// Trip Reports  

Report name	Trent College - Iceland
Date submitted	Jun-09

Seventeen students fromTrent College have recently returned from an action packed expedition to the land of ice and fire, Iceland, jointly led by Debbie Laugharne and Geraldine Westrupp with accompanying staff Ben Ward and Sarah Stewart.

Iceland, lies on the edge of the Arctic Circle and is one of the world’s most active hot spots. The students explored volcanoes, lava fields, wild black beaches, ice-caps, active geo-thermal sites and great waterfalls interactively through a variety of challenging and exciting activities.

Within an hour of arriving the team were relaxing in the milky blue geothermal sea-water of the Blue Lagoon, one of the countries most iconic sights and a fine introduction to Iceland's bathing culture! Following a day spent exploring the world's most northerly capital city Reykjavík, which included an afternoon Whale watching, we set off for an activity based exploration of South/South West Iceland.

The instructors from Iceland's oldest established farm/riding school led us for a lively wilderness adventure with many river crossings on the backs of the gentle friendly Icelandic horses, especially easy to ride owing to their fifth gait. We explored on foot the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir National Park shaped by the drifting tectonic plates. We traversed lava fissures filled with clear green/blue water followed by a unique journey through a weird and wonderful cave beneath the lava. Trekking through the impressive bubbling mud pools and hissing fissures of the Hengill volcano gave us a long physically challenging day which was rewarded by a relaxing soak in a deliciously hot river towards the end of the walk. Flowing from the Langjökull Glacier is the mighty river Hvitå, we were awe-struck by the power of this mighty river pouring over the cliffs at Gullfoss, later in the day we tested ourselves white water rafting the Hvitá rapids further downstream, any shivery team members were instantly restored in the Saunas and hot showers at Drumbo.

A morning visiting one of Iceland's most representative and well set up museums gave us a remarkable insight into the harsh conditions that Icelanders have faced since it's settlement just over a thousand years ago. Our final activity was an exciting journey onto the Sólheimajökulll, a tongue of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Using ice axes and crampons we made a magical tour of this vast icy expanse which culminated in all the team having the opportunity to climb an ice cliff, all were successful.

Throughout the expedition the team members took full responsibility for the smooth running of each day including some fine contributions in the kitchen. Following last minute souvenir shopping we enjoyed a final dinner allowing us to sample some of Iceland's unusual gastronomic delicacies including sheep's head and Reindeer-burgers.

Skál and well done to all members of Trent College Expedition Iceland! Bless Bless!