This was our last touring day in Iceland. Heavy rain kept us and my camera in the car much of the time as we made our way back to Reykjavík. However we did take the time to visit Iceland’s Þingvellir (pronounced Thingvellir) National Park and get soaked in the process.
The Park was founded in 1930 on the millennial anniversary of the first Althing, an annual gathering to review and declare law for the coming year. These gatherings occurred at the Löberg (Law Rock) from 930 until 1271 when Iceland voluntarily placed itself under the rule of Norway’s king. The Löberg is still venerated today as the birthplace of Iceland.
The Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It straddles the only place where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rises above sea level. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the longest mountain range in the world at over 25,000 miles (the second place Andes are less than 5,000 miles long). It is formed from the boundary of two huge tectonic plates that separate the Americas and Europe/Africa. These plates continue to diverge at the rate of approximately one inch each year.
We stood atop and within the fissures, and viewed a waterfall created by one of the ridges. One nearby ridge once serving as a place for meting out ultimate justice.
June 22nd is our 91st and final day of this journey. This will be my final post until we are home. There will be at least one concluding post to this sequence that I have been composing in my thoughts. Until I share those thoughts with you…
Peace Everyone. Pete
Mary Grimaldi says:
I am having conflicting feelings of happiness you r returning home to us & sadness that this journey is over. I have so enjoyed going with u on your posts. See u soon!
Pete Schloss says:
Thanks Mary. We look forward to seeing you and Tom!
Charlene johnstone says:
What memories you both will have. But there is nothing like coming home have a safe journey. Welcome home
Pete Schloss says:
Thank you so much Charlene!
Pauline Schloss says:
I thought about you as you were flying home yesterday. I hope it was a good happy flight–I’.m sure with reservations. It’s hard to imagine all the geography, history and connections you have made in these 90 days. It would make a couple book publications. We will talk after you are “settled in” and are updated to the happenings in Kansas City–especially with the young ones and parents. Blessings!!