Iceland Field Course - October 2005
The start of October half term saw 24 budding geographers set off to Iceland. At Keflavik we were greeted by Imgemar our guide, and Gisli, our very own Viking bus driver. No visit to Iceland would be complete without a dip in the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa rich in silica that you can slap on to improve your complexion! It was here that the “Ice, Ice Baby Tour” really began. Our hotel was in fact an Icelandic Horseriding centre, with its rooms named after wellloved horses.
Apart from experiencing so much physical geography first hand, including the geyser Strokkur erupting, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, The Mid Atlantic Ridge, and climbing onto the snout of the Solheimajokull glacier, we also took in some of the Icelandic culture. The legendary Skogar Folk Museum and its quirky owner at 94 years old, were not to be missed. Solihull School’s rendition of Icelandic hymns made us ache with laughter!
The incredible knowledge of our guide and driver could not be surpassed, and they certainly took us to sights off the beaten track that we will never forget, such as the rollercoaster drive across the glacial outwash plain to enable us to walk through the most incredible scenery!
Other memorable moments would have to include our daily visit to the geothermal swimming pools, staying up to see the Northern Lights; Ian Bousfield’s photo diary; Mr Covill’s confusion over lava and lager; and the hotel’s chef, although it would take more than a swig of grog to get me to eat the delicacy of raw rotten shark!
It was a great trip, with excellent company. Many thanks to Mrs Roll, Mrs Brown and Mr Covill for organising this trip which has given us so many fantastic experiences.
Julia Shelley and Mrs A C Roll