know what they

were called in Iceland.

As others were taking photos, as was I, I read sign with information about the later uses of this area.

The assembly of Thingvellir (the Alpingi} was Iceland's legislative and chief judicial authority until 1271 when clashes between chieftains families resulted in Iceland becoming under Norwegian and later Danish rulers.

Over the years the Icelanders gathered here to celebrate their most important festivals. On June 17, 1944, Icelanders flocked to Thingvellir for the foundation of the modern republic of Iceland, which had been delayed due to occupation during World War II.

These beautiful waters were became in ancients times a place of execution, especially for women who were drown here.

But, all that aside. what a beautiful spot!

The water goes on, under a natural bridge to join the stream below.

On our way back to Reykjavik we stopped at the Blue Lagoon for a wonderful lunch in the main dining room. On the way in I couldn't resist these lovely flowers growing in the lava rocks.

And this last look at the famous "Blue Lagoon".

On our way to our hotel in Reykjavik we were able to see the Oxararfoss Waterfall pouring off the

the top of the Rift where the Thingvellir N.P. was located.

With very full stomachs we were driven to the center of town to meet our charming young guide at the National Theater for a walking tour, in the rain of course, and "tastes of Iceland".

Our first stop was to try a variety of local beer,
followed by a large bowl of delicious soup
and wonderful fresh bread. I felt bad eating
and drinking so little, but---!

Walking along the street I just had to snap a photo of these Puffins because I backed out of the tour, regretfully, to "Bird Island" nesting place of thousands of these interesting creatures.

The shops and cafes were colorful,

And decorated with local motifs.

This Artic Fox was a beauty, but I would rather have seen him it the wild rather than a window.

If anyone can read this, please let me know. To me the Icelandic language is beyond my comprehension.

Next our lovely guide took us to this shop an offered us a selection of local cheeses and meats.
I didn't want to know what some of those were. Horse, for one, I am sure.