Final Day

Hallgrimskirsja is probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in Reykjavik.  Sitting atop a hill, the soaring church can be seen from many points in the city.  It looked like a space shuttle to me, but I'm told the pillars on the sides represents the basalt rock formations found in the country.  Clocks adorn the four sides at the top of the tower where tourists can look out over the city.  We were there before sunrise and got to watch the city take on a golden glow with the rising sun.  The church itself is Lutheran which is the most common religion in Iceland.

We were turned loose to look around the city and also pick 7 photos to present at our final critique.  By this point in the trip we are expected to have upped our game, with our lighting and composition forming a better photo than at the start of the trip.  Although Ira did it in a kind way, he spared no one in giving suggestions on what would have made a better photo.  Everyone took it well and I think all felt it was offered in a positive manner.

We had a couple of hours before our final gathering which many used to shop or pack.  Liza gathers our strongest images for a slideshow of our week's work. Set to music, it's a great way to wrap up the week. We really have improved and our photos present a strong essay of our week.  Everyone shared lessons learned and thank you's were offered to Liza and Ira for shepherding us through the trip.

Our final dinner was at the Hilton.  It's surprising how complete strangers become friends in the course of a week.  Many of us will find ourselves on other Liza/Ira tours in the future.  It's a great experience to be able to share our love of photography with others that are equally enthusiastic.  

Tomorrow: One last adventure and several good-byes

The Golden Circle

We started off the day with a critique session before boarding our bus one final time to drive The Golden Circle.  Our first stop was at 
Stokkur which is a national park with a winding rock walled path that leads to a pleasant, if not spectacular, waterfall.  Another path takes you over a meandering river with more photo opportunities. We re-boarded our bus for our final waterfall of the trip.

I think one of our favorite stops was getting to pet the Icelandic horses.  We got another opportunity to interact with a larger herd today.  They are so friendly and photogenic.

Our next stop was Thingvillir where hot steam escapes the earth from a rock field of vents.  This eerie scene also includes a geysir that erupts every few minutes to the onlookers' delight.  Right before blowing, a giant bubble forms over the opening,  the water shoots high into the air and then repeats the cycle.

Gullfoss is a spectacular waterfall which you can view from both above and below.  It is very wide at the top and drapes over several tiers of rocks before reaching the bottom.  The force of the water creates a gentle roar.  The mist was banded by a rainbow when we arrived which gave way to a glow from the setting sun.  Ice on the paths made walking a little tricky but manageable.  We finished the stop at the bottom awed by is force of nature.

Although our full day left us tired, several of us dined at Epotek as a final meal before our farewell dinner on Saturday.  With offerings of small plates as well as full meals everyone found something to their liking.  Ira called at the end of the meal to let us know the Northern Lights were visible.  Some went to the church to shoot while others of us went to the lake.  The ambient light from the city made this a more difficult shoot, but those who tried were rewarded with pictures.

Tomorrow: Around Reykjavik 

A Stunning Beach at Sunrise

With sunrise somewhere south of 9 am, we had time for breakfast before packing up.  We could not have asked for a better morning with clear skies and calm winds.  We each picked our spot to watch the sun rise over the icy bay.  Ice formed around the black rocks that lined the shore while ice floated on the water.  Snow capped mountains caught the morning light.  We all shot in silence soaking in this magical place.  Liza had to drag us away as the sun broke over the mountains.  I think we could have easily spent many contemplative hours on this deserted bay.

We had many hours of driving ahead of us and we got to experience the ever changing weather first hand.  From sun to rain to sleet back to sun we saw it all.  We made a quick lunch stop and also a stop to take photos at another waterfall off the road.

Our late afternoon destination, The Blue Lagoon, was strictly for pleasure with the man made pool enticing us to lounge in hot tub temperature water.  A swim up bar serves wine, beer and fruit smoothes.  Everyone applied a layer of white mud to their faces as a beauty treatment followed by a moisturizing mask.  While not a natural geothermal pool, it was very welcomed by this group of road weary travelers.

A late arrival a the Hotel Holt left some ordering room service while others of us went in search of a bite before retiring.  Susan and I found a charming Italian restaurant, Primo, where we split a main course.  The food has been surprisingly good in Iceland with fish, lamb and beef offered almost every place we stopped.  

Tomorrow: The Golden Circle

Black Lava Beaches and a wrecked Plane to boot

This morning we started with our second critique.  Today, Ira was a little less gentle with us, pointing out the small details that can make or break a photo.  Everyone was receptive to the pointers and hopefully gained the knowledge they seek on a trip such as this.

After checking out of the hotel, we headed to a spot near Reynisfjara beach where an American Navy DC 3 landed thinking they were having mechanical issues.  This turned out to be false, but the beach landing caused enough damage that it ended up being its final resting place.  We made a brief stop to photograph the now decaying plane. 

A short distance away is Reynisfjara black lava beach.  The black sand is thick and serves as a backdrop to the crashing waves of the ocean.  Basalt formations rise from the beach in layered columns most likely formed by volcanic activity also forming caves along the coast line.  It’s easy to see how people are killed here every year by the strong tides.  

After lunch in Vik, we headed out for the Jokulseron ice lagoon.  Old amphibious vehicles (like the Ducks in Seattle and Boston) took us out into the harbor to cruise around large icebergs floating in the sea.  As we found in Antarctica, the ice takes on different shapes and sizes as it floats and ages.  Some were covered in black but all very stunning.  We were allowed time to photograph the lagoon until dark.

Our lodging for the night was The Hali Country House.  While simpler than the Ranga, the accommodations were quite nice as was the restaurant in the hotel's main building.  We tried to find Northern Lights with no success.  Off to bed for a sunrise shoot in the morning.

Tomorrow: Sunrise at the Ice Lagoons