Well here is the beast, and a beast it is.  Got the keys at 10:00 am, drove round the bus garage car park behind the hotel to work out where the gears all were and then set off on 170 something Kms trip.

First stop was Pingvellir, site of the worlds oldest democracy nd also the place where the Atlantic tectonic late meets the European plate.  The two pieces of the earth's crust push against each other forming a rift valley and  some very impressive fizures.  The Icelandic 'parliament' chose the place to meet as itis at a point where many routes crossed and accessible to all the islanders.

From there it was on to Geysir, home of the original geysir.  Unfortunately Geysir doesn't squirt anymore, but it's smaller neighbour, Strokkur, does.  We saw it go several times, nearly got soaked and chuckled at all the people who did get soaked.

Then we went on to Gulfoss, a spectacular waterfall at the point where a major glcial river drops off of a plateau and into a gorge.  Very impressive.

Then we  hit the gravel roads!  Three and a half hours, at least 6 fords, I lost count, some of them wheel deep.  Steep climbs, long descents, fantastic scenery, I love this place.  Must shut the window tomorrow as everything, including us, was covered in a fine layer of volcanic dust by the time we got back to tarmac.  More to come tomorrow.

Got to the hotel about 7:45, it is just beyond the middle of nowhere, but it's got a hot tub.  So quick change into swimming gear and into the tub to get rid of the dust.  Just had dinner and two beers, we only had main courses and the bill is £70.  Obviously getting stuff to the middle of nowhere is expensive.

Off to bed in a bit, here is a live pic from 10:30pm.

The land of the midnight sun.