Iceland isn't a big country, about the size of the North Island. The No.1 highway which is two lanes, is a ring road around the island. Apparently if you drive around non-stop it will only take you 16 hours.
The No.1 highway around the island is a two lane road. There are some roads that go into the Highlands, but you need a 4WD.
As we drove in a clockwork direction there was a noticeable contrast in changing landscapes all created by the active volcanic systems beneath the surface. Depending on the age of eruptions, lava flows, ash deposits, moving glaciers and the added bashing from winds and sea the countryside changes as we drive in open spaces, through valleys, alongside fjords, over mountain passes and along coastlines.
Add to this the current weather patterns in how you see the natural sites. The rainy season is from the 1st January to the 31st of December. And we've had more than our share of the rainy season.
I've heard more than once that Iceland doesn't have bad weather, only bad clothing and a bad attitude.
Rocky and barren
Glaciel rivers
Windy glaciers
Lush grassy farmlands
Birch covered hillsides
Old lava flows on volcanic slopes
Tubular cliff slopes formed by volcanic eruptions. These ones are where the Giants Causeway were formed, then split away from Iceland.
Icy cold seawater creates holes in lava flows.
Cloud covered mountainsides
Signs of autumn
Moss covered lava rocks
Waterfalls
Fjords
Melting glaciers created interesting rock formations
Hot steam, bubbling mud and sulphur smells
Fumeroles
Volcanoes and craters
A receding glacier leaves large icebergs behind.
Rugged coastlines
Planted pine forests
Rough surf
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