Images of Iceland: Photos from our latest Lewis family vacation
by Harriet Lewis
Glittering glaciers … cascading waterfalls … lush, verdant meadows and mountains recalling the iconic landscapes of Ireland. For our most recent Lewis family vacation, Alan, Edward, Charlotte, and I traveled to Iceland—and came away duly impressed by the natural beauty of this tiny North Atlantic island.
Since we were visiting in July, when the normally cool temperatures become almost balmy, we took full advantage of all of the outdoor activities available: We rode ATVs through the rugged countryside, went riding on small but sturdy Icelandic horses, kept our eyes peeled for marine mammals on a whale-watching tour (my first), and cruised among icebergs off the coast of Greenland, which we visited on a side trip. All were exhilarating experiences.
Here are some of my favorite photos from our trip …
Alan, Edward, and me in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, where we rode ATVs. Note the black soil, which has been enriched by volcanic deposits.
Suited up and ready for some ATV action.
Alan and me in front of Gulfoss, in southern Iceland, one of Iceland’s most scenic waterfalls.
Atop one of Iceland’s famous horses, which were brought to the island thousands of years ago by Viking settlers.
A view of the summit of Seljalandsfoss, another breathtaking waterfall.
Me at the base of Seljalandsfoss, after walking along the muddy trail behind the thundering curtain of water.
Hiking along the rocky outcrop near Seljalandsfoss.
Edward and me trying on fur hats in Reykjavik.
A view of Greenland's coast, with its snowcapped mountains and ice floe-laced waters, taken from the plane.
An adorable young Innuit boy we met during our visit to Kulusuk, Greenland.
A family portrait from our side trip to Greenland. The colorful corrugated tin homes of the village of Kulusuk, near the Myrdalsjokull glacier, contrasted beautifully with the pristine icebergs.