The Journey Begins: Aboard the Bus with Beggi and Eugene

The Golden Circle Afternoon Tour was a siren call I couldn’t resist. As someone who has spent years in the Arctic, the idea of exploring Iceland’s volcanic wonders was too enticing to pass up. The journey began with our guide, Beggi, and his driver, Eugene. Eugene’s skillful navigation through the winding roads and occasional sheep crossings made the six-hour bus ride a breeze. His calm demeanor and steady hands on the wheel were a testament to his expertise.

Beggi, on the other hand, was a revelation. His encyclopedic knowledge of Iceland’s history and culture was matched only by his passion for sharing it. As we traversed the rugged landscape, his stories painted vivid pictures of the land’s past, bringing to life the very ground we walked on. And then there was his voice—a melodic gift that resonated through the bus, leaving us all in awe. If he doesn’t have a band, he certainly should.

The Raw Beauty of Thingvellir and Gullfoss

Our first stop was Thingvellir National Park, a place where the earth’s tectonic plates meet in a dramatic display of nature’s power. The sun graced us with its presence, casting a warm glow over the landscape. As I stood at the overlook, the vastness of the valley below was both humbling and exhilarating. The paths were steep, but the weather was on our side, allowing us to explore further than I had anticipated.

Gullfoss, the mighty waterfall, was next. The roar of the water as it cascaded down the two-tiered falls was a symphony of nature’s raw power. I found myself drawn to the edge, mesmerized by the sheer force of the water. It was a reminder of the relentless energy that shapes our world, much like the glaciers I’ve studied in the polar regions. The beauty of Gullfoss was not just in its appearance but in its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.

Geysir and Strokkur: Nature’s Unpredictable Performance

The geothermal area of Geysir was our final destination, a place where the earth’s inner workings are laid bare for all to see. Strokkur, the active geyser, put on a show that left us all captivated. Every 7 to 10 minutes, it erupted with a force that was both thrilling and unpredictable. Each eruption was a reminder of the earth’s dynamic nature, a spectacle that never failed to draw gasps of amazement from the crowd.

As I stood there, watching Strokkur’s performance, I couldn’t help but reflect on the parallels between this place and the polar regions I know so well. Both are landscapes shaped by forces beyond our control, places where nature’s beauty and power are on full display. The Golden Circle Afternoon Tour was more than just a journey through Iceland’s volcanic wonders; it was a reminder of the awe-inspiring world we live in and the importance of preserving it for future generations.