Pictured : Trekking across a glacier (above) and Ben Tudor dressed for whale-watching (circled).
As this lasted only seconds, few of us were lucky enough to capture a photo of this explosively exciting sight. We experienced the miraculous way in which Icelanders obtain their electricity and hot water from an information- packed guided tour of one of Iceland’s newest geothermal power plants – a big hit with the aspiring engineers amongst us. We then took a (thankfully) not-too-bumpy ferry ride across to the small island of Vestmannaeyjar, where, over the course of two days, we found out about the magnificent geological structures, as well as the shocking eruption in 1973 of Eldfell, and visited Pompeii of the North, a new museum featuring houses trapped beneath its treacherous ash falls. Led by the intrepid Mr Rayner, we trekked up cones new and old, finding cinders still hot and those famously pretty puffins precariously cliff-perched. Back on the mainland, atop the impressively massive ‘Door Hole’ arch formation, we gazed on striking black volcanic beaches backed by amazing Giants’ Causeway- like basalt cliffs. Number One Road took us past the infamous volcano that so tragically made the middle- class stay on holiday for a little longer in 2010, the name of which no-one can pronounce – Eyjafjallajökull. The challenge that (almost) all of us found the most exciting (as was to be expected of a group of teenage boys) was the glacier walking – here text books came to life as we learned both of the formation and retreat of glaciers and how to use our ice axes to cross crevasses. To finish off the trip, we stayed for two nights in Reykjavik itself, seeing the sights of the northernmost capital city, before departing for London once more. As one of the final events, we clambered aboard a boat for whale watching out at sea: very cold, very, very splashy but worth every moment as Minke whales gracefully broke the surface. Overall, every boy involved found the whole Icelandic experience spectacular, the accommodation welcoming and comfortable, and absolutely fabulously eye-opening as to the geographical magic of the place. Biggest thanks to all of the teachers involved for making this possible!
S ituated a few hours on a plane to the North, Iceland was home to a group of Year 7, 8 and 9 boys for nine days on a Geography expedition led by Ms Jarman, Ms Frater and Mr Rayner. The trip offered an absolutely amazing range of sights and activities, giving time for all boys involved to appreciate fully the fascinating and unique position of a place that spans the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Right from the start, our schedule was massively busy – even just a few minutes after getting off the plane, we were being whisked to our first destination, a museum about the tumultuous Viking past of the Icelandic people. A full-size replica longboat, pointing its prow towards the ocean, was just one of its very visual insights into the past inhabitants and their society. Next up was a tour of the world-renowned Golden Circle – a chain of breath-taking geological formations that made a lasting impression. The impressive cascades of Gullfoss and the evocative and mysterious Thingvellir – the actual gap between the two plates, where the geological workings of the island are more readily seen, and the home of the oldest parliament in the world – were explained to us and their elusive pronunciations provided by our dependably helpful guide Magnea, who stayed with us for most of the trip. Our following destination (and all in the same day!) was the iconic hot spring area where we had the chance to see one of the largest collection of geysers in the world – including the one that gives all others its name – the Great Geysir. While that one is now dormant, we were able to see the reliable and equally impressive Strokkur hurl water 20 metres into the air. Ben Tudor (Year 10) was captivated by an island of extreme beauty and historical importance
Small islands in the distance are shrouded in mist, disguising their enchanting nature. The calls of puffins explode from their nests; they are the only distraction from the overwhelming beauty. The cool breeze sends shivers through my body. My hairs stand in awe of the shimmering sheet of water. Clouds surround this lonely island, separating its magic from the world. Above me, the sun shines down with its golden rays, bringing life to the island. Flowers own the hill I’m on, stealing colour from the sun’s rays. All of this created through the chaos of volcanoes. The rock I’m on is almost the last reference to its origin. William Mickley (Year 9) The water glistens, its deep azure waves gently lapping at the shores of the islands. The rocks rise like gemstones out of the bay. The clouds roll lazily across the sky and the distant cries of birds float on the gentle breeze while the sun edges the craggy rocks with a golden light. The puffins frantically flap, balls of desperate energy, across the sky to reach their safe place in the verdure-covered cliffs. The rocks stand aloof from these matters with a quiet assurance. Harry Muldowney (Year 9)
The fog meanders gently through the half- light, stroking the brow of each shadowed island, their darkness etched against the orange sky, the dormant sea beneath. Max Parfitt (Year 9) The rocks are like rockets, protruding from the tranquil waters. The raucous screeches of the plump puffins can be heard for miles. The sound softens with distance, becoming a warm, beckoning voice. The sky is a blanket of blue with
fluffy pillows from which the gods look down and preserve the land. Henry Balding (Year 10)
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