WATERFALLS IN ICELAND: A GIFT FROM NATURE
There was a proper spot for everything.Almost a year later, I still have vivid memories of what happened. The mist gently caresses my face as I take in the sights and sounds of a volcanic landscape untouched by humans and the noise of crashing waters. Iceland is icy, harsh, and otherworldly.
Our trusty steed would be a Suburu Legacy. In all honesty, it was a pile of garbage. The outside was a faded purple, and the engine backfired to wake you up. It still hadn’t let us down.
TRAVEL IN ICELAND
The previous three days have included excursions to the isolated Snaefellsnes Lighthouse, which stood out in bright orange against the bleak terrain, and the world-famous Geysir (a “geyser” to us Yankees), which spewed boiling water more than 200 feet into the air. Once thought to be a deathtrap, we now have complete faith in this automobile.
My travel companion, Jenna, and I were joined on this adventure by Vera and Jerry, two New Zealanders with whom we shared an Airbnb. Petrol was pricey, but we were grateful for the help of our fellow tourists and króna (the Icelandic currency).
We left our hotel in the early morning haze of Reykjavk, having packed the customary overabundance of clothing and bologna sandwiches.
Iceland is a beautiful country to visit. It’s not simply the beautiful views outside the window that will have your jaw dropped. Most famous sights are easily accessible without a map.
Leaving Reykjavk is the same whether you’re headed along the west coast, inland, or down the southern coast. Route 1 (also known as the “Ring Road”) is the most traveled roadway. Route 1 circles the entire island and serves as Iceland’s “national road” (is that a thing?).
The entire course is the subject of an annual bicycle race.Like us, you might be able to avoid the bulk of the crowds by visiting during the low season. Don’t fret; rest stops can be found every few kilometers. The locals in Iceland understand your motives.
SELJALANDSFOSS
We’ll start off at Seljalandsfoss.Try saying that word aloud for a bit. I can tell you that whatever you just said is incorrect.The simple greeting “Hello” (saell, pronounced “sight-l.”) took me several days to perfect.We lucked out in that English was widely spoken.
WATERFALLS IN ICELAND
About two hours from downtown Reykjavk, along the south coast, is the waterfall of Seljalandsfoss.It’s hard to miss, and it never refuses to pose for a picture.
Is it possible for a waterfall to have character?Seljalandsfoss would thereafter be the active youngster.The mist makes the sun shine brighter due to the reflections it creates.It’s hard not to want to rush up and embrace its plumes.
Thrill seekers pull out their smartphones and cheer as they witness the spray’s refraction of colors.The Seljalandsfoss waterfall had a good time while performing its best “Blue Steel.”
After lunch, we continued to explore the area around the waterfall.We all agreed that our profile photographs were great, so we moved on.But first, one more thorough inspection.To paraphrase, “I love you Seljy, I’ll visit again soon I promise!”
Southern Iceland’s shoreline has been degrading and retreating seaward for as long as anybody can remember. During this time, Mother Nature flexed her fingers and dug a fingernail into the edge of a cliff.
SKÓGAFOSS
The neighboring Skógá River had been holding its breath for this very moment.It was finally able to go back to its origin.It ran up the cliff and dove off the edge into the void. The ground itself let out a deafening roar.Skógafoss came into being.
Skógafoss is the wise old man to Seljalandsfoss’s innocent youngster.He has witnessed it all.In the scope of his life, people are nothing more than a fluttering leaf.He’s hardened up a lot now.Yet, to the polite visitor, he will reveal his secrets and genuine beauty, shooing away the fool who ventures too close to his wake.
Our little party drifts in silence as we approach the waterfall.Karaoke has gone on for quite some time.Skógafoss’s massive strength makes us feel like we’ve entered a sacred building.We’ve stopped close to the shrine.
Can we risk coming any closer? The pioneer is Jenna.A more powerful spray is emerging.The noise is amplifying.Behind a rock, she vanishes.We all pile in with her.There’s no going back now.There’s nothing for it but to go with the flow at this point. See clearly, feel completely!Our group enters quickly.
Over the din, a laugh can be heard. We’re successful!Skógafoss has come to trust us. We look to the side of the falls, drenched and relieved, and notice a set of stairs.We are inspired to hike by Skógafoss.
There is yet more to come, he yells.We’re in high spirits as we confidently ascend the many flights of stairs. Looking up into the bright white sky, it appears that we shall reach the very heights of the universe. Maybe we did; I can’t say for sure.
How do I put into words the sights we beheld?Nothing would convince anyone. Maybe it was like seeing a Mark Rothko for the first time. A dance by Martha Graham? What’s Mahler 8?They get really close, but we’re still the ones that create.The splendor before us came from somewhere we can’t even begin to fathom. The only acceptable reaction was awe.
