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though, with permission, some farmers will allow ‘overnighting’<br />
for a fee - but it is essential, and etiquette demands, you get permission<br />
first. If you don’t camp, there are lovely hotels and inns at<br />
every juncture on the Ring Road.<br />
When hiking in Iceland you can cross glacier fields, even in<br />
summer, with Shangri- La vistas of enchanted valleys and spectacular<br />
mountain ranges, unworldly to Florida eyes. Rugged<br />
mountain trails can often lead to isolated crystal-cold pristine<br />
waterfalls, over ice caps, or through green lush, mountain meadows<br />
with views that stun. Nowhere on earth will you see volcanoes<br />
and the wild sea, thermal pools, and an almost bare lunar<br />
landscape just miles apart.<br />
On the south coast approximately 6 miles west of the town of<br />
Vik is Dyrholaey (deer-lay) on Ring Road. From the high plateau<br />
above the ocean you will find towering black basalt obelisks that<br />
have withstood the petulant sea.<br />
The cliffs at Dyrholaey are home to the colorful <strong>Atlantic</strong> Puffin<br />
- with luck you will see one waddle across the sea-sky and come<br />
to rest close by on the cliffs. The colorful top-heavy Puffin is too<br />
heavy to fly, but doesn’t know it. They feed on the rich sea life, doing<br />
their unique flying waddle as their gull cousins slash over the<br />
waves or sail high above the rugged cliffs.<br />
In Vik, just a short walk from the downtown shops and gas stations<br />
is the long and broad black, volcanic sand beach. Caution<br />
needs to be exercised here. The waves are unpredictable and have<br />
fatally latched on to a victim or two. There are wonderful short<br />
day and half-day hikes in the heights above Vik and its beach.<br />
The national park system in Iceland is breathtaking and something<br />
Icelanders are truly proud of. One of the largest National<br />
Parks in Europe is Vatnajokull National Park which was formed<br />
from two earlier parks to preserve an icecap. The hiking here is<br />
spectacular.<br />
Heading further around the Ring Road on the north coast is the<br />
city of Akureyri where whale watching tours can be arranged.<br />
While traveling the Ring Road, every few miles there is another<br />
scenic wonder. There are many scenic jewels and towns to visit as<br />
one makes the circuit around Iceland.<br />
Completing the Ring Road circle, you enter the capital, Reykjavik.The<br />
city is sophisticated and charming, easy to navigate with<br />
great restaurants and fine shopping. It has all the amenities of any<br />
capital in Europe without the congestion or pollution. It is a gem<br />
on this island nation.<br />
A solitary basalt column withstanding the shattering sea at Dyrholaey<br />
SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELING IN ICELAND<br />
Iceland is not sunny south Florida and there are essential words<br />
of caution for the traveler. Do not be lulled into complacency. The<br />
weather and other conditions in Iceland can be treacherous, but if<br />
you exercise caution your trip will be a once in a lifetime experience<br />
to a land of raw, untouched beauty.<br />
The wind of Iceland is dangerous an unpredictable. Weather<br />
conditions, even during the best of the summer months, can<br />
change with no warning and became treacherous. The velocity of<br />
the wind on a cliffside fjord can carry one off a cliff, and hypothermia<br />
at upper elevations can take a hiker’s life.<br />
Tourists from warmer climates need to be aware and take necessary<br />
precautions. Before setting out on a hike or trip always<br />
check the weather and road conditions. There is a nationwide<br />
emergency number in English (112) available 24 hours a day.<br />
There is also a weather phone number and website in English<br />
with on-going weather reports and alerts. When hiking, stay on<br />
designated paths - warning signs are sparse in the country and a<br />
fall while off trail can lead to an injury, or worse. It is easy to get<br />
lost and a night stranded in the mountains can be fatal. Always,<br />
hike with a partner, never alone.<br />
Vegetation grows slowly in Iceland and the environment in this<br />
sub-artic country is fragile. It takes many years to build up substantial<br />
growth and Icelanders are careful of it.<br />
There are many thermal pools in Iceland. Some are dangerous,<br />
often not marked as hazardous. The wrong thermal pool can severely<br />
burn.<br />
Respect the Icelandic ocean, it can pull you from the shore with<br />
a surprise killer wave that can sweep you into the unforgiving,<br />
freezing sea.<br />
When traveling in the outback, register your itinerary with<br />
SafeTravel.Is. If you become lost, rescue can be arranged. It is<br />
smart to let this service know where you are going.<br />
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and road washouts are Icelandic<br />
facts of life. Check road and safety conditions in the area you<br />
are traveling. Travel advisories are always on TV - also, check the<br />
website or call the weather number.<br />
If you follow these simple rules your summer travel to Iceland<br />
will bring you memories of a beautiful nation with open, warm<br />
friendly people, who live surrounded by the power and forces of<br />
nature. A declaration of their indomitable, Icelandic Viking spirit.<br />
COPYRIGHTED<br />
The dramatic coastline of East Iceland near sunset<br />
www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com | JUly july <strong>2023</strong> | 75
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