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There is nothing I personally love doing more than dressing up to visit a new restaurant and trying different cuisines. I don't go just to eat the food, it's the whole experience. The location, decor, the fabulously dressed crowd, friendly/ entertaining service and an amazing cocktail menu always helps. I decided to talk with PR Master, Elizabeth Crompton-Batt who launched Nobu and Hakkasan alongside her late husband Alan, to find out how she managed to make the British dining industry fashionable.
Walk me through the step-by step process of how you got to the height of your career...
It happened in a very organic way. My family used to own The Ivy Restaurant and without realising I was doing PR, we used to experiment with ways on how to promote the business. Restaurant PR didn't actually exist back then so the only way to promote was to visit the concierge desk of various hotels to have them notify their guests of our restaurant- There really wasn't any other exciting way way to do this.
We then sold The Ivy to a company called Kennedy Brooks and I began talking with one of the Directors- Alan Crompton-Batt (who she later married) on the fact that there wasn't any interesting ways to promote restaurants. We started, together to approach journalists and say 'look, these guys (chefs) are really exciting. They are interesting people, they are dynamic!'. There was a change in the British restaurant scene at the time where Nouvelle Cousine (a modern style of cookery that avoids rich, heavy foods and emphasizes the freshness of the ingredients and the presentation of the dishes) was very popular yet there was no one actually promoting it. Chefs were very controversial characters at this time; throwing customers out of their restaurants who didn't eat their food or respond offensively "Our food is perfect!" if salt and pepper were asked for- it was extreme! Some of it was ridiculous as you would get a plate with a tiny, tiny, tiny thing on it- which eventually all sorted itself out. We came from really awful food in England then we had this amazing food and no one promoting it so we wanted to share this with journalists as they are always looking for something new to write about.
This whole new idea of London being the gastronomic capital of the world started in the early 90s and it was very exciting to be part of it. We ended up working with various restaurants, some very serious Michelin star restaurants like Marco Pierre White to things like Planet Hollywood which had backing from Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Demi Moore. Basically, anything new that came to London, we were promoting it. We did the launch of Nobu with Robert De Niro as well as Hakkasan and also worked with André Balazs and Ian Shrager who introduced the model/ hip hotel concept from New York to London like The Sanderson and St Martins Lane.
What is your personal favourite restaurant to dine at?
I don't have one favourite place, it all depends on what my mood is. However, Nobu when it first opened... I could eat there everyday. I do still like the original Ivy which was owned by my family, its quite glamorous. I would also say the Firehouse- it's especially wonderful when sitting outside on the terrace in the summer, that's a really lovely place to be. The River Cafe is wonderful... but it really just all depends. London just has so much to offer.
What are your thoughts on celebrities playing a big role in pr?
Well it can be both good and bad. Well look at the Firehouse (Chiltern Firehouse), it's completely all about the celebrities that are there and the wonder of who will be attending next and the fact it has paparazzi outside makes an enormous difference on the restaurant and the hotel. I know people say it doesn't but it does. People love to see it. Which is alright in the beginning but to sustain it you need to make sure that the food and the service and everything works well because you can't just have one without the other. It might work well in the beginning but in order to keep people coming back, you need actually make sure the food is good and the service level is good. So i think it is actually fine as long as you balance it out and make sure they don't just live off their celebrity association and ensure that everything else works. It is also important to not be arrogant, restaurants shouldn't turn their noses up on you and treat everyone the same. People can sense if they are being treated differently and they don't come back.
Do you feel PR strategies have changed much over the past 10 years?
Yes, it is all online now. It has all changed, i couldn't possibly do it now. I would have to hire someone JUST to do the social media side as there is just so much to it as I have learned from Allegra (her daughter with her current partner Harry Handelsman). She told me about this new Vegan Delhi in Seymour place founded by a vegan Chef who became famous via her instagram account. She started instagram-ing her dishes from her home and now she has become this big star who set up the little Delhi without ANY PR. I find that absolutely fascinating as that could have never happened before. Social Media has definitely transformed everything. Print media is also important but it seems like it is just as important to have the digital media as well.
Who has been your favourite client?
Erm, they all very different. I don't have a favourite one as sometimes I do a launch for a client which I would work on for 6 months whereas someone like Nobu, we continued with them for around 10 years! That's quite a difficult thing to ask actually as they are all so different. Obviously there have been some people that I have become close friends with?
what are your top fashion tips?
- Quality rather than quantity- make sure you invest in a few items that are really just beautifully made and jazz them up with a few accessories
- Keep everything simple- basic, black and add in a gorgeous scarf or some jewellery like a cuff. Or just add in something bright like a lipstick
It's pretty straight forward. I never wear skirts so its usually mainly jeans. I have even recently purchased a pair in black velvet from J Brand just to add variation. So jeans with high boots with a sort of glamorous top, finished with accessories such as maybe a bag a or scarf, that sort of thing. It sounds quite boring but it works.
What was the best party you have ever attended?
I would hate to say Nobu again but it was probably the 15th Birthday celebration of Nobu as Robert De Niro came over and everyone wanted to go to that party and everyone just seemed to be in town at that point. It was most probably the most glamorous party that I have been involved with
What is your favourite piece from The 7962 AW16 Collection and would you wear it?
All of it. I probably wouldn't wear all of it now but at some point in my life I would have worn all of it. I WISH I could wear it all now but I love hat fur coat, I would wear that now, definitely. But the other looks are styles I definitely would have worn. My daughter would probably be wearing it soon, she loves her clothes. But no, its beautiful. I love the gorgeous tailoring with small features that just stand out- quite little naughty bits of detail.


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Champagne Chartogne-Taillet - 'Cuvée Sainte Anne Brut'
inkl. MwSt. zzgl. Versandkosten
Sofort versandfertig, Lieferzeit ca. 1-3 Werktage
- Inhalt: 0.75 Liter
- Artikel-Nr.: RW2505
|Merfy, Massif de Saint Thierry, Montage de Reims
|Champagne Chartogne Taillet, 37 Gr Grande Rue, 51220 Merfy, Frankreich
|HF - high fill
|Good Labels
Ein wunderbarer "easy to drink" Champagner mit viel Rasse und Frische.
Dies ist der Standard Cuvée von Chartogne-Taillet. It spends 3 years on its lees before disgorging. As with all their champagnes only the first pressing gets used, the second and third pressings are sold off together with any grapes from young vines. A wonderful champagne for any occasion. Some comments: Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated this wine 89 out of 100 : "The NV Cuvee Sainte-Anne is a wonderfully, rich, creamy wine. There is a lovely richness and density to be found in the glass, but with air the wine's chalky minerality emerges to add complexity and length".
Serena Sutcliffe, one of the worlds greatest champagne experts wrote about this wine: "The Cuvée Sainte Anne had a lovely, fragrant nose and was very fresh and tempting. There is a lovely, soft, cushiony taste - a very accessible champagne, beautifully made."
FINE Champagne Magazine : "Pale lemon-green colour. Round and rich, toasty burnt sugar, tropical fruit nose. Still youthful and restrained on the palate. Stylish creamy mousse. Good degree of complexity and a long length. 90/100 points." The "Wine Spectator" October 2009: "Full-bodied and powerful, offering toast and malt aromas followed by honey, roasted almond and ginger flavors. Rich, this finishes dry, with a long aftertaste of honey and nut. 92/100 points."
Parker 's Wine Advocate rated this wine 89 out of 100 points : "Chartogne's NV Cuvee Sainte-Anne is an attractive entry-level offering with good mid-palate richness and excellent overall balance. The significant presence of red grapes gives the wine its expansive, broad shouldered frame.".
Stephan Reinhardt writes in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate this about Champagne Chartogne-Taillet: "I like the clear, pure, breathy, elegant and vinous style of Alexandre Chartogne, who has presented me a range of his lovely, mineral, single vineyard vines in early March. Among them a second Pinot Meunier from almost 60-year-old, ungrafted vines: Beaux Senses. As readers might know, the single vineyard Champagnes of Chartogne-Taillet are entirely based on vintages, but not declared as such. Only the cuvée Sainte-Anne is a classic blend of vineyards, varieties and vintages, and a perfect Champagne to discover the very dry but complex Chartogne style. Chartogne-Taillet's 12 hectares of more and more organic (or biodynamic) farmed vineyards are located in and around the village of Merfy, in the Montagne de Reims, where they grow on sandy, sandstone and tuff soils. Alexandre's experiments with concrete eggs for the fermentation pays off in the greatly pure and mineral Heurtebise Blanc de Blancs. Other containers are made of oak and stainless steel. All wines are fermented without the addition of cultured yeasts and the malolactic fermentation is also allowed to occur naturally. After the ageing process of eight to 18 months, the wines are bottled unfiltered. The dosage is no religion here, but tends to be rather low."

subset: commoncrawl


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Facebook next week is expected to announce that its 13,000 employees will shift to Microsoft's Office 365. The social giant has "signed a deal" to use Microsoft's Web-based productivity suite.
WSJ reports that Facebook's 13,000 employees will use some portions of Office 365 such as the email and calendar. The report however says that Facebook will not use Microsoft's Yammer as it competes with the company's Facebook at Work service. Launched last year, Facebook at Work is a new way for teams to collaborate effectively at work. The report describes email as "inherently top-down" compared to the Facebook at Work service.
Facebook's Timothy Campos, Chief Information Officer, told WSJ, "Facebook at Work doesn't end the need for email. It's not a binary thing." Campos revealed that employees use "Facebook at Work internally" but added that email still has its place.
He adds that shift to Office 365 will help the company to use Microsoft's Delve app, which lets colleagues see who is working on across Office 365 and also suggests documents that will be relevant to employees. Campos pointed that Delve will help "keep the noise level down."
The report also quoted Microsoft's Kirk Koenigsbauer, Corporate Vice Pesident of Office Marketing who claimed "Email isn't dead." Koenigsbauer however referred that the companies have evolved their email usage, and now utilise "social network-style services."
In May, Facebook was said to launch Facebook at Work in India soon, and the Indian market was also said to be the top priority country for the service. The social giant said that it will soon start testing the app in India.
[Source:- gadgets.ndtv]


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Funny Status Message #140317
X says I saw a man with a pony tail running down the street so I'm guessing there's an angry iguana somewhere waiting to be fed its dinner.
Save as Image
- Related Status Messages:
- # 171840 When I was young, I grabbed them by their pony tail......
- # 131194 The fat guy at the bar with the pony tail and Metallica t-shirt has a gf, so I'll probably kill myself if I don't get laid tonight
- # 148435 Saw a guy in a trucker hat, with a handle bar moustache, wearing a bowtie, carrying a stack of records with an iguana on his shoulder walking down the street. Didn't think it was possible to OD on hipster
←Rate | 11-13-2013 12:54 by Kisstopher707
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Funny Facebook Statuses


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A guide to accomplishing your first alpine climb/
The Tour de France and La Course by the Tour de France (womens version) is over for another year. The incredible exploits of Chris Froome winning his fourth successive TDF and Lizzie Deignan flying the flag for womens cycling hopefully inspiring even more people to challenge themselves psychologically and physically to give cycling up big mountains a crack!
It's possibly one of the most fulfilling aspects of cycling to reach the summit of a mountain and experience those breath-taking views and the freedom of being removed from civilisation.
Here are a few quick tips to help you on your way.
The Parcours (the route)
Know your route! Make sure that if you are expecting a 15km ride with 7% average grade halfway through the ride, and when on the climb where are the areas where you can recover and where does it really ramp up i.e. where are you going to suffer!? Knowledge of the climb allows you to pace yourself.
Weather in the mountains can change rapidly and can be glorious over one side of the valley and in the other; you think you may need Noahs Arc. Living in the mountains year round there is only one website I trust and that's YR.no . It's Norwegian so it must be good!
On the climb you will more than likely hot, sweaty regardless of the ambient temperature, but once you stop you may fell the chill at the top. A rule of thumb is as you climb every 100m you will lose a degree in temperature. It could be a scorcher in the valley bottom but up at 1700m for example it could be significantly colder and on the descent you will pleased that you brought those gloves and that coat, if anything just to keep the wind off.
When packing to leave, pack for the worst; overshoes, thermal top, coat, cap, gloves, leg warmers. At least you have it should you need it.
Fuel for the legs
Avoid that bonk (a condition of sudden fatigue and loss of energy which is caused by the depletion of glycogen stores in the liver and muscles).
The thing to do is keep topping up on your energy stores and staying hydrated little and often!
Another rule of thumb is to try and consume ~60g of carbohydrate per hour either from food or fluid, and 750ml of fluid per hour but this varies on conditions. Heat equals more fluid due to an increase in water loss through sweat.
The Climb
Okay so you're on the ride and approaching that first climb. It doesn't matter the size of the climb, big or small, go at your own speed. Don't try hang with people that go flying off, you'll probably catch them later. Climbs in the mountains are inherently long, and starting at a comfortable pace where you can still chat is a good thing it's all about good pacing. Let the effort come to you.
Cyclists have different techniques, are you a Contador; out of the saddle or a Froome; spinning a minute gear very fast, or maybe somewhere in between? Do whatever feels comfortable to you but also worth having the right bike set-up. More on that later.
As the climb goes on you will feel the effort but this is where knowing the route and the profile comes in handy, a steep bit here where it's going to hurt a little and flat bit there where I can recover! Keep taking on water on the way up and a bit of solids, the climb could be long and hot.
You've reached the top, breath in the fresh air and enjoy that view you've earned! Time for a coffee!
Now the descent
The key is take it steady, get on the drops (gives more control of the brakes), and there's a lot to take in, make sure you enjoy that view, you've earned it. Stay on your side of the road; the right, remember it's the right had side if you're in mainland Europe! We'll cover the more technical aspects of descending in another blog soon. More than likely it'll be a bit cold on the way down so put a coat on and maybe some gloves, you could be descending for a while. Onto the next one!
Written by Jack & Tess Lawson


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Case Against IP VideoBy: John Honovich, Published on Jun 30, 2009
Dedicated Micros continues to make strong and shocking claims against IP. This week, they released a blog post on centralized IP recording, extending a similar case made last month in their CEO's webcast/video. The economics in the blog post make no sense to me. I find the technical claims in the webcast/video to be quite weak (comments like routers having a bad day, etc.).
If this is DM's approach, I worry about their future competitiveness in a market migrating to IP cameras.
Here's the video:
2 reports cite this report:
Most Recent Industry Reports
The world's leading video surveillance information source, IPVM provides the best reporting, testing and training for 10,000+ members globally. Dedicated to independent and objective information, we uniquely refuse any and all advertisements, sponsorship and consulting from manufacturers.


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The resource has been added to your collection
This folder has helpful information about the vocabulary student's will be learning throughout the unit.
This resource has not yet been reviewed.
Not Rated Yet.
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Mini-docu (video) Cyriel's mission – 90 hours of work for 7 minute video
Yes, my new movie is ready. I've invested quite some t
Yes, my new movie is ready. I've invested quite some t
Creative commons Flickr - Manfred Majer Horrib
Very cool project where 1000 musicians simultane
Some brilliant video's on #creativethinking
How do you look at the world? Are you always spottin
I'm a big fan of Nic Askew – a very spec
Absolutely one of my favorite short films. The short fi
Daan Roosegaarde is a Dutch artist and innovator who
As its name is already telling, the One Minute Fly h
creative commons Flickr – Images Money There
During the fourteen years that I'm working in
Okay, I've written a book about 'Less is


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It's anchors away for Ella the Elephant, as her magic red hat takes her on an ocean adventure that shows her what it truly means to be lucky. Ella loves her lucky red hat. Her grandmother gave it to her. She wears it every day. And it's helped her in all of her adventures.
But then one of her friends loses the hat, just when Ella needs it most. And when Ella chases it out to sea - braving a fierce storm and an unfamiliar island - she discovers the real meaning of luck.
Visit Ella the Elephant online at www.ellatheelephant.com.
Reviews and Awards
"Detailed illustrations blooming with rich Mediterranean hues aptly reflect Ella's winsome nature... [Y]oung readers will relish revisiting the bucolic setting of Little Village and its environs." - Kirkus Reviews
"Fans of Ella the Elegant Elephant (2004), Ella Takes the Cake (2005), and Ella Sets the Stage (2006, all Scholastic) will enjoy setting sail with her." - School Library Journal
Purchase Options
Indiebound • Amazon • Barnes & Noble
Summer 2008
Picture Book
Price: $16.99 US / $18.99 CAN
Trim Size: 8" x 10"
Page Count: 48
Foreign Rights: Scholastic Inc.
Translation Rights: Scholastic Inc.
Rights Available? yes
Also see:


text: On Friday 05 September 2003 00:12, Havoc Pennington wrote: > On Fri, Sep 05, 2003 at 05:17:11AM +0200, Vincent Wagelaar wrote: > > Is there any work being done on a standard VFS implementation that is > > desktop neutral? It would be great if all applications could be made > > VFS-aware. > > Not that I know of. Some people at Nove Hrady had a cool idea for how > to approach this, which was to define a way to write an out-of-process > VFS backend. In other words, you would define a protocol and way to > launch an executable to use that executable as a VFS backend. > There would be a conventional place to install a VFS backend binary > and some kind of metadata file describing the features the backend > provided, name of the backend, etc. > > The reason this is a cool approach is that then multiple parties can > drop in backends and the backends can link to any kind of library. > The backends are fully encapsulated. This could make certain things such as SSL support really difficult to properly implement. SSL is already extremely difficult to get right with kioslaves, and it's basically woven throughout a "TCPSlaveBase" class which includes inline GUI code and GUI callbacks. Yes it can be done, but I think it's quite a challenge to get right. Hopefully it wouldn't result in a monstrosity of an implementation along the lines of OpenLDAP. -- George Staikos KDE Developer http://www.kde.org/ Staikos Computing Services Inc. http://www.staikos.net/


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This page in:
- English
Global Connect Initiative with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
This Event has Concluded.
Read the comments below!
If everyone had Internet access, then everyone would have a fair shot at financial stability and an education, right? If only it were so easy.
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim led a meeting of some of the top minds in global development to talk about the U.S. State Department's Global Connect Initiative. The goal: to get 1.5 billion people online by 2020. With private sector giants such as PayPal, representatives from 28 countries, and multilateral institutions gathered in the same room, hitting that mark seemed attainable.
Related Links:
Remarks by World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim at the Global Connect Initiative
U.S. State Department Launches Global Connect Initiative
The Global Connect Initiative: Making the Internet a Development Priority
Microsoft welcomes US State Department Global Connect initiative


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I've never been so happy to reach the spring Equinox as I have with this 2010 one! The time since the 2009 winter solstice has been difficult and often felt like being stuck in quicksand much of the time. After the needed winter months of isolation, hibernation and introspection, I was certainly ready for the spring energies to arrive…and I love winter! The energies increased over the last couple weeks of winter and yet, all that pushing Aries spring energy to create anew, and it still isn't happening. Here's one huge reason why I feel—so many are not yet ready or able to perceive far enough outside the old lower 3D reality box.
I recently read a sentence or two by Steve Rother mentioning that the group had let him know about things they will soon be talking about (channelings) that have to do with our (Lightworkers) screwed up beliefs and attitudes about "abundance". I could not agree more and can't wait for other Lightworkers besides me to remind fellow Lightworkers about abundance outside of 3D and lower consciousness. We've forgotten natural and honest higher abundance, multidimensional non-linear creating, ease and real freedom and I understand why. But, to best create the new higher (5D) world we must get back in touch with abundance awareness and energy for self and all others and fast.
I recently stumbled upon a well-known persons new article/message to fellow "Lightworkers". I've seen this persons name before but this was the first (and it'll be the last) time I've read something by them. To me so much of the information was exactly the same type of ridiculous, extremely limited and downright foolish stuff that too many people like this keep writing to inform and guide their many readers with. Obviously information like this is shocking to me and makes me frustrated and disappointed. I honestly thought we Lightworkers/First Wavers/Second Wavers/Wayshowers etc. were so far beyond this level of consciousness (and many of us are) that I'm always shocked when I encounter supposed higher information like this. No retirement for me quite yet because these are the sorts of asinine things that light a fire under my old First Waver backside and get me back on-track again after too much time stuck in the quicksand, hoping for the best. I should know better! Stair steps remember? Many, many, Ascension Stair Steps because we're all not standing on the same one at the same time.
What's got me frustrated and disappointed is information like this that suggests Lightworkers around the planet get together in meditation to create things for our new fifth dimensional world. Sounds great so far right? The suggestion is made that we shouldn't wait for those lower vibrating, lower consciousness people to change and grow a heart and higher consciousness (BTW, that's what Phase One and then "My Lightworker Strike" which was followed by the Sept. 9, 2009 separation of worlds was all about!), but that those of us with "higher consciousness" need to create "new monetary systems". WTF? Are you kidding me? Global Lightworkers who should—in Phase Two of the ascension process—work together to create a fifth dimensional (5D) world reality with a totally new monetary system!? Like I've said before, I haven't gone through everything I have as a First Wave Lightworker during Phase One and up to this moment just so that I and everyone else could find the perfect mate, the perfect dog, or the perfect new higher 5D global monetary system!!! FUCK…I could weep if I wasn't so pissed off. Evidently, from their current ascension stair step, many cannot yet perceive above and beyond the old lower consciousness patriarchal money-based systems of 3D. Taking the greed and corruption out of lower frequency planetary control systems is not remotely enough for this old First Wave Lightworker!
1) Brand new 5D global monetary systems where there is no greed or corruption but plenty of money for all. See how much better this way is?
2) Brand new 5D global wars/fighting but no one is killed. See how much better this way is?
3) Brand new 5D world where everyone is still told what to do by government leaders, but because Lightworkers have sent Light/Love into their hearts, they will led the people with Love. See how much better this way is?
4) Brand new 5D world where taxes are equal for everyone around the planet. See how much better this way is?
1) No fucking money at all because we (Lightworkers/Wayshowers) can perceive well beyond the old lower 3D world reality and its limited systems and know a truly higher and better way can and will manifest in the new 5D earth that we are creating.
2) No fucking wars anywhere because we have ascended/evolved had our DNA/brains/hearts/beings evolved beyond that level of polarized insanity
3) No fucking 3D-based type governments or leaders because everyone's DNA has been plugged back in and each person is unified within themselves and their Hearts actually work finally.
4) No fucking taxes because we decided that we do not want to create even a 5D world where any form of money or taxes or anything like it needs to exist because WE have evolved well beyond money and money consciousness.
Why is really outside the box higher perception and imagining so damned difficult for so many of these well-known new age authors/lecturers/article writers to get at this point within the ascension process? I'll tell you why—because they can't perceive anything higher as yet themselves. Do you honestly believe that we are evolving, ascending, having our entire bodies, brains, hearts and full DNA evolved tremendously just so we can recreate a slightly better version of the old lower frequency 3D world within a higher 5D world and consciousness? Do you honestly think and believe that is what this planetary, cosmic and universal ascension and compressed evolution is really all about? Us Lightworkers banding together in global meditations so we can create a non-greedy monetary system for our new 5D world? I know very well it is not.
Back to abundance and our painfully obvious continued disconnect from it.
The 2010 spring Equinox hammered me with the fact that I STILL need to let go of many old and very familiar habits and beliefs within myself and my body now. For me to continue ascending/evolving/expanding consciously and energetically, I must continue releasing any and all aspects, thoughts, belief systems, old lower expectations and familiar habits that were created when I existed within lower polarized 3D earth reality. They simply do not fit or work for this higher frequency version of me now existing within Phase Two with ongoing expanding consciousness. So you see, we ALL still have our bits and pieces of old familiar but limiting silly shit n' crap n' beliefs that we need to keep tossing overboard so we stay floating at the higher level we now exist within. This ascension process will continue for each one of us, no matter how wise sounding or popular or well-known any of us are, because we are living this Process in bodies and repeatedly need to let go of even further old lower frequencies and consciousness aspects of ourselves. I'm talking about ALL of us Lightworkers/First Wavers/Second Wavers/Wayshower etc.
Because we've spent so much time living within lower polarized physical 3D earth reality, we've forgotten what higher abundance is like. We came from it, but because we've been living within polarized 3D Insanity Land for so long, we've become consciously disconnected from natural higher abundance. Our Phase Two ascensions will continue pushing us into this level or dimension and expanded quantum consciousness where abundance exists and is so much easier for us to see and feel and be ourselves. That means we ALL are currently having to let go of and cast-off more of our old habitual lower frequency ideas about how the new higher 5D world can be. What sounds like a truly great idea for the new earth reality today will be ridiculous to us next month, even more so three months from today, and repulsively unacceptable and infantile six months from today and so on. That is how fast our consciousness and DNA is currently evolving within Phase Two.
I've said before that if you consciously remember Mother Lemuria, or if you feel in your Highest Heart what original Lemuria was like, or what your nonphysical stellar, other-dimensional Home station is like then please, oh please I beg of you to use THAT as a blueprint or starting point within your ascending High Heart Consciousness to consciously create and co-create OUR new 5D earth world reality! And I'm not saying to replicate original Lemuria or our nonphysical Homes on our new 5D earth, but that we can and will create much higher than that now. It's a done deal already at higher levels, but we here in our bodies going through all this ascension business as Lightworkers/Wayshowers/First and Second Wavers are living out and implementing what other aspects of us have already planned and created at even higher, nonphysical levels. But this is how WE do it; we do it at and within multiple dimensions, multiple levels of awareness and being, within multiple dimensions all seemingly at the same time. WE can't mess this one up really so you see even this rant article I've written is not necessary.
If our DNA is reconnecting—which it is—then you know that we cannot fully comprehend today what we'll be like or able to consciously perceive, remember, feel or access tomorrow or next month or next year right? So, my point is to imagine, desire, and dream so very much higher, so very much greater and more grand than merely recreating an improved 5D money-based world where that money (and anything else for that matter) is shared equally with all people! Our growth and ascension isn't over yet and we are coming close now to having major DNA re-connections activated which will instantly cause us and our consciousness to make further quantum leaps forward that today are hard for us to comprehend. Because of this, I ask all of you to at least consider that we can and should create/co-create our new 5D earth world from a VASTLY higher Heart stance than money or anything else remotely like it from lower 3D lives and consciousness. This too is another learning for these incarnate aspects of us actually here living the ascension process as Starseeds/Lightworkers/Wayshowers on the planet in physical bodies. How completely can you cast-off and let go of the lower vibrating past systems, beliefs and awareness and get really free to perceive much higher during the spring quarter of 2010?
March 21, 2010
Copyright © Denise Le Fay and TRANSITIONS, 2010–2013. All Rights Reserved. You may copy and redistribute this material so long as you do not alter it in any way, the content remains complete, credit is given to the author and you include this copyright notice and live link. https://deniselefay.wordpress.com/


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The Boyd Heritage Museum, has been an important look into local history in Bobcaygeon and the surrounding area. Our artifacts and archives tell the story of how Bobcaygeon and its economic and social environment came to be.
Saturday 11:00am to 3:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Admission Fee $5
Under 12 Free


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Standard Diamond Braced Field Gate
The standard field gate is made with semi-planed tanalised softwood timber. This gate is ideal as an entrance gate, but also strong enough to be used as a field gate.
- Height to top of hanging stile 1.20m (47")
- Height to top of top rail 1.12m (44")
- Top rail 100 x 75mm (4" x 3")
- Diamond bracing over 1.8m (6') wide, single cross brace under 1.8m (6') wide
- Galvanised carraige bolts at rail crossovers, and metal dowel fixings at top rail and stile joint (mortice & tenon).
Standard size widths between 0.9m (3') and 3.6m (12') are available. Custom sizes up to 4.5m (15') are also available to order.
NB We advise ringing prior to ordering online to check stock levels


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1961 Jaguar XK150 S
1961 Jaguar XK150 S.
Subject to a sympathetic restoration consisting of complete re-spray, new 72 spoke stainless steel wire wheels, re-chroming where necessary and new exhaust system.
An original S with the original registration certificate still present.
A very special car with fantastic family history. Covered just 19000 miles from new our Jaguar XK150 S has been owned locally, here in Suffolk, by the Marriott family through 3 generations; grandfather, father and now son.
The car was regularly used up until 1975 but then it was taken off the road with little to no use. It was then revisited once again in 1995 where it was transported into dry storage.
Around 2010 was when the car started to enjoy the Suffolk roads once again with regular use and regular maintenance.
Having gracefully aged through the years; our 1961 Jaguar XK150 is mechanically sound, the engine runs beautifully, sounds lovely and we have enjoyed many test runs in her ourselves since she has been in our workshops.
A brief history of the Jaguar XK series…
XK150 Info – (Source Twyford Moor) – Launched in 1957 the XK150 was the most radical step forward in the XK range since the launch of the revolutionary XK120. The XK150 was vastly different in both style and performance from the XK140 it replaced and was a much bigger step forward than had been taken from the XK120 to the XK140. The most striking change was the straighter wing line, widened bonnet and single wrap around windscreen, which replaced the now dated two-piece split screen. This gave the XK150 an altogether more modern look. More generous interior space was also achieved by putting the doors on a diet and the wooden interior was lost in favour of leather clad dashboard and door capping.
Although the most obvious changes were the styling the XK150 was also a radical step forward in terms of performance. Most notably disc brakes on all four corners of the car, which had been developed on the 'C'-type with Dunlop, made the XK150 the first of the XK range able to stop as well as it could go. All round disc brakes on a road car were revolutionary for the time and set the XK150 apart from its competitors. A new cylinder head, the 'B'-type, was added to the 3.4-liter engine producing a claimed 210bhp.
The 'S' specification XK150 came with what Jaguar called a "straight port cylinder head"; although the ports aren't actually straight they are straighter and wider than the standard head allowing for better air flow. To keep pace with this increased potential for air/fuel flow triple 2in SU carburetors were added. According to Jaguar this upped the power to 250bhp.
By this point the power race was truly on, especially in America, so to compete with large capacity American V8s Jaguar introduced a new 3.8-liter version of their straight six. In standard form the new 3.8 was claimed to produce 220bhp and in 'S' specification the power was reported to be 265bhp.
By then end of its production run there were a huge array of different XK150 models. It was available in DHC, FHC and OTS body styles, in standard specification, SE specification or S specification and with either a 3.4 or 3.8 engine. Although early standard cars were fitted with steel wheels, these are very uncommon now. There are also reports that some early, 'standard' specification cars had drum brakes we are yet to see, or hear of an XK150 running on drums or having ever run on drums.
In 1961 the XK150 was replaced by the 'E'-type, a car that was as revolutionary and striking as the original XK120 was in its time. Over its 13 year production run the XK had revolutionised the sports car industry, put Jaguar on the map as a global playing in the car market and helped lead the way in helping British industry recover after the war.


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Get excited for the Toll-Free Auction!
For the first time ever, the FCC will be holding an auction for over 17,000 toll-free numbers in the newly released 833 toll-free exchange. After over 50 years of toll-free service, this is the first time in history these numbers have ever been auctioned! That's right, the first 800 number was released and in service on January 1, 1966, then 877, followed by 866, 855, 844 and now the new 833, which was released on April 22nd, 2017.
The FCC auction will be a single round, sealed bid Vickery auction. In a Vickrey auction, the highest bidder wins, but pays the price of the second-highest offer instead of the price they originally bid.
Although we can all see the value in a vanity number like 833-Flowers, its hard to conceive paying a price for something when it does not cost anything for a RespOrg to acquire these numbers today. A Responsible Organization, or RespOrg for short, is authorized to acquire toll-free numbers for their customers for free! Most RespOrgs are carriers like AT&T or Verizon, but any organization can become a RespOrg and acquire their own toll-fee numbers. This auction might just be the spark that prompts other organizations to become RespOrgs.
Once the auction is completed, the FCC will authorize a secondary market for only the numbers that have been auctioned. Could this mean someday soon we will see toll-free numbers traded like Bitcoin or even on the New York Stock Exchange?
Stay tuned.
For more information regarding the toll-free auction or toll-free management, including texting for toll-free, contact us at email@example.com


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SolaX SK-SU 3000 Solar Power System
Q.POWER-G5 270 Watt Solar Panels
With a standard inverter, a typical solar powered property will use as little as 25% of the free energy it generates; exporting the rest to the grid. With X-Hybrid, 'self-use' can increase to in excess of 80% providing both financial and practical benefits to the customer.
- MPPT Efficiency up to 99%
- Maximum efficiency up to 97.6%
- Maximum DC input voltage of 580V
- Dual MPP tracker and wide MPPT voltage range for more flexibility
- Manage remotely via built-in CT and WiFi monitoring
- Reduce grid stress by reducing your solar power feed


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Johanna Hellrigl is the Founder and Chef of Johanna's Table, a unique food business in Washington, D.C. Johanna's Table provides clients with private boutique catering, recipe and menu development, custom baked goods and personalized cooking classes. Most recently, the business has expanded to include XII by Johanna's Table, a monthly pop up dinner series as well as an upcoming web series.
Born into a family of chefs, Hellrigl was raised in kitchens in Italy and the United States, including in New York City where her mother and father ran restaurant Palio, an upscale Italian restaurant in Midtown. As a child, the budding chef grew comfortable in Palio's kitchen. Her South Tyrolean father, Andreas Hellrigl, a Michelin-starred chef, would set her up in a mini chef's coat in the pastry section of the kitchen– the safest place for small hands. Upon seeing the care and precision she took cutting a zucchini as a child, he predicted accurately that she would one day end up back in the kitchen. When Andreas passed away, Hellrigl's mother, Maria Pia, took over the restaurant, and her resilience under the circumstances taught Hellrigl the importance of perseverance in a tough industry, and her mother serves as one of her biggest role models today. Hellrigl was fortunate enough to learn from Chefs who her father entrusted with his recipes as well as their techniques and she always looked forward to her time in Palio's kitchen.
Hellrigl traces her affinity for cooking baking back to these fond memories of soaking up lessons in the kitchen, but they did not lead her to initially pursue a culinary career. She found independence traveling after earning her Bachelor's degree at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, working for an organization that democratically empowered women globally. While it was her parents who first put a knife in her hand, it was through travel that she came to appreciate the importance of honoring good ingredients – a method that translates strongly in her kitchen.
Hellrigl made her way back to the kitchen in 2014 when she started Johanna's Table. She is passionate about sourcing ingredients locally, as well as community supported agriculture. She was also fortunate enough to spend time in Easton, Maryland performing a stagiaire under Chef Jordan Lloyd of the Bartlett Pear Inn where local sustainable ingredients are pertinent to the restaurant's mission. In 2016, Hellrigl became the Head Chef of Via Umbria, an Italian restaurant and food emporium in Georgetown. At Via Umbria, she oversaw the restaurant and cafe program and produced chef tasting menus that would allow each guest to enjoy a culinary journey through Italy. Hellrigl often worked with winemakers from the regions to create pairing menus to show the history of the vineyard could be celebrated and the experience could be more personal. She worked with Tuscarora Coop and several other local farms to ensure our produce was seasonal, challenging herself and the team to utilize only what was available
To Hellrigl, cooking is about history, simplicity, and above all, allowing ingredients and flavor to stand out in a dish. Expanding an appreciation and understanding for local ingredients is a challenge the chef is eager to utilize within the community DC provides, and she has made it her mission to empower clients to enjoy cooking for themselves.
MODERN LUXURY Sip.Taste.Play! A Summer Party at the Dock at Mess Hall
BISNOW Sip.Taste.Play!
THE GEORGETOWN DISH Welcome to Johanna's Table, The Georgetown Dish
VOGUE MAGAZINE Vegetarian Meal Tips from Top Chefs, Vogue Magazine
NBC WASHINGTON NBC Washington Live TV Interview with Eun Yang
WTOP RADIO WTOP Radio Interview and Article
Weekly Features in WASHINGTON POST & WASHINGTONIAN, Featured and Selected for unique Chef's Table Menus & Events


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Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima aka Ronaldo aka Fat Ronaldo is arguably one of the greatest players of all-time. Not one to shy away from the media and the flashy, Ronaldo is known for the elegant & explosive playing style, as well as his shoes and hairstyles. Known as the "phenomenon," he won Fifa World Player of the Year three times, the Ballon d'Or twice, two World Cup titles and numerous domestic championships.
One of the best dribblers of all-time, Ronaldo was known for his mazy runs and acrobatic finishes. He is the second leading goal scored in Brazilian National Team history and held the World Cup all-time scoring record with 15 goals his four trips to the tournament. (German, Miroslav Klose, recently broke this record) If you have 15 minutes to witness some majestic brilliance, check out the video below:
Let's run down some stats on this prolific goalscorer:
Cruzeiro: 14 appearances – 12 goals
PSV: 46 appearances – 42 goals
Barcelona: 37 appearances – 37 goals
Inter Milan: 68 appearances – 49 goals
Real Madrid: 127 appearances – 83 goals
AC Milan: 20 appearances – 9 goals
Corinthians: 31 appearances – 18 goals
It is safe to say that in whichever country Ronaldo played in he scored goals. His completeness was always something admired by other attackers as Zlatan Ibrahimovic says, ""The best opponent of my career? Ronaldo, Il Fenomeno. Why? Because he was my idol and because, as a football player, he was complete. There will never, in my view, be a better player than him." He was also feared by defenders as legendary Milan defender, Allesandro Nesta states here, "Ronaldo is the hardest attacker I've ever had to face. He was impossible to stop." Even Messi had something to say about the mercurial Brazilian. "He was the best striker I've ever seen."
Ronaldo was not without his fair share of controversy. He was a bit of a partier and on occasion, he found himself in less than desirable romantic situations. This includes the most public of his misgivings, a scandal involving three transvestite prostitutes which he met in 2008. This occurred while he was engaged to the future mother of this children, Maria Beatriz Antony.
The first their third child together would be born later on in that year and the couple continues to live together in Sao Paulo.
Currently, Ronaldo co-owns the sports marketing company 9INE with mixed martial artist Anderson Silva. He recently became part owner of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League and was rumored to want to attempt a comeback by playing with the side. With stints at PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, it is tough to put anything beyond the 38-year-old wonder-striker (including a shock comeback) and that is why he is this week's Throwback Thursday player of the week.


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Those Who Live the Gospel–Restore Her House
27,000,000 slaves in bondage today, more than any other time in history. No, it's not legal, but that doesn't stop it from happening. Lives trapped in seemingly hopeless situations in fields factories workshops brothels Forced to give up their hopes, dreams and freedoms so somebody else can make a profit. Why don't they "just […]Read more "Those Who Live the Gospel–Restore Her House"


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Pack 255 Race Results
Outlaw Results
Hey all!
We'll keep an eye on weather as we get closer to the date! If we need to reschedule we'll let you know as soon as possible! If we have higher than a 50% chance of Thunderstorms we'll have to reschedule to ensure we're safe.
It's going to be an awesome time!
Attached is a camping checklist as well as Forms A/B.
** Everyone, please fill out a new Physical A/B even if you already have one on file. Fill out and bring to camp and give to Whitney and Brian.
Please also register here: http://whoozin.com/TDT-NFR-39GN
With proper amount of guests so we know how many we're cooking for!
Here is our camping plan and information:
Saturday, November 3rd @ 1015-1030 until Sunday morning @ 1030
Follow these directions to the last house and keep on going onto the dirt road.
2054 Moore Town Road, Rocky Point, NC 28457
- Take 40 West
- Take Exit 408 – for Highway 210 East, turn right after off-ramp toward Hampstead
- Take a right onto Moore Town Rd
- Road will turn into a dirt road, keep following, you'll see Dead End, then Pavement Ends signs
- You'll see a power pole, get ready to park!
- After unloading gear park across the road off the track on a diagonal.
Camp Layout
- Keep the dens together, starting with the tigers closest to the cooking area.
- Tigers, then Wolves, then Bears, then Webelos will be toward the end and on the other side.
- Please see attached rough diagram of camping areas.
- Do your best to form a Square U with tent setup to allow a small den area.
What to Bring (Check Campout Checklist to be sure(attached))
- Uniform
- Tent
- Chairs
- Sleeping Bags
- Mess Kit
- Toilet paper
- Water bottles
- Layered clothing for the night time when it cools down
- Small snacks for your group while hiking
Saturday Lunch
- Tacos!
Saturday Hiking Snack
- Trail Mix
Saturday Dinner
- Spaghetti with Salad!
Saturday night snack
- S'mores
Sunday Breakfast
- Boiled Eggs and Banana
General schedule
1000- 1200 – set up camp/start Lunch (Bears will be doing primary cooking, but all dens and family are welcome and encouraged to help!)
1200-1:00 – Lunch
1:00 – 4:00 – Den Programs
- Hiking and outdoor adventures
4:00 – 5:00 – family time (set camp if not done in the morning)
5:00 – 6:30 – Dinner, camp fire prep
6:30 – til – Camp Fire – snacks, skits, stories, songs…
We'll also be doing a flag retirement ceremony toward the end of the camp fire. Please understand this is a very serious event, so please be respectful.
** Parents – You all are also more than welcome to share stories or songs from your scouting experience, or life, for example a bear in the woods story. Please just be sure that it is age appropriate for our Scouts. Also – Please no politics.
0700 – 0800 – Our Scout Worship Service and Breakfast
0800 – 0900 – Break Camp
0900 – 1030 – Conservation Project
1030 – Dismissal
Phone numbers of leaders
|Tiger – Jeremy Ferris
|Wolf – Tom Gardner
|Wolf – Julia Tulloch
|Bear – David Wilson
|Bear – Elizabeth Pepper
|Bear – Ryan Stumbaugh
|Cub Master / Webelos – Devin Blakley
|Arrow of Light – Blue Francis
|Committee Chair – Whitney Olson
|Treasurer – Lacey Somech
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reply back and we'll get them answered!
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
If you happen to need any camping gear, please reach out so we can ensure we have enough for everyone!
Thanks again!
Individual Campout Checklist for Pack Overnighter
Normal Den meetings this Thursday!
Very Important: If you are not a tiger parent, please go to the committee meeting which will be held in the room across from the fellowship hall led by Whitney Olson!
Popcorn Sales start October 6th! Get ready to sell!
See you Thursday!
Scouts and Parents!
- Important Documents
- Any small irreplaceable items you can bring with you
- Pets
Clear your yard. Remove any objects hanging on trees or your home's exterior, such as birdhouses and wind chimes — they can break off in high winds and cause serious damage. Bring inside anything that's not nailed down including lawn furniture, trashcans, toys, and garden equipment.
Shut off utilities. Turn off electricity, water, and gas. Doing so will help prevent additional dangers including flooding, fire, and explosions. Keep in mind, you're going to need the utility company to turn your gas back on when you return home.
Windproof windows and doors. If you don't have storm-proof shutters, fit plywood coverings over all windows. (FYI, using just tape on windows is not recommended because it will not stop windows from breaking, just shattering.)
Protect indoor stuff. Move valuables to higher levels in your home to prevent water damage. As an extra measure, wrap electronics and furniture in sheets, blankets, or plastic drop cloths.
Gather up pets. If it's not safe for you to stay, it's not safe for Fido. Make plans to stay with friends or at a pet-friendly hotel — most emergency shelters will only accept service animals that assist people with disabilities.
Lock your house. Because crooks and looters take advantage of evacuations, lock all doors and windows and don't leave house keys in an obvious place, such as a mailbox.
Happy September Everyone!!!
- Wolves: Side Dishes
- Bears : Entrees
- Webelos: Bread and Salads
- Arrow of Light: Utensils, Cups, Plates, Drinks
- Den Leaders
- Popcorn!
- Uniforms – Demonstration from Leaders and Scouts – so please be at your very best in full-uniform!
- Communication – Email Pack Wide
- Communication – Den's are responsible for communication so make sure you have numbers / emails exchanged.
- Cake at the end!
The highest rank in Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light. Earning this rank prepares a Webelos Scout to become a Boy Scout. Scouts must complete four required adventures and three elective adventures to earn the Arrow of Light rank. For each adventure a boy completes, he receives a pin to wear on the Webelos colors or on his hat.
The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform when a boy graduates into a troop. Adult leaders who earned the Arrow of Light rank when they were young may also show their achievement by wearing a special square knot on their adult uniform.


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Pressure Washers
Overview of Karcher pressure washers.
Pumps & Pressure Inc. is the largest dealer for the professional line of Karcher Pressure washers. Karcher invented the high-pressure cleaner in 1950 and have been leading the innovation of pressure washers ever since. Karcher offers hot and cold water pressure washers, powered by electric motors or combustion engines for mobile or stationary applications.
Learn More
Overview of Hotshot pressure washers.
Branded HOTSHOT, Pumps & Pressure Inc. manufacturers our own cold water gas driven pressure washer. Each unit is built and tested in our facility using high quality components for long lasting portable pressure washers. Our units are supported by a complete replacement parts department in 8 locations in Western Canada as well as an industry leading warranty program. If you are…


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Music! Coffee! Bikes! Fun! Bike Store Day 2019 is here!
We have a great lineup for this year's BSD, and can't wait to share it with you. Here's what's going down.
8:30 - Doors open! We're opening early to celebrate everything bike in our city. Free drip coffee all day,
9:00 - 10:00 Introduction to Urban Cycling workshop - $5, includes a free espresso drink!
1:00 - 3:00 - Live music, artist TBA
Free drip coffee all day
Free cargo bike test rides all day
Giveaways, and a few incredible deals
New product features (check out Po Campo bags!)
$12 jars of Tipping Point for the first 12 people (one per person please!), and $10 Tipping Point jar refills all day (bring your own jar!)
Bike Store Day is a celebration of our bike communities from coast to coast to coast, come celebrate with us on March 23!


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Enrique and Ellie Goolkasian Lugo
Enrique and Ellie serve in the agricultural region of Baja California, Mexico. They pastor a church of indigenous farmworkers and host a mission base. Enrique recently opened a men's restoration center, which offers Bible-based treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and training in life-skills. Ellie, an R.N. with a passion for wellness, teaches people how to avoid obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases through a healthy lifestyle. She is a writer whose stories give insight into missionary life and God's presence in Baja. Her first book, Tales of A Five-Star Missionary, received an award from the San Diego Christian Writers Guild.
Ellie and Enrique met in 2007 at Foundation For His Ministry, a large orphanage and outreach ministry in Baja started by Charla Pereau. (ffhm.org) Ellie worked in and later supervised their medical clinic while Enrique attended their Bible Institute. They married in 2008 and later moved to Jaramillo where Enrique was ordained as a pastor.
He grew up in Tijuana and though he came from a good family, he started using drugs as a teenager. After struggling with addiction for years, he broke free, the fruit of a Christ-based rehabilitation center. God has given him a powerful testimony and a passion to set others free. He recently completed his Master's Degree in Theology and is an incredibly gifted worship leader (quoting his wife.)
Ellie was born in Massachusetts and came to Christ after moving to San Diego as a young adult. Her nursing career included ICU and hospice experience where she saw much suffering and disease that might have been prevented through healthy choices. She went on some short-term mission trips with her home church, Solana Beach Presbyterian, before beginning monthly trips to the orphanage with a pediatrician. During one of these short visits, she heard God call her to Mexico. Ellie obeyed, planning to serve "one year" at the orphanage.
"If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!"
Ten years later, this couple looks forward to whatever God wills for their lives!
To donate by check to the Goolkasian Lugo's support:
Make checks payable to The Antioch Partners, write "Preference for Goolkasian Lugo Support" on memo line and mail to:
7132 Portland Ave., Suite 136
Richfield, MN, 55423


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Zimowa wyprawa do Landmannalaugar | Nocowanie w interiorze
Wybierz się na 2-dniową wycieczkę zimową do islandzkiego interioru. Jest to idealna okazja dla tych, którzy pragną zanurzyć się w dzikiej i nieskażonej islandzkiej naturze, ponieważ spędzisz noc w geotermalnej okolicy Landmannalaugar, z dala od zgiełku miasta.
Zima na Islandii to okazja do podziwiania przepięknych krajobrazów oraz idealny czas dla wyjątkowych aktywności, o ile posiadasz odpowiedni pojazd. W trakcie tej 2-dniowej wycieczki nasi doświadczeni kierowcy i przewodnicy korzystają ze zmodyfikowanych pojazdów 4x4 Super Jeep, aby dotrzeć w najtrudniej dostępne miejsca. Przejedziesz obok pokrytych śniegiem wulkanów, gór, pagórków i kraterów do surowego islandzkiego interioru.
To jedna z niewielu okazji, aby o tej porze roku podziwiać parujący, geotermalny obszar Landmannalaugar, trzeci co do wielkości na świecie oraz eksplorować trasę Złotego Kręgu w drodze powrotnej. Zanurzysz się w naturalnie gorących źródłach, zobaczysz zamarznięte wodospady, a przy odrobinie szczęścia pojawi się nad Twoja głową nieuchwytna zorza polarna, tańcząca na rozgwieżdżonym niebie.
Wykorzystaj tą fantastyczną okazję, aby spędzić noc w otoczeniu gór, śniegu i zorzy polarnej. Zarezerwuj tą wyjątkową, zimową wycieczkę już teraz!. Sprawdź jej dostępność wybierając datę.
Kilka faktów
- Dostępna: Paź. - Mar.
- Czas: 2 dni
- Aktywności: Super Jeep, Zwiedzanie, Zorza polarna, Gorące źródła
- Poziom trudności: Łatwy
- Minimalny wiek: 10 lat
- Języki: English
- Obszar: Złoty Krąg,
The Golden Circle is a 300 kilometre (186 mile) route to the three most popular natural attractions in Iceland: the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
This sightseeing trail is easy to do within half a day from Reykjavík, either by self-drive or on one of many tours. Some of these tours have additional activities, such as snorkelling or snowmobiling, or are conducted in a unique style, such as by helicopter, or under the midnight sun.
Within the three locations of the Golden Circle are some of the clearest examples of Iceland's fascinating geological forces, magnificent landscapes, and rich culture.
The Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is a hot-spring haven in Haukadalur Valley. As could be guessed, it is home to a famous geyser, the name of which has named all others: Geysir itself.
Though this feature is currently in a phase of inactivity, its neighbour Strokkur more than makes up for it. Every five to ten minutes, it blasts a column of boiling water to heights that can reach over 40 metres (131 feet).
The surrounding area is dotted with fumaroles, hot springs, and mud-pits. There are also two other smaller geysers, Smiður and Litlí-Strokkur, that can be easily visited, as well as a hotel, restaurant, cafe and gift shop across the road.
Gullfoss Waterfall
The 'Golden Waterfall', Gullfoss one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in Iceland, plummeting 32 metres (105 feet) in two tiers into the river gorge of the popular rafting river Hvítá. It is just a ten-minute drive from Geysir and is the furthest point on the Golden Circle from Reykjavík.
Gullfoss was very almost lost in the early 20th century when British developers sought to harness its incredible power for geothermal energy. Though they got the lease to the land, allowing them to go ahead with their plans, they met an unlikely adversary: the daughter of the farmer who owned it, Sigríður Tómasdóttir.
This resilient woman refused to see the waterfall, to which she and her sisters paved the first path, destroyed. She, therefore, walked over 200 kilometres (124 miles) to Reykjavík and back multiple times to meet with a lawyer in order to help change the decision.
Though the process was arduous and took years, eventually Sigríður managed to exhaust the resources of the businessmen and they withdrew their plans. Because of her, all Icelandic waterfalls are now protected from foreign investors, and she is considered one of Iceland's first environmentalists and most important historical people.
Thingvellir National Park
The largest attraction of the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park. The Icelandic parliament was founded here in 930 and remained until the year 1798 before moving to Reykjavík, making it the original site of what is now the world's longest ongoing parliament.
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important places to visit in Iceland. This is not just for its historical and cultural values, but for also its magnificent landscape and dramatic geology.
Þingvellir is surrounded by a beautiful mountain and volcanic ranges, as it is located in a rift valley directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This makes it one of the few places in the world where you can walk between the continents, in the Mid-Atlantic Rift.
The daring and qualified even have opportunities to snorkel or scuba dive in this no-mans-land, in a ravine filled with crystal-clear spring water called Silfra. The visibility here can exceed 100 metres (328 feet), revealing incredible geological sites. Though it never freezes over due to the constant flow of water into it, it is 2°C (35°C) throughout the year, thus underwater explorers are always equipped with protective suits.
Other sites of note are the magnificent Almannagjá gorge, which you can walk down into to reach the rift valley from the North American tectonic plate, and the beautiful lake Þingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland, which gleams to the south of the National Park.
Surrounding sites
Due to its convenient location in south-west Iceland, it is easy to visit the Golden Circle alongside with many other sites. Those seeking relaxation could head to the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir or Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn, those seeking adventure could book a trip to the ice tunnels of Langjökull glacier, and those seeking culture could visit the Sólheimar ecovillage. For more natural beauty, you can visit the nearby Kerið crater lake.
There are many tours that include such bonuses, but if driving yourself, you should check out this guide to great detours off the Golden Circle.Highlands,
The Icelandic Highlands cover the majority of the country and many of Iceland's impressive natural attractions can be found here. Away from crowds, noise and bustle, the Highlands offer silence, serenity, peace and extreme natural beauty.
A favourite amongst hikers and photographers, the Highlands are accessible from June to September.
The Central Highlands
The Central Highlands cover a vast area, at an altitude of over 500 metres (1640 feet), with numerous mountains reaching heights between 1,000 and 2,000 metres (3,281 and 6562 feet). Most of these higher mountains are covered by glaciers.
The tallest mountain in the country is located in the Highlands, beneath Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Hvannadalshnúkur stands at an incredible 2,109 metres (6,919 feet) tall and can be reached on some helicopter tours. Another notable peak is Bárðarbunga, a sub-glacial volcano in northwest Vatnajökull that stands at 2,000 metres.
Vatnajökull is the greatest of the three largest glaciers in the country, all of which are in the Central Highlands; the others are Hofsjökull in the centre of Iceland and Langjökull, west of Hofsjökull.
Various highlands paths lie between the glaciers. These usually open in June, but late snows have been known to push the opening to July. One of the major routes is Kjölur, which connects the south and north of Iceland. It is located between Hofsjökull and Langjökull and passes through a region of rhyolite mountains and geothermal oases.
Sprengisandur, is another noteworthy path connecting the south and north, and it is located between Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull.
Kaldidalur is also a significant highland road stretching west of Langjökull, from Þingvellir towards the Borgarfjörður district.
Always remember that the natural environment that makes up Iceland's Highlands is as delicate as it is enchanting. The slightest damage inflicted upon small areas can cause erosion and irreversible landscape wounds that can easily spread over large areas. Consequently, when travelling in the Highlands visitors must at all times uphold responsible travel etiquette.
Driving off-road and designated paths is strictly forbidden and punishable by heavy fines. The moss is delicate and should not be walked or camped on, let alone removed, and fishing is heavily regulated.
The South Highlands
Almost all the mountains south of the glaciers are tuff mountains, formed during the Ice Age. Volcanic activity is confined to tuff areas of the country and the southern Highlands are home to some of Iceland's most active volcanoes: Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull and Katla, which sits under Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland's fourth largest glacier
Eyjafjallajökull is the most famous of these volcanoes. When it erupted in 2010, it caused major disruption to air travel across Europe, and widespread confusion to newsreaders everywhere as they tried to pronounce it; it was thus nicknamed to E11.
The South Highlands is also home to Landmannalaugar, one of the country's best hiking and hot spring bathing sites.
Northeast, Central-North and Northwest Highlands
In the northeast of the Highlands are the Lakagígar Craters the famous subglacial lake and volcano, Grímsvötn, and the glacier Öræfajökull. North of Vatnajökull, the best-known volcanoes are Askja and Krafla.
Also in this area is the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, which holds the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss.
The northwest and central-north Highlands consist of ancient basalt formations, similar to the mountains that comprise the Eastfjords.
Highland Oases
There are a few oases in the highlands that have unique vegetation and wildlife. The most important of these are Þjórsárver, Nýidalur/Jökuldalur, Herðubreiðarlindir and Eyjabakkar. The pink-footed goose has its main nesting places at Þjórsárver and Eyjabakkar. Þjórsárver was designated as a Ramsar site in 1990.
Wild reindeer reside in the east Highlands; this is the only place they can be seen. Initially brought over for farming, the industry never took out and they have roamed free in their herds since.Reykjavik,
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital of any sovereign state in the world.
Despite a small population (approximately 120,000, with just over 200,000 in the Greater Reykjavík area), it is a vibrant city that draws an ever increasing number of visitors every year. It is the financial, cultural and political centre of Iceland, and has a reputation of being one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world.
The city of Reykjavík is located in southwest Iceland by Faxaflói Bay. Throughout the ages, the landscape has been shaped by glaciers, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and the area is geothermal; after all, its name translates to 'Smoky Bay'.
Much of the current city area was subglacial during the Ice Age, with the glacier reaching as far as the Álftanes peninsula, while other areas lay under the sea. After the end of the Ice Age, the land rose as the glaciers drifted away, and it began to take on its present form.
The coastline of Reykjavík is set with peninsulas, coves, straits and islands, most notably the island of Viðey, and seabirds and whales frequent the shores. The mountain ring as seen from the shore is particularly beautiful.
Mount Esjan is the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavík and the most distinctive feature of the coastline. This majestic summit is also highly popular amongst hikers and climbers. Other notable mountains that can be seen from the seaside are Akrafjall and Skarðsheiði.
On clear days, one may even see as far to the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier, at the end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
The largest river to run through the city is Elliðaá in Elliðaárdalur valley, which is also one of Iceland's best rivers for salmon fishing.
There are no trains or trams in Iceland, but most people travel by car. The city also operates a bus system. There are two major harbours in town, the old harbour in the centre and Sundahöfn in the east.
The domestic Reykjavík Airport is located at Vatnsmýrin, not far from the city centre and close to the hill Öskjuhlíð and the restaurant, vantage point and exhibition centre Perlan. The international Keflavík Airport at Miðnesheiði heath then lies around 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the city.
Cars, jeeps and bicycles can be readily rented in the city and many organized tours are also being offered. It is, however, quite easy to walk between the major sites.
What to See & Do in Reykjavik
The local arts scene is strong in Iceland, with annual events and festivals, many of artists from which have hit the international stage.
Major events taking place in Reykjavík include Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavík Pride, RIFF (The Reykjavík International Film Festival), The Reykjavík Literature Festival, Culture Night, the Reykjavík Arts Festival, Food & Fun, the Reykjavík Fashion Festival and the Sónar music festival.
Amongst the famous people from Reykjavík are musicians like Björk Guðmundsdóttir and Sigur Rós, and writers Halldór Laxness (born on the main street, Laugavegur) and Arnaldur Indriðason.
Those eager to soak up the local culture should visit the city's many museums, exhibitions and galleries, and check out live music at the cafés, bars, and concert venues dotted around. You could look at the programmes of what's on at the Harpa music hall or the theatres, or else plan a few hours at the lighthouse at Grótta, the shopping street of Laugavegur, or the old harbour and the flea market.
You could even book a bird- and whale watching tour or a visit to Viðey island. There are a lot of things to do and the possibilities are endless.
Make sure to visit the public square of Austurvöllur, one of the city's most popular gathering places, where you'll also find the national parliament, the Alþingi, as well as the state church, a statue of independence hero Jón Sigurðsson, cafés, bars and restaurants.
Austurvöllur was central in the protests following the banking collapse of 2008, along with Lækjargata, home to the House of Government. You are also not likely to miss the great church of Hallgrímskirkja that towers over the city from the hill of Skólavörðuholt, from which you'll get a great view of the city.
Try a walk by the city pond, Tjörnin, to greet the many birds that frequent the area and to visit the city hall, stationed by its banks. A beautiful park lies by the pond, ideal for a nice walk, and sometimes concerts get held there.
Further off is the campus of the University of Iceland, the Nordic house and the Vatnsmýrin wetland, a particularly pleasant place, but be mindful to not disturb the wildlife there by keeping to the pathways.
For a nice swim on a warm day, we particularly recommend Nauthólsvík beach, which is heated with geothermal water. Those who love a dip should also visit the Laugardalur valley, home to one of the city's best swimming pools, which sits a short walk away from Ásmundarsafn gallery, a beautiful botanical garden and a domestic zoo.
A walk by the Ægissíða beach, with its old fishing sheds, in the west part of Reykjavík also holds a particular charm. From there, you can see all the way to president's house at Bessastaðir, which is also a historical site in its own right, having been the educational centre of Iceland for centuries.
Another place that offers one of the city's best views is Perlan, up on Öskjuhlíð hill. The hill itself is a popular place to spend a few hours, with over 176,000 trees and great opportunities for walking and cycling. Perlan also has and observation deck with great views, a café and an exhibition centre.
Furthermore, the city is a short drive from many of Iceland's major attractions, most famously the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. In close vicinity you'll also find the Heiðmörk preservation area, a favourite local site of the people of Reykjavík, as well as the Blue Mountains, one of Iceland's best skiing venues.
Finally, we'd like to stress that these are only some suggestions of the many things you might check out in Reykjavík. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you'll be able to make the most of your visit and we wish you a pleasant stay in our capital.Landmannalaugar,
Landmannalaugar, or the 'People's Pools', is a vast area of stunning and unique beauty in the heart of Iceland's southern Highlands. Throughout the summer, it is one of the most popular places for hiking -- either over one day or several -- and natural hot spring bathing.
Landmannalaugar is a truly rare area, both geologically and aesthetically. The dramatic region can be found nestled beside the raven-black Laugahraun lava field, a sweeping expanse of dried magma which originally formed in an eruption in 1477.
Landmannalaugar itself is made up of windswept rhyolite mountains, a rock type that creates a full spectrum of dazzling colour. Shades of red, pink, green, blue and golden yellow make for an ethereal location.
Landmannalaugar was historically best known for its natural geothermal baths, hence its name the People's Pools. For centuries, it served as an area of shelter and respite for weary travellers who use these soothing springs as a means to relax after tiring excursions.
Originally, those attending were settlers crossing the barren highlands, but today, they are tourists after an exciting trip.
Today, visitors to the Highlands should always bring a swimsuit and towel, just in case one of these naturally occurring hot pools should crop up along the hiking trail.
The most popular road leading to Landmannalaugar, Sigölduleið, has such springs, and takes you past multiple stunning natural features, including Bláhylur lake, a magnificent body of water nestled in a dormant volcanic crater.
Landmannalaugar can be reached by car in one of two ways. The quickest is driving through West Iceland, either via Selfoss or Þingvellir National Park. A longer but more scenic route would take you along the South Coast of Iceland. This is Iceland's most popular sightseeing route, aside from the Golden Circle, due to its wealth of sites.
Of course, like many of Iceland's destinations, Landmannalaugar can also be reached via helicopter, for those who are travelling with less of a concern for budget. Those on more of a shoestring can buy a bus pass that will take them to the region.
Landmannalaugar marks the northern end of the Laugavegur, one of Iceland's most popular hiking trails. This route connects Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, the 'Valley of Thor', ending at the beautiful Skógafoss waterfall.
It is also home to many other notable trails, however, including the path onto the mighty Mt. Brennisteinsalda, the 'Sulphur Wave' crater. Visitors can also traverse the trail up the Bláhnjúkur volcano, the 'Blue Peak', whose summit allows for a sweeping view of up to five glaciers on clear days.
Multiple operators run daily tours to Landmannalaugar from mid-June to mid-September, during which time the Icelandic Touring Association operates a small shop, three campsites and a mountain hut equipped with sleeping bags and accommodation for up to 80 visitors.
It is only recommended you take a multi-day hike with an operator. If visiting Landmannalaugar without a guide, you will need a four-wheel-drive.Hekla,
Hekla, nicknamed 'the Gateway to Hell' in the Middle Ages, is one of Iceland's most explosive, unpredictable and powerful volcanoes. It has erupted twenty to thirty times since settlement, and remains active to this day.
Geography of Hekla
Hekla is located in the south of Iceland, just north of the country's most famous volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, which last erupted in 2010, causing planes to be grounded and reporters to be tongue-tied for weeks. A dominant peak, standing at 1,491 metres tall (4,892 feet), it can be seen for miles around.
Hekla is part of a 40 kilometre (25 mile) rift, the most active part, called Heklugjá, being under the volcano itself. There are many craters at the peak, two of which are known to erupt more than the others.
Unlike Eyjafjallajökull and Iceland's other most active volcano, Katla, Hekla does not sit underneath any significant glacier, meaning its eruptions should not cause ash clouds to the same degree. In spite of this, some have been so great that the ash produced was still enough to change the climate of the northern hemisphere for years.
Hekla has also produced one of the greatest lava flows of this millenium of any volcano in the world, at eight cubic kilometres. Approximately 10 percent of Iceland's landmass was brought up by lava from Hekla.
History of Hekla
The first recorded eruption at Hekla was in 1104, and it was so great and significant that it drew attention across Europe; the effects it had on the weather, on people's breathing, and on agriculture lasted for years.
This, however, was not the first time it had done so; undiscovered by man, it had contributed to a third of all volcanic ash across northern Europe for the past seven millenia.
It would not significantly erupt again until 1300, although it had been recorded going off several times in between; one of the most notorious things about Hekla is its unpredictability, sometimes exploding within a decade of its last eruption, sometimes laying dormant for nearly a century.
For this reason, the farms around it were largely abandoned, partly explaining why today there are few settlements in Iceland's south.
Further serious eruptions occurred in 1693 and 1845 with international consequences, but none as significant as the one that began in 1947. Lava bombs weighing over 20 kilograms (44 pounds) landed 32 kilometres away; some as large as 50 square metres (538 square feet) were thrown a kilometre. It took just 52 two hours before the enormous cloud of ash was covering Helsinki.
It would be thirteen months before the eruption stopped, ebbing and flowing with power, but constantly pouring ash into the atmosphere, poisoning crops and livestock.
It is likely many died of respiratory problems as a result, but Hekla even directly killed one person. A scientist filming the great lava flows from the crater, some of which were 15 metres (49 feet) tall, was struck by a block of lava.
Hekla erupted again in 1970 for two months, but since has only gone off for a few days at a time, in 1981, 1982, 1991 and 2000.
Though the 2000 one seemed inconsequential, it was later discovered that it proved that Hekla was even more frightening than was already thought. The remains of a pyroclastic flow, the most dangerous element of an eruption, where searing ash and rock travel at enormous speeds and raze all they meet, had occured for over five kilometres (three miles).
Hekla today
In spite of its volatile nature, Hekla can still be considered a safe place to visit; there are hiking opportunities all around it, and some tour operators embark in super jeeps journeys to its slopes. Visitors should not be afraid of the volcano's potential, just aware of it.
Of course, before heading to Hekla if travelling without a guide, ensure you check the meteorological office's website to ensure that there are no alerts that an eruption may be imminent. The volcano is monitored constantly.
In spite of this, Hekla remains as unpredictable as it ever was, and visitors are warned that in spite of every good measure, there is always a chance an eruption could start without being noticed.
Volcanologists also warn that it is overdue, and due to this volcano's patterns, the warning time between knowing an eruption is imminent and it occurring will often be just an hour or less.Geysir,
Geysir is a famous hot spring in the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley, found in south-west Iceland.
Making up just one of the attractions along the world-renowned Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Þingvellir National Park and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir is most well-known for having lent its name to geysers all around the world.
Though Geysir itself is rarely active these days, Haukadalur Valley boasts a plethora of hot springs and geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, Smiður and Litli-Strokkur.
Strokkur is, arguably, the country's most famous hot spring, shooting vast jets of boiling water from 20 metres (65 feet) up to 40 metres (130 feet) high. Don't worry about missing this incredible spectacle of nature, as Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes; just make sure to have your camera ready.
Geysir is much larger, but years can go by between eruptions here; it is currently in an inactive phase. When it does erupt, the water can shoot up in the air as high as 70 metres (230 feet).
Just a few minutes walk north of Geysir are a wealth of fumaroles emanating steam and gas into the cool Icelandic air. Aside from watching the hypnotic pillars of steam, you will also be able to observe the yellow sulphuric stains along the fumaroles themselves, a result of the earth's minerals crystallising around the rock bed.
At the southern part of the valley, Þykkuhverir, you'll find various bubbling mud pots. These spooky brown cauldrons are actually fumaroles that boil up through the loose ground; after a dry spell, these mud pools are likely to transform into a hardened fumarole.
Nearby Attractions
About two kilometres (one mile) from Geysir is a preserved natural pool called Kúalaug. It has room for three to five people at a time, but care should be taken, as the area around the pool is very delicate. The temperature is 39-43°C (102-109°F), depending on where you are positioned in the pool.
The water is slightly muddy, as the pool is built on soil, and the bottom is slippery due to algae, so caution is advised when relaxing here.
Haukadalur has also seen a rise in reforestation in recent times thanks to continued experiments and research in the area. Today, Haukadalsskógur is one of the largest forests in south Iceland, boasting accessible walking paths (also for wheelchair users), fascinating vegetation and The Tree Museum, built in the memory of forester Gunnar Freysteinsson.
Haukadalur has been inhabited and used as a church site since the Age of Settlement. Given its historic value, it should be noted that scholar, Ari "The Wise" Þorgilsson, grew up here; it was also where the first pastoral school in Iceland was built.
The current wooden church was last rebuilt in 1938 but its architectural style dates back to 1842, making it well worth a visit to see how Iceland looked before industrialisation.
For accommodation, Hotel Gullfoss is approximately 7 kilometre from the Geysir area, and closer still is Hotel Geysir on the other side of the road from the attraction, where you will also find a restaurant, café and a souvenir shop.Gullfoss,
Gullfoss (translated to 'Golden Falls') is one of Iceland's most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in south-west Iceland.
The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss' two stages in a dramatic display of nature's raw power. This incredible site is seen by most visitors, as it is on the Golden Circle sightseeing route.
Because of the waterfall's two stages, Gullfoss should actually be thought of as two separate features. The first, shorter cascade is 11 metres (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 metres (69 feet). The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 metres (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon. Geologists believe that this canyon was formed by glacial outbursts at the beginning of the last age.
In the summer, approximately 140 cubic metres (459 cubic feet) of water surges down the waterfall every second, whilst in winter that number drops to around 109 cubic metres (358 cubic feet). With such energy, visitors should not be surprised to find themselves drenched by the waterfall's mighty spray.
As mentioned, Gullfoss makes up a part of the highly popular Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Geysir geothermal area and Þingvellir National Park. Many Golden Circle tours include additional activities that can be taken from Gullfoss, such as ascending the mighty nearby glacier Langjökull and entering its ice tunnels, or snowmobiling along its gleaming surface.
In the early days of the last century, Gullfoss was at the centre of much controversy regarding foreign investors and their desire to profit off Iceland's nature. In the year 1907, an English businessman, Howell, sought to utilise the waterfall's energy and harboured ambitions to use its energy to fuel a hydroelectric plant.
At the time, Gullfoss was owned by a farmer named Tómas Tómasson. Tómas declined Howell's offer to purchase the land, stating famously "I will not sell my friend!" He would, however, go on to lease Howell the land without the knowledge of a loophole that would allow him to proceed with his plans.
It was Tómas' daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who would lead the charge to stop Howell's ambitions. Having grown up on her father's sheep farm where she helped pave the first road to Gullfoss, she sought to get the contract nullified, hurriedly saving her own money to hire a lawyer.
The ensuing legal battle was an uphill struggle; the case continued for years, forcing Sigríður to travel many times by foot to Reykjavík, a distance of over 100 kilometres (62 miles). Circumstances became so difficult that Sigríður threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if any construction began.
Her tenacity, however, resulted in success. In 1929, Howell's withdrew from the lease, unable to keep up with the costs and difficulties of his plan. The waterfall fell back into the hands of the Icelandic people.
Today, Sigríður is recognised for her perseverance in protecting Gullfoss and is often hailed as Iceland's first environmentalist. As such, she is one of the most famous figures in Iceland's history. Her contribution is forever marked in stone; a plaque detailing her plight sits at the top of Gullfoss.
Interestingly, the lawyer who assisted Sigríður, Sveinn Björnsson, went on to go down in history too; he became the first president of Iceland in 1944.
Restaurant / Cafe
Besides Gullfoss, visitors can enjoy the views from Gullfoss Cafe, a locally run delicatessen that serves a wide variety of refreshments and meals. The menu has options to tantalise everyone's taste buds: hot soups, sandwiches, salads and cakes. There is also a shop on site where visitors' can browse and purchase traditional Icelandic souvenirs.Strokkur,
Strokkur is Iceland's most visited active geyser. One of the three major attractions on the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, it is usually visited alongside Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
Strokkur is found in the Geysir Geothermal Area, titled after the Great Geysir, which lent its name to all others across the world. It is the greatest active geyser on site; Geysir itself is in a period of inactivity. Strokkur erupts more regularly than Geysir ever did, blasting water to heights of around fifteen to twenty metres every five to ten minutes, although it is known to reach up to forty metres.
Strokkur and Haukadalur Valley
Strokkur is the primary feature of the Haukadalur valley and the main reason why it is one of the most visited sites in the country. While Geysir will very occasionally still erupt to enormous heights, it is nowhere near reliable enough to justify the area's popularity.
Haukadalur valley, however, has many other features that make it worth a visit. The natural beauty of the area is shaped by the forces of the earth; fumaroles, hot-springs, mud-pits and other little geysers are littered around, and the ground itself is dyed vividly by elements such as sulfur (yellow), copper (green) and iron (red).
Opposite the main geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley is a restaurant, cafe, hotel and luxury gift shop.
Science behind Strokkur
Active geysers like Strokkur are rare around the world, due to the fact that many conditions must be met for them to form. They are thus only found in certain parts of highly geothermal areas.
The first condition that is necessary is an intense heat source; magma must be close enough to the surface of the earth for the rocks to be hot enough to boil water. Considering that Iceland is located on top of the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, this condition is met throughout most of the county.
Secondly, you will need a source of flowing underground water. In the case of Strokkur, this comes from the second largest glacier in the country, Langjökull. Meltwater from the glacier sinks into the surrounding porous lava rock, and travels underground in all directions.
Evidence of this flowing water can be found in Þingvellir National Park, where there are many freshwater springs flowing straight from the earth.
Finally, you need a complex plumbing system that allows a geyser to erupt, rather than just steam from the ground like a fumarole. Above the intense heat source, there must be space for the flowing water to gather like a reservoir. From this basin, there must be a vent to the surface. This vent must be lined with silica so that the boiling, rising water cannot escape before the eruption.
Environmental Issues with Strokkur
One of the main reasons that Geysir entered a period of inactivity was due to the fact soap used to be pumped into the vents to make the eruptions more dramatic; it damaged the structure of the vent and prevented water building up. Strokkur, therefore, is guarded against all interference, with chains keeping visitors a good distance away.
Unfortunately, however, there have been incidents where people have meddled with its natural state. For example, an artist called Marco Evaristti once poured food colouring into it to make the eruption pink. He defended himself by claiming that nature was open to artists to utiltise and the fact the colouring was all-natural, but he became a pariah amongst many Icelanders, and was arrested and fined (though never paid it).Hellisheiði,
Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo Credit: ThinkGeoEnergy
Hellisheiði is a lava plateau east of Reykavík, approximately 380 metres (1,247 feet) high.
Iceland's main highway, Route 1 passes through it, leading east. The latest and most distinctive lava field here is Kristnitökuhraun, formed in the year 1000.
Geothermal Activity at Hellisheiði
The area is has a high amount of geothermal activity, as can be seen in nearby hot springs. The best example, however, can be found at the Hellisheiði geothermal power station.
This is the third largest power station in the world. It provides south and west Iceland, including Reykjavík, with hot water, and the energy is also harnessed for electricity (although most of this in Iceland comes from dams).
The Hellisheiði power station has an interactive educational centre. It allows guests to tour it, and learn all about Iceland's environmentally friendly means of energy and heat production. The exhibitions are fascinating for adults and children alike.
What to do at Hellisheiði
On the way through Hellisheiði one can see many of Iceland's beautiful landmarks. The most notable of these are the dramatic surrounding mountains, the main ones being Bláfjoll (the Blue Mountains) to the south and Mt. Hengill to the north.
From the highest point of the plateau one may view volcanoes Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla, along with the Westman Islands.
Eyjafjallajökull was the glacier covered volcano that erupted in 2010, causing widespread problems across Europe with air travel. It also flabbergasted newsreaders everywhere as they tried to pronounce it correctly (most settled on 'E11').
Hekla is another notorious volcano, having erupted many times throughout Iceland's history.
Looking to the Westman Islands, you will see more reminders of Iceland's volcanic history. In the centre of the largest island, Heimaey, is the crater of the Eldfell.
This volcano went off without warning in the middle of town in 1973. It created Iceland's newest island, also visible just off shore, called Surtsey.Haukadalur
Haukadalur is a geothermal valley in South Iceland on the popular Golden Circle route.
Lying to the north of Lake Laugarvatn, it is home to hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots and geysers, including the famous Great Geysir and the active Strokkur. The area is noted for the vivid colouration of its surrounding hills, caused by elements deep in the earth being brought to the surface by the geothermal activity.
History of Haukadalur
Haukadalur has been mentioned in historic writings as far back as 1294, in which its geysers were described following an earthquake that activated them. Since the 18th Century, it has been drawing visitors to the island including two different Kings of Denmark in 1907 and 1922.
Throughout the 20th Century, images of the Great Geysir erupting at Haukadular began to symbolise Iceland. It's activity, however, was unreliable, so unnatural efforts were made to stimulate it more regularly, such as lowering the water table in 1935 and pumping soap into it 1981.
These, however, limited the geyser's long-term activity, so that it rarely goes off today, although, in the early 2000s, it did have a period where it was spouting water over 140 metres (459 ft) high. Even so, the geyser Strokkur is still very active, erupting to heights of 30 metres (98 ft) every five to ten minutes.
Today, most of the near-two million visitors to Iceland will see Haukadalur Valley on their travels.
Surroundings of Haukadalur
Haukadalur Valley is located about an hour and a half's drive inland from Reykjavík, thus making many sites of the South and West easily accessible. The most notable of these are the other points on the Golden Circle: Gullfoss Waterfall (about five minutes away) and Þingvellir National Park (about forty minutes away).
It is also, however, within an easy driving distance of Flúðir, home of the Secret Lagoon, the Kjölur Highland Road, which leads into Iceland's interior, Sólheimar eco-village, and Faxi Waterfall.
Start : 08:30.
Bądź na miejscu, z którego mamy Cię odebrać o wyznaczonym czasie. Jeżeli znajduje się na przystanku autobusowym i potrzebujesz pomocy w jego znalezieniu, poszukaj wskazówek w recepcji hotelu bądź skontaktuj się z operatorem wycieczki.
Wycieczka Super Jeepem
Pełne wyżywienie
Nocleg w interiorze
Pościel w śpiworze
Co zabrać:
Lekkie buty trekkingowe
Ubrania trzymające ciepło - wełniane lub syntetyczne
Wiatro i wodoodporne spodnie i kurtkę
Spodnie trekkingowe
Rękawiczki, ciepłe skarpety i czapkę
Mały plecak na ubrania i rzeczy niezbędne w ciągu dnia - 20 l
Wodę w butelce
Strój kapielowy
Dobrze wiedzieć:
Zorza polarna to naturalne zjawisko i nie można zagwarantować, że się pojawi. Jednakże nasz plan podróży jest tak skonstruowany, aby zmaksymalizować Twoje szanse, o ile będzie sprzyjająca pogoda.
Dzień 1 - Wybierz się w interior
Twoja przygoda w interiorze rozpocznie się, kiedy odbierzemy Cię z Reykjaviku. Następnie miniemy pasmo górskie Hellisheiði i przemierzymy szerokie równiny południowej Islandii. U stóp góry i wulkanu Hekla, wyruszysz w drogę na wzgórza Sigalda, pokonując niesamowite, białe pola lawy, kratery i rozległe tereny przykryte śniegiem.
W końcu dotrzesz do obszaru geotermalnego Landmannalaugar w interiorze. Po południu włożysz rakiety śnieżne (w razie potrzeby) i wybierzesz się na wycieczkę po tym surowym i zapierającym dech regionie.
Pod koniec perfekcyjnego dnia na zewnątrz możesz cieszyć się ciepłą kąpielą w gorących źródłach rzeki lub pomóc przewodnikowi w przygotowaniu pysznej kolacji z grilla. Koniecznie nie zapomnij również wypatrywać zorzy polarnej, zanim udasz się na odpoczynek.
Dzień 2 - Powrót do Reykjaviku
Drugi dzień zimowej wycieczki po islandzkim interiorze rozpocznie się wczesnym śniadaniem. Ostatni raz spojrzysz na kolorowe gorące źródła przed rozpoczęciem podróży przez górski płaskowyż w kierunku głównej drogi.
Trasa do Reykjavíku zabierze Cię obok dwóch atrakcji stanowiących trasę Golden Circle - wodospadu Gullfoss i obszaru geotermalnego Geysir. Po południu dotrzesz do Reykjaviku, mając czas na wieczorne odkrywanie tego, co ta tętniąca życiem stolica Islandii ma do zaoferowania.


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Rider Strong on "Girl Meets World": "I have no official involvement"
Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel are reprising their roles as Cory and Topanga on the upcoming "Boy Meets World" spinoff, "Girl Meets World," but it appears that Cory's best friend won't be dropping by -- at least, for now.
Rider Strong, who played Shawn Hunter on the popular series, took to his blog to weigh in on whether or not his character will be returning.
"At this point, I have no official involvement" Strong said of the Disney channel pilot, which will focus on Cory and Topanga's 13-year-old daughter, Riley.
He added that he is "extremely happy" that Savage and Fishel will be "able to continue the story."
But Strong didn't rule out the possibility of Shawn -- or other "Boy Meets World" characters -- making appearances on the new show.
"There might be a chance to see some of the 'BMW' cast in a guest spot, and I think it would be nice to find out where our characters have been all these years," he wrote.
"But 'Girl Meets World' will be, and I think it should be, its own show," he continued. "It's about Cory and Topanga, their daughter, and a new set of characters. It's the next generation. And I, for one, can't wait to see it evolve."