One particularly special experience for everyone was snorkelling between the North American and Eurasian plates in the Thingvellir Lake . The water in the lake is glacier meltwater that has been filtered through rock for 50 years . This results in water with such clarity that we could see for 150 metres . The sheer rocky walls of the two plates are separated by a narrow channel of water that fell endlessly below us – a mesmerising , other-worldly experience .
Everywhere we went , including the Skalinn Centre – our base for the week – we were given an extremely warm Icelandic welcome . We also had the opportunity to try some of the local food delicacies which was quite the experience !
A special thank you to the teachers who took the time to take us on this incredible , unforgettable trip .
Harry House , Year 10
The phrase ‘ there ’ s nowhere else like it ’ is so overused , but is truly said of Iceland . The vastly different landscape – full of waterfalls , volcanoes , glaciers and wide , wide , open spaces – inspired the Lower Sixth geographers over the Easter break .
A topographical and geological tour of the north west from Reykjavik to Akureyri via Húsavík had stunning waterfalls ( Dettifoss and Hraunfossar ) and amazing coastlines but alas , no whales to watch . However the waterslide , Eurovision museum and the largest pizza order ( 34 ) since pre-Covid times ensures Húsavík will live on in our memories . The short return flight to Reykjavik brought us back to the popular Golden Circle sites of Gulfoss , Geysir and Thingvellir .
We scaled the Sólheimajökull glacier , scrambled up smoking craters , watched for whales , sank into hot springs , gazed at molten lava , strutted on black sand , snorkelled in the crystal clear waters between the North American and Eurasian plates and supplied the supporting cast of 25 for a proposal at the Secret Waterfall .
A heartfelt thanks to Miss Harris , Mr Willis and Mr Woodroofe for their expert teaching , guided revision and extreme patience .
Katie Willis , Lower Sixth
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