Day Two: Volcanoes, Glaciers, Waterfalls and the Northern Lights

Yesterday was a perfect day where everything played into our hands. One of the many highlights was a show from the Northern Lights, an event that got everyone excited!

The day started with a short drive to the most amazing of things: the service station. Here all of the students dutifully stocked up on crisps and fizzy drinks. Next we drove toward Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010 with infamous consequences. We visited one of the farms that had been evacuated during the ash fall and watched a documentary.

The weather remained kind as we drove further eastwards to one of the waterfalls, Skogafoss. Here we enjoyed 90 minutes of drinking in the views and chasing rainbows. Some of the students are taking the most amazing photographs and we ensured that they got a little exercise by climbing to the top of the 60m falls.

But the day was only half done. Next we headed to Sólheimajökull for a three hour adventure including a glacier walk in sublime conditions. There will be a few red faces this morning from the sun!

The final stop of the day was the black sand beaches, however the bitterly cold wind didn't keep us there for too long.  Our accommodation gave us the spectacular show from the Northern Lights.

In Mr Mcdowells' words: what a rubbish day!

Day One of Iceland 2016 - The land of Fire and Ice

Finally, after many months of waiting and planning, we arrived in Iceland.  Keflavik airport greeted us with a stiff breeze and temperatures of minus 2 degrees, but all of the students were well prepared.

Next we headed to Iceland's number one tourist destination: the Blue Lagoon. We spent a leisurely two hours floating around in the geothermal waters, relaxing after a morning of travelling.  All of the party took part in the obligatory face pack, sauna and massage by waterfall.

Finally it was an hour drive over to Hveragerði, a geothermal town where fruit and vegetables grow in greenhouses powered by the Earth's heat.  They say that they can't bury the dead here because of  the warm ground......

Hótel Örk looked after us with a big feed of pizza and chocolate cake. Our driver Peter is looking after us well and we will meet our guide this morning after breakfast. None of the students have opted for the pickled shark yet, but it's early days!

Today we head East for waterfalls and glacier walking.

Welcome to #PHSIce16

Welcome to the #PHSIce16 blog where we will be keeping you up to date with the activities as we tour the South East of Iceland.

Do ensure that you meet at 9:00am at the WOW Air check in desks which can be found in the South Terminal. Mr Rogers will be there from around 8am.

Also:

• Change your money before you go.
• Pack you swimming costume and towel in your carry on luggage.
• Bring money for lunch at Gatwick Airport.

Any questions email Mr Rogers or pop and see him!