Day 22 Reykjavik, Iceland

The famous Blue Lagoon was our tour today.  This is a geothermal pool where the water ranges in temperature between 37-39 degrees celsius and the pool contains 9 million litres of seawater.  It is brought 2000 feet from underground to be pumped into this pool.  The water is a smoky aqua blue colour and visibility below the surface would be zero although we are told to not immerse our heads below the surface.   The geo-thermal water is packed full of minerals that rejuvenate the body but too dry for your hair as the water contains silica that would make your hair very stiff.

We boarded the bus for our one hour trip to Blue Lagoon and, per usual, the guide talked about things of interest along the way. It was interesting to pass by the Rio Tinto owned aluminium smelter.  Bauxite is imported from Australia to be processed into aluminium.  

We are reminded on our drive to Blue Lagoon is that this is volcanic country.  On both sides of the road we see old lava flow and in between we see the small thermal pools.

Very soon we come upon the latest small volcano to erupt - just a few short weeks ago.  There is no longer molten lava flowing but it is still smoking.  This volcano was quite close to the Blue Lagoon and was a very real threat.  In order to stop the lava flow towards the Blue Lagoon a huge wall was constructed.  In places we see where the lava from this volcano flowed across the road.

Our guide is a bit flustered by the time we arrived at the Blue Lagoon.  She had two more people on the tour than she should have.  It turned out they were two of the crew but it was enough to really throw her into a spin.  Consequently after she herded us all into the lagoon entry area she left us. We were left standing around for a good fifteen minutes waiting for her to do what she had to do and come back to us. By the time we were issued our tickets into the lagoon none of us had any idea where or what we had to do from there and this area is very large. Turns out we had to find a locker, change into bathers, leave our belongings in the locker and head to the shower room.  Everyone had to shower before entering the pool.  Finding our way around was a bit of a nightmare but fortunately I found someone that spoke English and she explained the procedure.  

I finally meet up with Philip and we waded our way into the warm water.  I love warm water.  Can't stand cold water.  We have swum in many "springs" across Australia but this is by far and away superior to anything we have ever experienced.  A drink voucher was included in our ticket so we made our way towards the bar and then found our way to a seat to enjoy them - never leaving the water. It was such an enjoyable way to while away time.  

After our swim and back into warm clothes we headed to the canteen for a bite of lunch.  This was probably the worst BLT I have ever eaten and I left half of it behind.  The mayo was so full of chilli that it was inedible.  I returned to the canteen and purchased a packet of popcorn ( a really healthy alternative but so delicious😂) .  Can you guess how much 2 BLT, 2 Juice, 1 Popcorn cost?  $103AU is how much!  Highway bloody robbery.  They have you over a barrel as there are no other food outlets within a 50k radius.

There is a geothermal electricity plant right beside the Blue Lagoon.  Around 30% of Icelands energy is generated through geothermal and the remainder from Hydropower.  They are a world leader in alternative fuels.

This is the end of the first leg of the Grand Cruise and all but 70 of us will leave the cruise tomorrow and we will be joined by another 500 odd folks tomorrow.  This is the view we have from where of ship is docked.