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Scrapbook for
Iceland Circle Tour
July 13 - 22, 2006
Enjoy the picture journey and the WOW experience of tour members.
Click on any photo to enlarge.
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An island of dramatic contrasts, Iceland is a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. The Icelandic people combine a reverance for their Viking heritage and ancient language with an industrialized, progressive society. We discovered the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating "circle" journey.

Only a short flight across the Atlantic, the capital, Reykjavik. |

Of Luthern tradition, Hallgrimskirkja Church is the largest in Iceland. |

Hofor house - site of Reagan/Gorbachev summit of 1986 along waterfront. |

Along southern coast - hot houses heated year-round with thermal energy.
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| The ever present little Viking troll. |
The plateau around the Island's perimeters makes for good farming, especially for hay, cattle and horse production. Our visit to Herridaholl farm included a visit to the barn and refreshments. |
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| Majestic Skogafoss (falls) - walk behind the falls and hunt its hidden treasure. |
Dyrholaey nature reserves showing landscapes, seascapes and interesting frontier homesteads. Seabirds nest in the cliffs and crevices. Great bird watching.
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Colorful ground cover.

Sunday worship at the Luthern Church in Vik. |

A special service of christening the young child. |
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Massive glacier amidst a black sand desert - - an oxymoron.
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Enjoyed a beautiful boat tour in Jokulsarlon Lagoon where icebergs of blue and green tower above you.
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Eastern Iceland, known for its rocks - Petra Museum of stones amidst a large neat garden. |

Over the pass and ahead is basically rock scenery. |
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| Beauty among the rocks. |
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~ Our group ~
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Cliffs along the Arctic Ocean. |
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A great place for birds to nest.
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Dettifoss (falls), one of Iceland's most impressive.
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| Husavik, port town on the Arctic Ocean. |
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Heat and energy from geothermal sources at the Krafla Power Station. |

Namafjall lava pools and mudpots from underground geothermal sources.
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| Godafoss (falls) or waterfalls of the gods in this land of endless, but stunning waterfalls. |
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We are introduced to the famous Icelandic horses. |
We visit the Skagafjordur fjord, a valley and villages
filled with ancient legend, farm living - but mostly . . .
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| . . . Icelandic horses. |
Smooth ride, didn't spill a drop. |
Who gets the prize? A mug of what? |
Nancy!!
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Beautiful indeed.
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| Europe's most powerful hotspring. |
Passing through Kaldidalur Valley. |

Children's waterfalls and on to Thingvellir Park, full of lava rocks.
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| One more waterfalls, Golden Falls - lovely. |
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Thermal pools . . . and Iceland's "Old Faithful" geyser, Great Geysir.
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Our guide waits to take us for a restful soak in the famous Blue Lagoon.
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aah ....
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ooh!
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Our fascinating journey is ending; we have met these beautiful people who revere their ancient heritage and yet are becoming a progressive society. A visit beyond our greatest expectations.
TOUR MEMBERS SAID...
"Spectacular views of God's beauty each day - waterfalls, wild flowers, seeing Puffins and relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon. Liked it so much, I'd go again."
- Norma, PA
"Enjoyed the farm which served a snack of waffles; the waterfalls were awesome; the little hikes and seeing wild flowers was wonderful."
- Lois, PA
"The farm visits were special, got to see locals close-up. Great variety of native cuisine." - Dalton & Donna, KS
"Evening sit down dinners together helps summerize the day and bond the group. The group compostition and chemistry was excellent. A great trip. Thank you for careful and astute planning and leadership."
- Don, NM
"I'm impressed with their (Iceland's) handling of the environment - animal breeding program, keeping native stock, preventing importation of diseases and predators. The trip was well organized. Especially enjoyed visits to the farms and waterfalls."
- Ollie, OH
"I knew so little about Iceland that everything was interesting. I was glad for all the extra places we were shown not in the itinerary. Great variety. Good to see the pride the Icelanders have in their country."
- Jean, IN
"The glacial lagoon boat ride was special - it was so unusual."
- Martin & Mary Lee, VA
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