Iceland

[Phil Lilley]

OK... I checked on a fishing trip for Friday.  Not many outfitters fishing right now I guess.  Contacted a couple and they said season was over for them.  Last one said it was "prime" for char on the Varma River between Hella and Reykjavik.  Said they could pick me up in Hella, where we're staying tomorrow night, and supply waders, equipment and license for 1190 Euro.  I'll let you google what that is in the usd.  I said no thank you.

[Phil Lilley]

Ice caving today.  It was cool in more ways than one, but after it was said and done, I'd say the company needs to do a better job of letting clients know the risks.  Our guide, a nice guy - common sense kind of guy  - only does this part time.  The last time he'd done a tour was 2 weeks ago.  These caverns are created when small lakes form on top of the glacier, then gets flushed down through a hole made at the bottom and then out the side or end of the glacier wall.  These "caves" don't last long.  The collapse due to melting.  And if you were in or near one when it did... you'd be dead.

The guide was spooked, especially when we walked over to a water fall that was up in a small cavern (no pics, just a video).  We had to walk up into a cavern, not a cave, but the walls were high and there were chunks of ice dangling above our heads.

About the time we got up in there, he was telling everyone to turn around and head out.  Of course, not many paid any attention. 

Standing out where it was "safe", he told me 2 weeks ago the wall of the glacier and the water fall was 10 meters closer.  In another words, the water fall had moved, and lots of ice had fell and melted, more than 25 feet.

Walking back to the bus, the guide said he wasn't coming back again this year... it was too dangerous.  He didn't think the cave would last much longer. 

Another little thing that happens - when these "lakes" drain out, they usually drain out all at once causing a flash flood.  Depending on the size of lake, the river of water could be substantial.  Last year, a flash flood cut some tourists off from their bus for about 2 hours.

Not sure I want to be in that business...

[JestersHK]

That looks amazing, but yeah I might have some reservations with all that ice overhead.  

Man the scenery there is just awesome.  Can only imagine what it's like in person.   

Thanks, enjoying the pics!

[moguy1973]

3 hours ago, Phil Lilley said:

Yes we did.  $600 non stop out of St Louis.  Not bad...

Greg was searching google flights the other day and said we could fly to London for $100 round trip from here if we wanted to...  Not this time.

Good thing you went now, WOW is already discontinuing service out of St Louis in the near future.

[Phil Lilley]

Our flight was pretty much full... but I'm sure the tourist travel to Iceland will slow down very soon.