Iceland, Natural Wonders

 

 

We are standing only a few feet from water that is boiling at about one hundred degrees celsius.

Within a few minutes it shoots about thirty feet up in the air then crashes back into earth leaving a refreshing steam mist behind.

 

 

We are at Strokkur an active geyser that erupts about every five to ten minutes.

 

 

 

A Very Cool But Hot Erupting Geyser

 

 

Circling the rim of Blue Keio I hope it has no plans of erupting soon. With a hollowing wind blowing I enjoy more of Iceland's natural wonders as I peer hundreds of feet down into the almost perfect circular shape of this inactive volcano.  

 

   

Blue Keio Volcano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feeling more confident it will stay inactive, we descend into the crater and spend a few minutes relaxing by its tranquil waters. For us, it is almost like spending an afternoon at the beach.

 

 

Inside  Blue Keio Crater

 

More driving along the Golden Circle route and our next stop is at an important place in Iceland's history. In 930 AD this is where the first parliament met and the laws of the country were established.

 

 

The beauty here is awesome but it hides some of Iceland’s sad history that occurred here.

 

 

 

 

At Thingveillir many men were beheaded for murder or hanged for stealing.

 

 

Eighteen women were drowned in this pool for having children out of wedlock.

At the time this was considered as having “loose morals”.