Searching for Inspiration Iceland - Part 2

In this weeks blog I will be touching on my experience in the Golden Circle checking out some of Iceland's main beautiful attractions and sight seeing in Iceland's small towns!

"Great Geysers and Living Like Locals in Selfoss"

Night 2 - we woke up in a freeze, the heat still wasn't working and we had no blankets to keep up warm. All we could do is layer up and huddle to get through the night. It was sleepless with the other campers making noise all night and the northern lights burned into our brains giving wonder to what beauty lay next. We looked on the map to see what adventure we were to go on that day and decided to do the Golden Circle which could be done in a day or two. The Golden Circle is an off road to the main road of the whole country, Ring Road or N1 and offers some of Icelands most beautiful attractions. First stop the Great Gaysir (the Icelandic term for Geyser).

*Gaysir off the Golden Cicle

Gaysir is one of Iceland's oldest Geysers that is very active and goes off every ten to fifteen minutes giving a spectacular show blowing 30 ft into the air. Surrounded are smaller geysers that are less active geysers that smell strongly of sulfuric acid and is at boiling point or beyond. The warmth of the geysers kept myself and Jeff warm as we walked up the side of the mountain surrounded by cool air.

After we saw the geyser put on it's show we grew hungry and decided to stop at the shop located across from the geyser. There, they served a wide variety of gourmet Icelandic foods. This was our first chance to take a bite of Icelandic cuisine, so we ordered a bowl of fish soup and fish and chips. The soup was fantastic, creamy and full of flavor. It defrosted our frozen fingers and cold cheeks, we were even allowed to go up for seconds which we definitely did!

*fish and chips at Gaysir Cafe

After that we started to drive, we followed the map as we had no real plans for the day. We read before that there was a large waterfall not too far from the geyser, the waterfall was named Gullfoss. It was quite easy to find, there were so many people in the area.

*Gullfoss Waterfall

We began walking the path to the waterfall, it was pretty accessible with a clean path and stairs that will lead you and around the waterfall safely. Gullfoss was so massive, the water fell over the side of the cliff with such vigor that mist filled the air. The clouds hung in the sky but the sun peaked out just enough to cast yet another beautiful rainbow off the side of the cliff! It was a beautiful sight to see. After walking the whole path we packed up and head to our next destination to the nearest city Selfoss.

We didn't know what towns in Iceland were really like. We were in Reykjavik so briefly and it was mainly tourist shops. From what we read Selfoss was a major town in Iceland and not one of it's prettiest. It's main attraction was it's local swimming pool that was heated by geothermal power. We found the spot on a side street. It was a large building and was reminiscent of a recreation center.

When we entered the facility is was very clean and updated. Most of the patrons spoke their native language. It was not a tourist geothermal spa, but a hang out space for the locals to relax and let off some steam. I noticed while waiting in line to sign in, that members could enter by using eye recognition!

When we finally reached the front desk it was about $20US to enter and we were given the rules to enter. We were told that we had to take off our shoes before entering the locker room and that before we could swim he had to take off all of our clothes, completely naked and take a full shower head to toe. This was a little nerve racking to me as I am not all the way comfortable taking off my clothes in front of strangers but I wanted to be respectful to the rules of the facility.

Once I got over that mental block I met Jeff on the other side of the walls where the pool was, outside. It was cold outside, and a soft drizzle fell onto the pool but the geothermal heat kept the water warm. Steam danced above the water and two "hot pots" sit against the wall separate from the pool area. From what we read, hot pots were exclusive and a place to be social. One hot pot was filled with older folks talking and laughing both men and women they all seemed to know each other. The other one was quiet scattered with strangers going in and out.

The other side of the pool area was a lap area where students were practicing for a swim meet. On the other side was a large swirling slide and next to that was a steam room. The hot pots were so warm once we entered. We too sat in silence just observing the locals all having a good time and respecting one an other. There were people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Jeff and I talked about how there were so many misconceptions about Icelandic people. When you read about them or see them in movies you see a tall blonde modelesque person. But to our surprise everyone there was pretty average, so that help put some of our insecurities to rest.

After we enjoyed a couple hours of relaxation I was able to take a real shower, wash AND dry my hair which was so nice as the facility provided hair dryers. One of my concerns about camping was not being able to wash myself and my hair I get bad dandruff after a few days and my hair is very long. And if I was able to wash my hair, I wasn't able to dry it because of lack of electricity (and dryer) while camping and I didn't want to risk getting pneumonia on this trip.

Finally, after we swam and relaxed we set out to find camping. Right down the street was a small camping area, nothing too shabby but were able to lay our heads for the night and deal with yet another frosty night under the starry night sky in Selfoss.

In my next blog I will be talking about some of Iceland's hidden treasures off the beaten path. Our adventure included another massive waterfall, an abandoned airplane in the middle of a black sand desert, rainbows and volcanoes and giant glaciers hanging in the distance of our mountain camping. Stay tuned for my next blog!