Day 3 May 14th, Iceland

Day 3: Saturday, May 14th 

I got up around 8 today and we left the hostel around 9.  Our first stop today was highway 42. We looked at rocks with lots of layering.The color of the rocks were light brown/dark brown/grey. Their textures were smooth and fine grained. After we studied the rocks, we took pictures of the beautiful scenery. The ocean was gorgeous and shimmered in the sun. I also got the lucky opportunity to pee on a patch of grass behind this big rock that was close to the edge of the rock cliff. That was a funny moment. I've learned to laugh at myself because I do many weird things. Our second stop was Krysuvik-Seltun which belongs to four volcanic systems that lie along the eruptive fault. Then we quickly drove by the Green's Lake. The third stop was a cute small town called Grindavik where we ate at this gas station. I had fish and chips which were good but I wasn't feeling more fries because we have eaten a lot of burgers and fries/bread but I ate them anyway. 

Our fourth stop was the lighthouse where we rock hopped down close to the shore. I learned about pillow basalts that are in between and on parts of the rocks. They form under water through rapid cooling that creates glassy structures. Water pressure causes it to form. The huge rocks were beautiful, especially the ones in the ocean. The ocean was a pretty blue and shinned from the sun. There were sea stacks far out in the ocean where land used to be. The lighthouse was white and had a little of red at the top. We then went to the famous touristy geothermal spa/pool. It was clear blue and foggy. The water was hot and put me in a zen state.

 Our dinner tonight was the best because it was healthy! :) I had a burrito bowl with quinoa and beans and other yummy veggies. On our walk back to our hostel, we walked in this park that was beautiful. It was so green and there were pretty flowers and trees. I kept thinking how I wish I could run on it but there is little time and I didn't bring my tennis shoes. Now, after I write this, I'm going to do some quick exercises and take a hot shower and go to bed. It is currently 11:15. I have learned a lot today about geology and saw the most beautiful mountains and scenery I have ever seen. I'm so grateful to be on this trip and to learn about the land of fire and ice.