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@Jökulsárlón

Eiður guided the group of pets onto a special amphibian boat, which trundled down the slipway and into the water for an exciting trip on the glacier lagoon. During the excursion the pets sailed amongst the huge icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jökulsárlón, waving hello to seals they passed along the way.

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@Rye Bread

Having built up a healthy appetite sailing on the lagoon, the pets enjoyed their packed lunches supplied by the chef at their accommodation. Eiður explained that rye bread is a speciality in Iceland. He said it was a slow-baked bread, which broke down the starch in the rye and produced a sweetness of flavour.

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@Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

It was amazing to view the icebergs in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon up close, and to see the Vatnajökull glacier and snow-capped mountains in the background. The guide explained that Jökulsárlón was a glacial lagoon formed from the melting of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The lagoon is known for its icebergs, which break off from the glacier and float towards the sea.

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@Jökulsárlón, Glacial Lake

The black sand beach is scattered with icebergs in various stages of melt, as fresh glacial water dissolves rapidly in the warmer salty ocean temperatures. The lagoon is a popular tourist destination and a testament to the rapid transformation of northern landscapes due to climate change. Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier, covering more than 8% of Iceland. Iceland is known as the "Land of Fire and Ice" due to its combination of volcanoes and glaciers.

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@Stunning Aurora in Turquoise

Suddenly, the vibrant lights of the aurora borealis started dancing way above.
"What makes it turquoise, Eiður?" queried Sunny.
Eiður enthusiastically launched into an explanation. "In an aurora borealis, a tur­quoise colour typical­ly arises from excited nitro­gen atoms or mole­cules with­in the Earth's atmos­phere. When high-energy particles from solar winds collide with these nitrogen atoms, they become excited and release light at specific wave­lengths. This light, when combined with other colours from oxygen (like green and red), can create the vibrant turquoise hue."

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@Erupting Volcano

Herman Drake was baffled. "Excited ... nitrogen ... atoms ...?" Seeing Herman Drake's ears drooping and his plaintive look, Eiður hastened to reassure him. "When solar wind particles interact with the Earth's atmosphere, they collide with nitrogen molecules and atoms. These collisions can excite the nitrogen atoms, causing their electrons to jump to higher energy levels."

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@Hveragerði

"As these excited electrons return to their normal energy levels, they release the excess energy in the form of light. The green colour often seen in auroras is primarily due to oxygen, while nitrogen contributes to blues, purples and pinks. The turquoise colour can appear when the light from these different emissions combines or when nitrogen emits a specific shade of green-blue. Nitrogen atoms can emit light in various colors, including blue, violet, and pink, depending on the energy levels involved. In some cases, the specific energy transitions within the nitrogen atom can result in a turquoise-green shade."

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@Razorbill

Eiður pointed out a razorbill, a seabird common in Iceland. He explained that razorbills are known for their black and white plumage and their distinctive, thick bills. They breed on cliffs and rocky shores, often in large colonies. The largest razorbill colony is in western Iceland.
Razorbills are long-lived birds, with an average lifespan of 13 years, and the oldest recorded razorbill lived to be 41 years old. They typically lay one egg per year in crevices or on bare rock.

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@Icelandic Arctic Tern Chick

The group of pets met a fluffy, grey chick with a black-and-white speckled head and a small, dark beak and orange legs. Eiður explained it was an Arctic Tern chick, as Iceland is a major breeding ground for these birds.
Arctic Terns are known for their long migrations, traveling from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year. They nest in simple ground depressions and feed their young mostly small fish, sand eels, and insects.
While the Atlantic Puffin is more famous in Iceland, the Arctic Tern is also a common sight, especially during the summer months when they breed.

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@Kristínartindar,

A walk to Kristínartinda, in good visibility, offered the group a view of the mountains in Öræfi, the southernmost part of Vatnajökull and the sandy beach of Skeiðarársandur. The trail mostly follows the same route as the route around Skaftafellsheiði, except for the top part along the peaks themselves.

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@Icelandic Arctic Fox

The breeding season for arctic foxes in Iceland typically occurs in March and April. They mate for life and raise their young in dens that are often dug into the hillside or under rocks. An average litter consists of 5-10 pups, which are born blind and helpless. Both parents are involved in the care and feeding of their offspring, which emerge from the dens in late May or early June.

The arctic fox population in Iceland is relatively stable, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 13,000 individuals. Their main predators include golden eagles and birds of prey. However, human activities such as habitat destruction and overhunting have historically posed threats to their survival. Conservation efforts and legal protection have helped maintain their numbers and prevent them from facing significant declines.

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@Snæfellsjökull

Snæfellsjökull, a majestic crown jewel of Iceland's volcanic wonders, stands tall as a beacon of ice and fire. This iconic stratovolcano, nestled in the heart of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, is more than just a frosty peak; it's a gateway to the imagination and adventure. Its gleaming white cap, often brushed by the soft pastel hues as the sun rises and sets, hides a fiery soul that has inspired countless myths and legends.

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@Floating Glacier

"As the only volcano in the world boasting a glacier," remarked Eiður, "Snæfellsjökull is an enigma of contrasts, a harmonious blend of ice-age beauty and geothermal might. Its slopes whisper secrets of Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth, as it is said to conceal a hidden entrance to the planet's core."
The pets, as one, gasped and looked awestruck.

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@Sunset

The image shows a sunset over a body of water in Iceland, with mountains silhouetted in the distance. The sun is a bright orange, and the sky is a mix of orange, yellow, and pink. The water is calm and reflects the colors of the sky. The overall impression is one of peace and tranquility.

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@Basalt Stepping Stones

Their guide pointed out some fascinating hexagonal basalt rock formations which acted as stepping stones across a stream.

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@Geyser

Geysers in Iceland are among the most famous and spectacular natural attractions, contribut­ing to the country's rich geo­thermal landscape. These hot springs, primarily located in the Golden Circle region, are the result of the Earth's intense volcanic activity beneath the surface. The most renowned is the Great Geysir, which lends its name to all geysers world­wide. Although less active now, it has historically shot boil­ing water up to 180 meters into the air. Its neighbor, Strokkur, compensates for the reduced frequency of Great Geysir's eruptions by spouting water and steam approximately every 10 minutes. The sight of these powerful geysers is a testament to the immense geothermal energy that Iceland harnesses for its use. The geothermal fields, characterized by their vibrant colors and steamy vents, are surrounded by other natural wonders such as hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and the iconic blue lagoons, which are also popular tourist destinations. These geological phenomena are a significant part of Iceland's identity, not only for their beauty but also for the unique ecosystems they support and the valuable energy resources they provide.

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@Meadow of lupins

Eiður pointed out another meadow of lupins. "Do you remember I asked you a few days ago about the law of un­intend­ed conseq­uences? Rainbow and Herman Drake gave examples of starl­ings in North America and rabbits in Australia. Do you think the introduct­ion of lupins to Ice­land had any un­intend­ed con­sequences?"
"Did they sort of take over and spread every­where, like the rabbits and the starlings?" queried Rainbow.
Eiður nodded. "Exactly so, Rainbow. The lupins began to spread rapidly across the country­side, out­competing native veget­ation and alter­ing the delicate eco­logical balance. Their dense growth patterns and invasive nature led to the dis­place­ment of native species, particular­ly in the high­lands, which are home to a unique range of flora and fauna adapt­ed to the harsh conditions. Lupins also changed the soil chem­istry, making it more nutrient-rich and acidic, which can further harm native species that are not adapt­ed to such conditions.
Moreover, lupins are not a favourite with local live­stock. They are not consider­ed a desir­able food source and can be toxic to sheep and horses if consum­ed in large quantities. This has caused concerns for farm­ers and land­owners who rely on graz­ing for their liveli­hoods. Additionally, the thick lupin carpets can prevent the growth of grasses and other plants that are crucial for grazing animals."

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@Alpine Catchfly (Viscaria alpina), Iceland

"However," Eiður continued, "despite these issues, many Ice­landers and tourists continue to find beauty in the vast lupin fields. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and their presence has been link­ed to an increase in the number of certain bird species. But conservation­ists argue that the long-term ecological impacts of the lupin invasion are still not fully under­stood, and that efforts should be made to control their spread and protect the native flora."

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@Jökulsárlón

""In recent years, the Icelandic govern­ment has taken steps to mitigate the eco­logical damage caused by the lupins. This includes controlled burns, manual removal, and the intro­duction of grazing animals that can co­exist with the lupins. The future of these majestic fields is un­certain, as the balance between their aesthetic appeal and the health of the native eco­system is care­fully considered. For now, they stand as a reminder of the complex relation­ship between humans and nature, and the often unfore­seen consequences of our attempts to manipulate the environ­ment for our own purposes.""

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@Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Iceland. The lagoon is known for its icebergs that have broken off from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The image shows a building with a distinctive white facade and dark roof, likely a visitor center or cafe, with a parking area nearby. The landscape around the lagoon is rocky and barren,

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@Icelandic Variety Sheep

They met an Icelandic sheep, a breed brought to Iceland by the Vikings. These sheep are known for their dual-coat fleece, consisting of a fine underwool and a long, hair-like outer coat, and come in various natural colors. They are a hardy and intelligent breed, well-adapted to harsh environments. While primarily raised for meat in Iceland, their wool is also valued for its quality. The breed is also known as Spælsau or Old Norwegian Sheep.

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@Ducks in a row

Iceland is home to several duck species, but the Common Eider Somateria mollissima is arguably the most prominent. Found along the coasts and in some lakes near the sea. Eider ducks have been protected in Iceland since 1847, with strict regulations on nesting areas. They are sea ducks, spending most of their time on the ocean, and have salt glands to process seawater.

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@Vestrahorn

Vestrahorn is one of Iceland's most striking and unforgettable mountains, where jagged peaks rise sharply from the surrounding black sand beaches.

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@Volcano

In the heart of Iceland's rugged landscape, the earth trembles. The air thickens with anticipation as a volcano, long dormant, begins to stir from its icy prison. Surges of molten lava force their way through veins of solid rock, forging a path to the surface with the relentlessness of nature's fury. The sky is filled with smoke and fire as ash and lava plumes ascend, painting a dramatic backdrop against the stark contrast of the polar night.

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@Vestmannaeyjar - The Westman Islands

The majestic view of Vestmannaeyjar, which sit out in the Atlantic off the southern coast of Iceland.

Herman Drake has enjoyed touring Iceland, but it is time to go home. Please select another pet as visitor, so they can also enjoy this event!