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Iceland Trip
Wednesday 16 th August 2006
The fundraising and sponsoring was over, Redbourn Scout Troop was on the move, Iceland was beckoning – bring it on!
All were smart in uniform as we crowded round the bemused ground staff on the Iceland Express desks. The terrorism problem was still paramount, however, much to the surprise of the leaders the booking in, luggage weights and entry through the security gates proved to be uneventful as all 29 breezed into the holding area. Duty free was pounced on with glee, booze, cigarettes, perfume and jewellery purchased with much gusto … and after the Scouts returned it was the leader's turn!
Called to our gate for boarding, the 29 caused much panic on the escalator after a loose shoe lace got stuck and the emergency stop button had to be applied to release the offender with much applause and laughter. Well done Kieran!
We were allocated the rear of the plane, three ‘1 st ' time flyers were duly cheered when the wheels left the runway.
The flight was excellent, crew attentive if not slightly unsure as to whether they should have taken the day off. As Scouts tucked into soft drinks, chocs n sweeties, the leaders had a small tipple each, purely for medicinal purposes to thank ourselves for managing to keep it tight and it all appeared to be panning out well – so far!
A breeze through customs, all luggage accounted for, coach waiting outside for our two hour transfer to Ulfjotsvatn.
Weather magnificent, journey lovely, scenery breathtaking, we likened it to the English Lakes but stretched out with wide low plains and in the far distance snow and glaciers.
We arrived at the Scout camp, Ulfjotsvatn by its lake, it knocked Longridge into a T, very clean and modern tents already pitched.
we would have debussed and moved in our gear but those midges were awaiting our arrival, banging at the coach windows to get at us and before too long the shout went up for the midge hats – so much for the baseball caps! However, although the midges were a nuisance, we weren't bitten to death and there were only a few bites on the whole tour – a minor disadvantage of being near beautiful lakes and scenery. The midge nets caused much merriment, you couldn't look cool with one on but Naomi certainly tried!
The tentage sorted, we were treated to our first evening meal of the Ol favorite pizza, the staff were initially a bit surly, just not used to the onslaught of Redbourn Scouts we guessed.
And so to bed after a long traveling day … just brilliant.
Thursday 17 th August 2006
We woke after a noisy and coldish night to a developing lovely day.
Our first breakfast cereal, cheese, cold meats, fish paste was a shock for some of the Scouts – WOT no full English, it didn't cut much slack and they had to clear up after themselves – where's mum when you need her! Lunch was supplied loose and had to be made up by us. We operated the policy of taking everything – it was akin to a scorched earth policy, not a crumb or a snack went back into the stores.
Our cycle ride to the Geo - Thermal Power station was certainly longer than we thought but well worth it. The clinical, modern and amazing structure sat in a valley between the American and Euro-Asia rift plates. They are even now still separating at a rate of 2.5cm a year but no obvious cracks were evident.
The ride back was hard and took its toll on some on what was now a very hot day, Nigel and cycle had to be transferred back to base camp by a truck, he assures us that it was for purely operational reasons but did appear to have terrible cramp in his legs – poor old soul!
A dip in the lake or the water based obstacle course was well earned by most, some retired to their tents for a recharge but a football match (one of many) with some local groups soon lifted spirits and the evening meal of mince and tortillas sealed the recovery.
A camp fire with charades, jokes, moon on the lake, mountains guaranteed some sleep, another magnificent day – what a backdrop – what a place.
Friday 18 th August 2006
Today was completely water based (with statutory football, of course). Chief man at the camp was Colen, who spoke very good English, which was handy as our Icelandic was dismally poor; even so it still led to a misunderstanding between us about etiquette in the swimming pool attire this almost resulted in Pieter, Robin, Neil and Nigel bursting through the changing room doors in the ‘billy-buff' shouting ‘Redbourn Scouts forever' before Colen picked up on the mistake and said “No, I mean just the changing room, not the pool!” How we giggled, mind you it would have made a classic photo in the International Scouting Mag.
If you're going to canoe, kayak, swim, pedalos then the lake at Ulfjotsvatn couldn't be beaten, very cold, really clear and calm. The scouts canoed over to an island where we had a drink and snack stop, bit of circling the island and back to the base. Neil and Nigel had to go in the security ‘powered' boat purely as overseers but felt every pain of the scouts as muscles and sinews pulled at those oars and paddles!
Lunch back at base, then straight back into pedalos, then more canoeing, swimming and kayaking.
The most wonderful evening meal of lamb certainly finished off another tiring day, everyone was full and it kept on coming.
That evening we had an alter fire and managed to set fire to it's wooden surround, the high standards of camp fires back at our hut in Redbourn took a toll on the structure which had to be doused in copious amounts of water to reduce the scorching damage any further! And so to bed.
Saturday 19 th August 2006
Our first proper full day excursion, ‘The Golden Circle Tour' by coach. Bursting at the seams with breakfast and packed lunches prepared, we met up with our guide and coach driver.
The trip saw us pass lake after lake, the scenery awe inspiring as we headed for our first stop in the Thingvellir National Park , it's Iceland 's shrine and a beautiful place. The oldest existing parliament in the world first met here in AD 930. The Alfing as it was referred met each year to enact laws. Any major events to be celebrated are still held here in a fantastic backdrop. The Lögberg is a cliff overlooking the place where the Alfing met and it is said that they started the meeting by singing ‘Alfing bright and beautiful …'! Not true, just made that up.
Nearby was Drekkingarhylur (The Drowning Pool), where mothers of illegitimate children were drowned and the Peningagjá (The Money Chasm), a deep fissure filled with crystal clear water. You can throw coins into it from the bridge that lies across it. The coins give off a strange reflection as they drop through the water and it is said that if you can follow the coin all the way until it reaches the bottom, your wish will come true. Yep, I tried it, had a wish, closed my eyes, thought I'd cracked it and then I heard them, the Scouts were still there!
Yet another hot day was developing as we headed for lunch at the Gullfoss Waterfall, while all back at home were suffering another day of torrential rain, we were having some of the loveliest weather in Iceland .
Gullfoss (The Golden Waterfall) was everything and more. A mighty glacial river drops 32 meters with a steady roar down into a narrow canyon which is 70 meters deep, fine drizzle forms rainbows in sunlight – another wonder of the world.
Onto our last stop, the ‘Great Geyser', not one of Del's boys good mates but a thermal area of steam vents, boiling springs and beautiful turquoise blue pools. Some of the Scouts braved the elements and stood on the receiving end of the eruption (which occurred every five minutes without fail) and were soaked head to toe with the usual squeals – funny, only our Scouts did that and the biggest squealing baby of them all … yes you guessed it, Robin! The trip also involved stopping by the side of the road and viewing extinct (we think) water filled volcanoes and the famous Icelandic ponies.
Back to Ulfjotsvatn for an evening meal of curry and rice, a great favorite to finish on what was another great day in Iceland .
Sunday 20 th August 2006
Our last morning at the lakes and on to Hafnarfjordur, about 10km from the centre of Reykjavik . The small print didn't include the taking down of our tents and taking them with us to our next centre but we had been one step ahead and decided to sleep in the adjacent hut for Saturday night so on Sunday we were ready to rock and roll and the move went smoothly to Hafnarfjordur arriving by late morning.
The site couldn't have been more different, gone were the 360° views of hills, mountains and lakes, we were now quite urban in the outskirts of Reykjavik but nevertheless we knuckled down very quickly, tents were erected, we had lunch and were ready for action … but what to do on a Sunday!
Our hosts, a married couple called Balduth and Rosie were most helpful, friendly and had been involved in Scouting for years. Nothing was a problem and as later proved bent over backwards to make our stay smooth and effortless.
We knew that two swimming pools were nearby, one inside and one both inside and outside (and bigger) not only that on a Sunday the pools are FREE!
The troops were rallied and the news broken to them about the changing room scene – some quickly dashed off to their tents to put on their cosies to avoid the embarrassment of showering in the all together – whatever next was the cry.
Off we went in trepidation, what were we to expect …and actually, apart from the obvious Brit's abroad bit we were treated no differently by the locals. Showering before entering the pool (well some anyway), we headed off for the main pool, the sun was out and quite warm, we were welcomed with a free ice-cream, a very surreal situation. There we were – sitting in the pool, huddled together licking pistachio ice lollies and giggling, all free, the sun was shining surely this wasn't how Iceland was portrayed.
Having survived the changing room and shower rituals we headed back to our campsite and decided that we would go out on the town, to the local hamburger joint. Our host Balduth rang ahead and pre – booked our visit and we all tucked into Iceland 's equivalent of a Big Mac and Sky football – the blinds on the windows had to be pulled as the sun was bursting through – eat your hearts out UK people!
Monday 21 st August 2006
Breakfast at Hafnarfjordur was much more comprehensive – yogurts, mixed breads and all very tasty. Rosie baked a magnificent cake, drinks were brought out to us at a drop of a hat – can't see that happening at Tolmers or Phasels!
We strolled into town for a bit of local shopping and met for a Domino's pizza for lunch and then awaited our coach for our trip to the Blue Lagoon, an absolute must, as suggested by previous visiting UK Scout Troops.
An amazing lagoon, a mineral rich lake formed from geothermal sea water. Five – six million tons of liquid, containing two thousand tons of silica mud gives the lagoon its milky aquamarine colour and is a natural source of minerals, which are renowned for their therapeutic properties. With an average temperature of 37° it had to be done but – we had a problem on arrival.
On approaching the group booking desk we were informed that they had no trace of us, even though we had a receipt from the UK and in fact the 14 children 12 and under would not be free and we would have to pay lots of local Krona to let them in – we were gutted, our faith in the Icelanders was disappearing swiftly but then it was suddenly realised that we were Scouts and had been booked under a different name thus no extra cost and we were in!
What an experience, the blue azure was steaming with heat, was slightly sulphur smelling and surrounded by lava fields. Underfoot was a bit slimy in the mud but it was gorgeous. On one side was an area where we would apply gritty face packs to make ourselves beautiful, an adjacent waterfall would wash you down and with a nearby steam room, Jacuzzi and café, it was a job getting ourselves motivated to leave. Disappointment evident when we had to get out but the lure of the lagoon shop and all its goodies ruled and we headed back to the coach and Hafnarfjordur for an evening meal of pasta, the only meal cooked by us whilst away.
An impromptu evening of entertainment took place in the main hall, based loosely on X factor the judges saw such magnificent acts as magic'n'card tricks, dance and singing routines, Mr. Potato head and a lyric change on a Spice Girls song. Overall winners were Kieran and Jo Wigley for their unforgettable ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', well done to you all.
Anyway, if you ever go to Iceland you must go to the Blue Lagoon – a great experience.
Tuesday 22 nd August 2006
With the Scouts chewing at the bit to spend their hard saved money today we headed for the Capital Reykjavik. Nearly 40% of the population of Iceland live here. The world's most northernmost capital, it's also one of the newest, having established itself only in the late 19 th century. It was the only miserable day of weather we had so going shopping was on the cards
Walking into Hafnarfjordur we had decided to make our last evening go with a wild swing and booked the ‘Viking Experience', a bit like a Spanish BBQ or Elizabethan night but Icelandic style! So we had the night sorted and so into Reykjavik by bus.
Drizzly day and our first stop was the museum of art – went down very well with the Scouts, like having wind in a space suit. Try to give them a bit of culture and they turn it down flat!
We thought that next stop would be just as successful, the magnificent church Hallgrimskirkja with its amazing steeple but strangely after just a few moans of ‘We want to go shopping', it turned into a good visit with some good photos, mind you could have been the incentive of hot-dogs afterwards that held sway.
We let them loose in groups to do their shopping, the City's main shopping strip was like Redbourn High Street but with a bit more glam, nevertheless they all seemed happy with their purchases for family back home.
Meanwhile, Robin had negotiated a fair price for the Viking hats and accessories for the evening swan song, whilst Pieter and Sue T assisted in the coffee consumption nearby. Neil, bedecked in shorts was seen shopping whilst Nigel was chasing Sue R and Claire around Reykjavik after a misunderstanding re meeting places – friends again now thank goodness.
After a head count, one of many throughout the week, we headed back and were just in the mood for a Viking bash and we weren't disappointed. We were met by two menacing Vikings in all their garb, shouting abuse and telling us to shut up and do what we were told – could have done with them on many a Scout night!
Kieran was made an honoury Viking for the evening (must have heard about the shoelace episode) and was duly escorted into the grand hall of the Viking house which was furnished with Viking bits and pieces from a bygone age. Vikings lay about in a stupor, disheveled and scruffy … but then we realised that it was Robin and Pieter (the Chimney Twins) hiding in the shadows. The Viking hats were a great success, food was good and grog excellent. The guitar/singing top Viking was great fun and very funny, Nigel was ceremoniously made a Viking (No 50,000) after undertaking a drinking out of the horn test and being told he could have any woman of his choice in the room. Being a total gentleman he declined the tempting offer but noticed that Claire was grossly disappointed, Sue R shouting choose me, choose me and Sue T looking totally indifferent, worryingly though Pieter had a slight glint in his eye.
The singing and noise continued back to camp and we were even stalked by a local woman who wanted to complain to the person in charge but was rebuffed by all and fortunately she left. The evening was very slightly spoilt on our arrival at camp where we found two of our tents had collapsed in the wind and rain, we had been pre warned but didn't expect the soaking wet sleeping bags, clothes, pillows, etc. Nigel and eight lads had to endure the hardship of sleeping within the warm confines of the hostel's main hall, shame as we'd been so looking forward to another night under canvas.
Our last night in Iceland in the Harbour Fjord called Hafnarfjordur, legend has it that elves and other mysterious creatures have lived in the lava cliffs and rocks out of the town, many locals believe that the Royal Elf Family lie in the cliffs surrounding the harbour - AND IT'S TRUE!! As Neil, Pieter and Robin got stuck into the local (as they weren't on duty that night) got stuck into the local brew and were saying to each other in the morning. ‘Ere, did you see the size of that elf that ran through camp in the early hours. Wot a set of ears!' Yeah, yeah just Claire tottering over to the toilet blocks, well done boys.
Wednesday 23 rd August 2006
The camp came alive for its last time, tents would have to be dropped and packed away, damp and smelly clothing squeezed into bags for our return to Blighty. Morale was good, the Scouts found their uniforms for the return trip and everyone congregated in the main hall to finish off any goodies we hadn't already demolished. The coach arrived and we gave Balduth and Rosie the Redbourn Scouts anthem as a way of saying thanks. Nigel even gave his beloved Scout baseball hat to Balduth who proudly wore it and we waved goodbye into the distance en-route to the airport.
The journey home was uneventful, no problems getting through passport and security control but not so lucky on the plane home, right in the middle and mixed up a bit – could have been all those Viking helmets they were wearing, bit intimidating maybe.
We landed back in the UK to rain, nothing changed then, Everyone got their luggage, slid through customs with ease, even Sue R was waved through with a smile when asked by the uniformed customs man, ‘anything to declare madam?' ‘Yes, I have actually – I have just spent 7 days and nights with 22 Scouts in Iceland ! I declare I'm absolutely exhausted and want my own bed!'
With the Redbourn Scout raising the roof in the Arrival lounge, we made our grand entrance, we were home, hugs all round, maybe a few tears, maybe a few regrets but memories abound and I'm sure many will remember our Iceland trip with fond thoughts and may even return one day.
The seven leaders put everything on to make this trip the success it was but without the support, laughter, enthusiasm and good behaviour always of the Scouts, the Iceland trip wouldn't have been so successful.
Thank you all for being part of the Redbourn Scout Troop visit to Iceland 2006.
Be Prepared !