Food for the soul
Iceland, so many thoughts and experiences wrapped up in a short 8 days. A land that on one hand seems barren and like another planet carries with it the awe of the wonders of nature and the potential for life after what seems unthinkable in the volcanic activity. Iceland hosts 30 active volcanic systems. Black sand beaches are some of the tourist attractions in this country. Really, I wonder, are there any white-sand beaches in Iceland? The roads, the ground, the beaches -seems all comprised of this black molten material. The after-effects of the volcanic activity comprise the countryside. How can such devastation result in such beauty? It’s a different beauty, a beauty that you see and feel at once and is awe-inspiring in so many ways.
There are waterfalls and rivers everywhere. An abundance of the most delicious water is available at every tap. There is a green moss that covers the ground. When you walk on it it has a spongy feel and seems to bounce right back. (I’m not saying this would be true if there were tourists walking all over it). I sought out areas where I could explore without the throngs of tourists. I did visit a number of the tourist areas which were beyond spectacular but the real enjoyment was from experiencing nature on a hike with no one in sight. Climbing to the top of a hill and seeing this green moss or listening for the running water and trying to get to the source of the flow and see the waterfalls all over the place.
There is a certain magic to this country. The wonders of nature, of God, of trolls, or magic whatever you believe. Maybe a combination of all of the above. The timing of this trip was perfect and I really don’t know why, it just was. I feel like I came away just a new sense in general of everything.
Witnessing the northern lights on three different occasions, the last one being the most spectacular was another source of the magical feeling.
The moss that covered the countryside was growing on the black volcanic soil and I really saw this moss as a source of hope. The planet is dealing with global warming. Watching icebergs melt before my eyes as I stand in 40-degree weather is a reality. Volcanos are destructive forces as well. To see the moss growing in its dense and lush nature in spite of the black molten soil was for me a sense of hope for the future. What comes next as mankind continues to destroy the planet? I don’t think mankind will survive the destruction we are imposing on the gift of this land but I think there will be life after man. It’s all an evolution. I wonder what comes next that will survive the destruction we have imposed. The sentient creatures we consider ourselves to be have taken so much from this planet.
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