Aug 29–Gullfoss and Hveradalir Thermal Area

We had a rare clear sunny day today and mind blowing scenery.

Our first stop was the very popular Gullfoss waterfall. We got there very early and the parking lot was almost empty. Early is not the best time to see it because the sun is at the wrong angle to light it properly.

There is a high viewpoint.

And then you can climb down some stairs and walk out the path shown above to get a closer look.

The river does a left turn to go over the first falls, then a right turn to go over the lower falls, then another left turn to continue on down a deep canyon.

A little farther along we could see two rainbows in the lower falls.

You could get right up to the edge of the upper falls.

And of course a photosphere.

Starting our climb back up we walked down the canyon a bit for he long view.

Back in the parking lot there were some serious off road tour buses

Then it was off back into the central highlands to visit Hveradalir Thermal Area high up in the mountains.

Only a bit was paved. Most was gravel. Some smooth sections would lull you into thinking you could go fast the bam, some pot holes and corrugation wold shake you up.

But the scenery was amazing.

Glaciers off in the distance.

A quick stop at the roadside Gygarfoss. We had to climb down for some closeups.

The photosphere.

Looking farther down the canyon.

Next was a viewpoint into a deep canyon.

The photosphere.

Continuing on our destination is in those volcanic mountains in the distance.

Getting closer.

I am really kicking myself for not taking more picture of the final climb but I had to concentrate on driving.

After parking there is a short flat walk before the stairs begin. We are in the snow now.

The photosphere.

Down the first set of slippery and muddy steps.

So many more.

Most of the hikes were steep climbs up and down the various mountains

We started on one called the 4 km short loop.

It was so steep and muddy that it quickly became no fun.

Looking down from part way up the stairs.

Looking across at the end of the loop.

Jennie left her mark.

This is as far as we went.

The photosphere.

We talked o someone that had done the loop in the other direction and they said the far side was narrow and treacherously slippery.

Down we go.

Then the long climb back to the car.

An amazing place but I had no idea it would be this tough to explore.

I had hoped to stay at the campground of the resort called Kerrlingfol but on checking it out there were very few spaces for campervans, you had to reserve and they were full. That meant the long drive back to civilization.

We drove to the campground in Thingvellir National Park.

On getting ready for the night I noticed that the bracket that holds the spare tire to the back door was broken and it was barely being held on. We are lucking we didn’t lose it.

I called the campervan company and they arranged an appointment with some one that could fix it , that was near our next destination. I took the tire off and somehow crammed it in the back of the van in the morning.