Final day

Had an early start to the day. First stop was at Skogafoss waterfall where the more adventurous went to the top of the waterfall whilst others got drenched from the spray at the base of the waterfall. Next stop was the Eyjafjallajokull eruption centre where we watched a short film about the 2010 eruption and how the events affected a local farmer and his family. We arrived back in Reykjavík mid afternoon and had a brief stop at The Perlan to get great 360 degree views over the city and we're able to witness election voting taking place. Ethan found yet another piano And delighted passers by with his usual repertoire. Our final stop was the cathedral and we had our last group photo by the statue of Eric before heading off to do some last minute shopping at a mall and then consuming vast quantities of pizza at a local Italian restaurant. See you back at Birmingham airport in the morning. We're scheduled to arrive at 11.25 am

On day 4, once again, we faced a full range of weather conditions. Firstly, on the way to the Jökulsárlon Ice Lagoon, we drove through heavy snow. At the lagoon, the weather cleared, and we were lucky to see many seals and icebergs before walking down to the coast for an obligatory photo on the beach. Next on the itenary was a walk to the Svínafellsjökull Glacier, where part of James Bond was filmed. Again, we experienced many stunning views before heading back to the café for hot chocolate. Before leaving, we had time to watch a short film on Iceland and what it has to offer. Finally, we headed home back to our hotel for our evening meal and a game of team articulate. Dan L

Angie's Northern Lights Pictures

We are all staying up late tonight as we have had a glimmer of the northern lights and local knowledge tells us a more spectacular display is likely after midnight. Today started off with us experiencing all four seasons within an hour ! We had a little sun, rain, sleet, hail and snow. First stop was the fabulous waterfall that you could walk behind. Very wet but with loads of great photos we then journeyed eastwards along the coast road to Solheimajokull,where once again we were forced to test our waterproofs due to the torrential rain. After a wait for the adventure company (giving us the opportunity to Load up and refuel with banana cake we were provided with a pair of crampons,pick axe, helmet and harness each . We then walked to the the snout ( technical term ) of the glacier and began our ascent . The guides skilfully led us through the crevasses to see the moulins of this awe inspiring landscape. luckily the sun came out and allowed us to view the sea IN the distance . Obligatory group photo was taken before the descent. Monday night - quiz The winning team in the foreground:

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Monday's photos

Seljalandsfoss

Sorry this blog is without picture ( we have issues with uploading them ) Well we have had an action packed day , starting with a walk through the Rift Valley and a photo opportunity at Europe's oldest parliament! This was followed by Lava Caving which involved us donning very attractive red overalls and helmets - the ultimate in Icelandic fashion and entering the deepest darkest depths of a lava tube , negotiating the boulders and experiencing complete darkness. On to the Icelandic tradition of spa bathing - well that was a whole new experience ! we wish you could have seen the faces when it was suggested it was Icelandic expectation to strip and shower prior to entering the baths , this resulted in a large queue for the only shower with a curtain...... The geo thermal pools were an experience to savour - much more so than the lake which was freezing . We then went to the Geysir which was spectacular , some climbed the hill to see amazing views of the valley , glaciers and beyond. Last stop of the day was Gulfoss waterfall - again another fantastic photo opportunity and then on to hotel, with a coach full of very content people. Mrs Hull

1st day - arrival in Reykjavík.

Landed on time. Met by Betty our guide and Omar our driver. First stop was the bridge between the continents. The sun was shining, landscape spectacular so an ideal photo opportunity and our first group photo. Then off to read about the myth of Gunna and see the steam vent and smell the sulphur. Had a fish and chip supper with plenty of seconds available followed by pancakes Icelandic style. We're checked into the bijou rooms at Hotel Cabin. Pupils are enjoying some 'down time'. No Sunday lie in for us - a full day tomorrow and 7.00 am start

All checked in and waiting by the gate to board. Highlight of the trip so far seeing The Wasps team. Some have had photos taken with the team!

MEETING BOOKLET

Meeting powerpoint 2016 from tudorgeog

FINAL ITINERARY

 FINAL ITINERARY - received from Izzy Tours today

SATURDAY 22nd October
10.00 meet at Birmingham airport - departures
13:25 Departure from Birmingham Airport with Iceland Air FI 495
15:10 Arrival at Keflavik Airport
Reykjanes Geo Park – various sites – weather and time permitting Land Bridge – Gunnuhver – Þorbjörn (hike)
18:00 Vitinn Restaurant for evening meal – fish & chips and pancake
Drive to Hótel Cabin for accommodation

SUNDAY 23rd October - Golden Circle, Caving & Fontana Þingvellir National Park 
11:00 Caving in Gjábakki lavatube
13:00 Fontana geothermal spa
Gullfoss & Geysir Hótel Gullfoss for evening meal and accommodation

MONDAY 24th October - Waterfalls & Glacier Walk Seljalandsfoss 
11:00 Eruption Centre at Þorvaldseyri Skógarfoss
13:30 Sólheimajökull – glacier walk
Hótel Laki for evening meal and accommodation

TUESDAY 25th October - Glacier Lagoon & Skaftafell National Park Skaftafell National Park
Various sites – Lómagnúpur, Svartifoss, Svínafellsjökull, Jökulsárlón and black beach Jökulsárlón
Hótel Laki for accommodation and evening meal

WEDNESDAY 26th October Vík Woollen Mill & Reykjavik City Tour Vík Woollen Mill 
 Coastal features at Vík or Dyrhólaey – weather and conditions permitting
Reykjavik City Tour
18:00 Italiano Restaurant for evening meal
 Airport Hotel for accommodation

THURSDAY 27TH OCTOBER Departure 
07:50 Departure from Keflavik Airport with Iceland Air flight FI 494
11:25 Arrival at Birmingham Airport

Pupils to be collected from the Airport please.