Summary
Introduction
One of the numerous delights of traveling to Iceland is the challenge of pronouncing Icelandic names, with the Eyjafjallajökull volcano being among the more intriguing examples.
First Encounter with the Northern Lights
My first experience with the Northern Lights was anything but spontaneous. Upon arriving in Iceland, I was located at the Blue Lagoon hotel. After a notably relaxing evening, I stepped outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Although my endeavor was rather casual, I held on to the hope of witnessing this natural marvel. Unfortunately, we were met with disappointment.
Second Attempt and Waiting
The following day, we ventured out again, staying outside for an extended period yet still failing to see the Northern Lights. Both nights offered crystal-clear skies filled with twinkling stars, but no aurora illuminated the landscape.
We made it a point to monitor the Northern Lights forecast, which indicated a potential chance on the third night.
The Fateful Third Night
The third night arrived with clouds lingering in the sky, leading me to doubt our chances. After several hours of anticipation, just as Lloyd suggested we should abandon our quest, I noticed a flicker in the sky. Initially, I hesitated to consider it a sign, having previously misinterpreted similar occurrences. However, that glimmer prompted me to leap from the car, set up my tripod, and soon after, the heavens illuminated spectacularly!
On this night, despite the cloud cover, the Northern Lights asserted their presence, creating a breathtaking display overhead!
Continuing the Journey
Ecstatic from our experience with the Northern Lights, we embarked on further exploration, discovering various sights including majestic waterfalls and the iconic Þingvellir National Park. The park is notable for being a key location in Iceland’s geological formation, showcasing sections of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where tectonic plates drift apart—a truly spectacular sight!
The Eyjafjallajökull Volcano
This drive also led us to the notorious Eyjafjallajökull volcano, recognized primarily for the significant ash cloud disruption it caused in 2010. Despite its difficult pronunciation, witnessing this geological marvel was a priority, especially since Lloyd had been stranded in the US due to the events surrounding the eruption.
Ultimately, he had to adjust his itinerary, adding stops in New York, Amsterdam, Paris, and Glasgow on his return to the UK from Washington.
While he expressed frustration regarding the inconveniences, the holiday photos surfacing from his adventures in those cities suggest otherwise.
Iceland undeniably stands out as an exceptional destination for a road trip—perhaps rivaling the captivating landscapes of the US and Canada.
