Comments on: A foray into earthquake country

By: idunn

idunn — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:42:15 +0000

First thought of the first picture (of green) was, sadly, of erosion. This perhaps due my understanding that unchecked soil erosion one of Iceland’s most pressing environmental issues. Also that some people and organizations have been attempting in various ways to reforest Iceland for decades. Would that they succeed, and within all the beauty of such a land vistas also include verdant forests of green.

By: alda

alda — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:17:45 +0000

Meagan – a small qualification, but oh-so important!

By: Meagan

Meagan — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:54:14 +0000

I suppose I should qualify “off road” by saying off PAVED road.

By: Rozanne

Rozanne — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:01:58 +0000

Fantastic photos, as always. So glad you got a chance to get out for some hiking.

By: alda

alda — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:16:17 +0000

Jessia – no, Keilir is not active as far as I know. If it were, I think we’d be a little more nervous of having it so close.

Meagan – I’m glad you didn’t do any offroad driving because it is strictly forbidden!! Anywhere in Iceland! Carries heavy fines! Destroys sensitive vegetation that can take decades to repair! DON’T DO IT!

Chris – yep, that’s the one.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:57:26 +0000

Among tourists this is probably one of the most underestimated areas in the capital region (like Hengill). I like this a lot – not far to drive and very nice.
Alexander: I think Alda probably drove on the road 428, which leaves from the main road (42) just after the gravel road begins and shortly after the gravel plant. The road goes through a valley between Kleifarvatn/Seltun/Krýsuvik and the road to the airport.

By: Meagan

Meagan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:42:43 +0000

I was on Reykjanes on Saturday too! (That is so exciting for this Canadian to say.) We found ourselves at the top of the Valahnúkur cliff and it was then that I remembered your posts about the earthquakes in that area, and had visions of the cliff just giving way. We aren’t able to do any off roading because we have a small sedan as our rental. But it was amazing and all I can say is that your country is SO AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL. I feel so lucky to be here right now.

And I can confirm, driving through the lava fields is like being on Mars. Or Mordor.

Thank you for this!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:53:20 +0000

Daft question: is Keilir still an active volcano? I read something ambiguous about it in one of those Iceland tourist guides this weekend that made me wonder. I know that whole area is still very active (geothermally speaking) which is kinda freaky considering the short distance to Hafnafjörður…

By: Elín

Elín — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:52:44 +0000

These photos are absolutely gorgeous! The first and third in this post especially look just like Kjarval paintings … I hope you and EPI have lots more adventures in the countryside this summer. It must be very therapeutic.

By: alda

alda — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:32:24 +0000

Alexander – I’m not sure which road you mean, but to get to this location you take a road that veers off the Krýsavíkur road, about 12 km before you get to Krýsuvík. But then you have to drive off that road a bit and hike a ways before you get to that exact spot.

And yes, absolutely, it is very much like another planet.