Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice

Vegetation

Most vegetation is low growing, spreading to get a better grip in the thin soil in bogs,

marshland and the upland tundra. Everywhere present is the introduced lupin.

   
Moss campion                                                                                     Gentian

   
Stonecrop                                                                                    Lupin

   
Orchid                                                                           Butterwort

 

Lava flows are covered with velvety green mosses and grey-green lichen.

   
Moss and lichen taking over

 

Only 25% of the land is considered to be suitable for cultivation, the major crop being hay.

   
Cultivated land                                                                           Old farm house

   
Rugged coastline

 

Hiking

 
Opportunities for hikes are numerous, from hour long strolls to wilderness treks. We selected several day hikes throughout our tour. However, unpredictable weather always had to be a consideration. Rain, fog, cool temperatures, misty clouds and wind all required us to be always prepared.

Serious fog!

The 4 of us agreed it was a good day to turn around and go back to the hotel!

   

Along the trail

Skaftafellsjokull toe

Lunch stop

   
Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles) Lava Field

Hiking in the wasteland

Joyce is really a kid at heart   Click Here to see video

Mammals & Marine Life

 

The only indigenous land mammal is the Artic fox. Introduced reindeer do live in the highlands in the east.

We did not sight either although we did see numerous small groups of sheep and ponies and massive colonies 

of puffin, nesting Artic terns, gulls, kittiwakes, ducks, whooping swans and a few divers (loons)and whimbrel.

   
Puffin                                                                                Iceland ponies

Free range sheep

Food 

The mammal and marine life was represented by our excellent choice of fish and lamb for supper.

   

Supper

 

 

Goodbye to Iceland

 

Alan, Joyce, Carolyn, Jim  

Return to HOME page