Thursday, August 8, 2013

8/9 Len's Iceland Text 6

Slow boat to China yesterday, not in a rush. Stopped at Goddafoss Falls, a most powerful sight, the rushing falls crashing through a volcanic canyon. Took Jarad's and Sue's advice to just sit with ourselves, so we sat for two hrs absorbing the sounds, rainbows and mists of the falls 

Did some trucking to our next destination  Varmahlio where we would white water canoe all today.  Began to rain so we stayed in a "guest house" which is basic beds with no linen and a common bathroom. Dry and warm anyway! 

Today Class 4 rapids with excitable Nepalese  guides.  Class 4 means very big and fast waves.  Boats tipped over.  People floated off downstream.  They say, "Don't panic and be sure to smile as you float on your back".  

What I didn't tell you is we had dry suits on.  Then the guide says "anyone want to jump?"  Into a raging gray river from a rock 30 feet high?  Taran was the first to volunteer!  My heart sank when he plunged pencil style into the river. He popped up 10 seconds later and swam to shore.  Oh my god.    

After this I had to follow suit, otherwise be embarrassed by #3 son, so we became friends with the river.   It was ok to fall out of the boat and not think you were going to die.  

We are just finishing dinner at a coastal town called  Hofsos.   Heard about a hot  spring on the side of a mountain overlooking the bay.  Spent 2 hrs there recuperating !   

Iceland is cool.  No such thing here as a large cup of coffee.  They are all small and cost 3 Kronur (around $3.5).   Hasn't  been a cup below a  9.3 !  The Icelandic people are thrifty. Two buttons to choose  from to flush toilets # 1 or #2. 

Headed north tonight around a peninsula   Can fit a lot in, in an evening that stays lit till 11pm!  Anyway we are safe and well and in good spirits.  See you all in a week. Love Len and Taran

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