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On the Move

A collection of my travel and photography blogs

Off roading and the Blue Lagoon

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nancywcaldwell

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Off roading and the Blue Lagoon
Group cake

Our final day on Ísland began deliciously. We dropped in on Almar Bakari which runs on geothermal energy, another way Ísland is making the most of its natural resources. The group photo on the top of the cake was a nice touch though I felt badly munching Sam’s face…..

Then it was time for more serious stuff. Björgunarsveit Reykjavik search & rescue is a non-governmental agency supported entirely by donations and money raised selling fireworks for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Apparently Íslanders really like their fireworks!

A model of the 1931 rescue set-up. Click on the photo to get a larger view of the rescue set-up.

Since 1930 Björgunarsveit Reykjavik has rescued 250 sailors; sadly 27 have died. In 1931 a ship with 25 sailors aboard floundered off the coast. Björgunarsveit Reykjavik shot a line to the ship and secured other lines that ran a bucket that could bring two people to shore at a time. Everyone survived with this rescue.

We suited up and went out to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula on ATVs. It was great fun if a little tame, following the ATV in front and not venturing off the path set by the leader. I drove for the first half of the excursion with Kathy as my passenger; Kathy took over for the second half. The acceleration lever was very sensitive to pressure at low speeds, and I provided Kathy with quite a jerky ride from time time time. It was like learning to start in first gear with a standard transmission!

Kathy gamely holding on
This landscape may be why we were told not to go rogue!
Can you identify me in this photo?

Following our rigorous ATV experience, a little R&R was in order. We headed to the Blue Lagoon, a constructed lagoon fed by the outwater of a nearby geothermal power station. The water is rich in silica and sulfur and is said to be good for the skin. The temperature varies from 37-39° C (99-102° F).

The Blue Lagoon

I did not go in the Blue Lagoon. Having no skin problems and not particularly being the hot wet socializing communal naked showering type, I declined. Besides, Hlynur told us no Íslanders go to the Blue Lagoon – probably too crowded – and when in Ísland …

Foilowing our farewell dinner in Reykjavik, Karen who is a choir mistress in Newton, MA and her partner Diane entertained us with bespoke musical numbers. Some of the jokes are in-jokes, but I’m sure if you have been folllowing this blog that you will appreciate most of them.

And hats off to Shelley and Mike who gathered this excellent group for this fabulous experience!

 

9 responses to “Off roading and the Blue Lagoon”

  1. Sheila Avatar
    Sheila

    Absolutely fascinating! I love reading your blogs Nancy.
    Do I dare ask …. where to next?
    I’m ready!

    Like

    Reply
    1. nancywcaldwell Avatar
      nancywcaldwell

      Thanks Sheila! What’s next? Some little things. The Reno hot air balloon fest in early September, a quick trip to Whitehorse in mid-October to shoot the northern lights. I don’t think I’ll blog as the trips are short, but perhaps I’ll post some photos.

      Like

      Reply
      1. Sheila Avatar
        Sheila

        Ah…….photos are good – nudge nudge

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Helen Hesse Avatar
    Helen Hesse

    Love the songs. What a fitting farewell. This trip has flown by. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Like

    Reply
    1. nancywcaldwell Avatar
      nancywcaldwell

      Thanks Helen! We loved the songs too. I’m glad you enjoyed the blog.

      Like

      Reply
  3. Tracey Avatar
    Tracey

    I think you travelled with a fun bunch this time Nancy!

    Like

    Reply
    1. nancywcaldwell Avatar
      nancywcaldwell

      I did indeed. That’s what you get when the whole group is hand picked!

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      Reply
  4. poppyagnew Avatar
    poppyagnew

    Nancy, you are a sparkling diamond among pebbles! Thank you for your wonderful posts.
    Lawrence, Lorenzo, Larry

    Like

    Reply
    1. nancywcaldwell Avatar
      nancywcaldwell

      Lorenzo, what a lovely comment! Thank you so much. You and Debby make excellent travel companions! I hope we will meet again.

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Group cake

Our final day on Ísland began deliciously. We dropped in on Almar Bakari which runs on geothermal energy, another way Ísland is making the most of its natural resources. The group photo on the top of the cake was a nice touch though I felt badly munching Sam’s face…..

Then it was time for more serious stuff. Björgunarsveit Reykjavik search & rescue is a non-governmental agency supported entirely by donations and money raised selling fireworks for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Apparently Íslanders really like their fireworks!

A model of the 1931 rescue set-up. Click on the photo to get a larger view of the rescue set-up.

Since 1930 Björgunarsveit Reykjavik has rescued 250 sailors; sadly 27 have died. In 1931 a ship with 25 sailors aboard floundered off the coast. Björgunarsveit Reykjavik shot a line to the ship and secured other lines that ran a bucket that could bring two people to shore at a time. Everyone survived with this rescue.

We suited up and went out to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula on ATVs. It was great fun if a little tame, following the ATV in front and not venturing off the path set by the leader. I drove for the first half of the excursion with Kathy as my passenger; Kathy took over for the second half. The acceleration lever was very sensitive to pressure at low speeds, and I provided Kathy with quite a jerky ride from time time time. It was like learning to start in first gear with a standard transmission!

Kathy gamely holding on
This landscape may be why we were told not to go rogue!
Can you identify me in this photo?

Following our rigorous ATV experience, a little R&R was in order. We headed to the Blue Lagoon, a constructed lagoon fed by the outwater of a nearby geothermal power station. The water is rich in silica and sulfur and is said to be good for the skin. The temperature varies from 37-39° C (99-102° F).

The Blue Lagoon

I did not go in the Blue Lagoon. Having no skin problems and not particularly being the hot wet socializing communal naked showering type, I declined. Besides, Hlynur told us no Íslanders go to the Blue Lagoon – probably too crowded – and when in Ísland …

Foilowing our farewell dinner in Reykjavik, Karen who is a choir mistress in Newton, MA and her partner Diane entertained us with bespoke musical numbers. Some of the jokes are in-jokes, but I’m sure if you have been folllowing this blog that you will appreciate most of them.

And hats off to Shelley and Mike who gathered this excellent group for this fabulous experience!