Drove to our furtherest Eastern point which was the Black Diamond Beach, about 90 minutes away. At different times, large pieces of ice wash down to the beach from the glaciers and, combined with the jet black sand, look like large diamonds scattered along the beach. Because of the rain, most of the ice had melted, but there was enough for us to get an idea of what it could look like. The combination of the dark sand and snow created some beautiful patterns - never seen such black sand before. The wind was howling and it was freezing!
We walked to a lagoon formed by the Jokulsarlon Glacier, where the movement of the ice has created some impressive formations. Even though the weather wasn't great, it cleared enough for us to be able to enjoy the vista of the freezing water, ice and snow covered mountains. We weren't even tempted to ignore the sign advising people not to swim!!
On our return journey, we walked part of a glacier trail along the edge of the Jokulsarlon Glacier. It is absolutely huge and the colours and formations are impressive. Seeing photos of how it has shrunk over time is pretty sobering though. Squally showers came through during our walk and we were pretty wet and cold by the time we got back to the car - nothing that couldn't be sorted by heated seats and warm air.
Ella had her first experience of driving a left hand drive car and managed really well. She found it tricky to judge road position but I find that difficult as a passenger!
More traffic on the road tonight and more people staying in the cottages around us. Guessing that things might be busier over the next few days as it will be the weekend.
Some interesting observations: we haven't seen any rubbish during our travels, hardly any of the rural houses have chimneys, most buildings have either red or green roofs, there don't appear to be any railway lines, drivers all seem to obey the speed limit and David is not a fan of Icelandic beer.
We walked to a lagoon formed by the Jokulsarlon Glacier, where the movement of the ice has created some impressive formations. Even though the weather wasn't great, it cleared enough for us to be able to enjoy the vista of the freezing water, ice and snow covered mountains. We weren't even tempted to ignore the sign advising people not to swim!!
On our return journey, we walked part of a glacier trail along the edge of the Jokulsarlon Glacier. It is absolutely huge and the colours and formations are impressive. Seeing photos of how it has shrunk over time is pretty sobering though. Squally showers came through during our walk and we were pretty wet and cold by the time we got back to the car - nothing that couldn't be sorted by heated seats and warm air.
Ella had her first experience of driving a left hand drive car and managed really well. She found it tricky to judge road position but I find that difficult as a passenger!
More traffic on the road tonight and more people staying in the cottages around us. Guessing that things might be busier over the next few days as it will be the weekend.
Some interesting observations: we haven't seen any rubbish during our travels, hardly any of the rural houses have chimneys, most buildings have either red or green roofs, there don't appear to be any railway lines, drivers all seem to obey the speed limit and David is not a fan of Icelandic beer.
1 comment:
Gorgeous photos - it feels like you are at the raw edge of the world I thought😊
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