Day Four: The Golden Circle

As the wind howled across the Icelandic plains, it was time for the fourth day. We first headed to the Secret Lagoon, a swimming pool fed by natural springs. It was first used in the 1800's and had recently been reopened to the public.  It was a great way to wake up with the outside temperature hovering around 3 degrees. It was a contrast to the Blue Lagoon and we had great fun attempting to stay inside the hottest areas of the pool, which is also fed by a geyser.

Next it was off on the most popular tourist route in Iceland: the Golden Circle.  This took in Gulfoss, a massive waterfall; Geyser with it's erupting hot springs and Thingvellir National Park where the European and North American continental plates meet.  We made sure that there was time for ice cream too!

Then we headed to the country's capital: Reykjavik for a posh meal and a walk along the harbour at sunset.

Day Three - Coasts, Missile Carrier and Waterfalls

Yesterday was another stunning day in Iceland. We started bright and early and headed to Dyrholaey headland. Let's just say we enjoyed some strong headwinds!  After the students had acclimatised we headed to meet our ten wheel drive truck and headed up the Thórsmörk valley. This is where Eyjafjallajökull's glacial outburst flood caused havoc in 2010, destroying glaciers and changing the landscape forever.

We had a great time exploring some of the canyons and having snow ball fights.

The final stop of the day was Seljalandsfoss, a gorgeous waterfall that wriggles over a high basalt cliff.  We all got to walk behind this (with the Year 11 Geographers getting some much needed revision) before heading to our over night stay at Vatnsholt farm where we got to meet the Arctic Foxes and other animals.

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!