WorldTraveling

Theme 1: Landscape

Seljalndsfoss Waterfall Skogafoss Waterfall

Church at Vik Cave at Black Sand Beach

Photo taken by iPhone 16

Theme 2: Water

Hot Springs

Viking Museum

Glacier Tour

Animal Theme

Photos taken by iPhone 16

Mountain Goat

Icelandic Horse

This is my second blog about a waterfall. In case you haven’t noticed—I love waterfalls. I love everything about them. I like imagining the journey of the water falling in front of me—where it came from (in this case, the Hvítá River) and how long it took until I could witness it with my own eyes.

The moment I first heard the roaring sounds of Gullfoss, I knew this would be an experience unlike any other. As I approached from the parking lot, the mist was already visible in the distance. When I stepped off the bus, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. This was a place I had seen so often on social media and had dreamt of visiting for so long. To quote the movie Rudy, I thought to myself, “This is the most beautiful sight these eyes have ever seen!”

Rising before me was Gullfoss.

My first glimpse of the falls came from the upper-deck viewpoint. From there, I could take in its natural beauty—it was unlike anything I had ever seen. It was so breathtaking, it should be considered the eighth wonder of the world. As I got closer, the spray intensified with every step, lightly covering my face. I quickly understood why waterproof clothing is recommended—the mist travels far! Thankfully, I had dressed in layers and brought a warm sweatshirt and hat.

I continued along a path that led to a viewing platform right in front of the waterfall. Standing there, I felt like I was on top of the world… and taking a cold shower at the same time. At the edge of Gullfoss, I finally understood why it’s considered one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. The unique viewing angle created the illusion that the waterfall was vanishing into the Earth.

The name “Gullfoss” translates to “Golden Waterfall.” When I found that out, I thought it made perfect sense. The pictures I was able to take were unbelievable. As I departed, the one thing I knew I’d never forget was how excited I felt to develop those photos, hang them on my wall, and share them with my family.

One thing I would say to travelers coming to Iceland to visit this place: get ready for the ride. The power of Gullfoss will leave you speechless. Standing beside such a wonder—watching the water vanish into the Earth—creates a powerful connection to Iceland’s landscape, one that will stay with you forever.

(This photo was taken with an iPhone 16.)

When I first stepped onto Black Sand Beach, I experienced something truly incredible. The striking dark-colored sand—formed from volcanic materials—combined with the deep blue water to create an awe-inspiring scene. What makes this beach so unique is its distinctive black sand, the result of volcanic activity. When hot lava from eruptions flows into the cold ocean water, it rapidly cools and shatters into small volcanic rocks that gradually break down into the black sand covering the beach.

As I walked along the shore, I immediately thought the place felt otherworldly. I had never seen anything like it. Many first-time visitors describe the beach in the same way. Between the black volcanic sand and the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach creates a dramatic landscape that many find both incredible and unforgettable—I certainly did.

One standout feature I noticed immediately was the cool and unique rock formations. I later learned that they were basalt columns, formed by the slow cooling of ancient lava flows. These columns rise from the beach like a massive gray pyramid. The dark shades of the volcanic rock create a visual experience unlike any other beach in the world. Normally, when one thinks of the beach, images of white sand come to mind. So when you see black sand, it can be quite a shock.

In my opinion, the rock formations resemble those found in the video game Minecraft, and I wonder if the game’s designers were inspired by Black Sand Beach. Much like Skógafoss, this beach felt cinematic. In fact, it has served as the setting for several iconic films, including Star Wars: Rogue One and The Force Awakens.

One theme I noticed during our visit was the repeated safety warnings. While the beach is breathtakingly beautiful, it is also potentially dangerous. I saw numerous signs advising visitors not to approach the ocean too closely. The beach is notorious for its unpredictability. The waves can surge far inland and are often accompanied by powerful rip currents that have caused several accidents and fatalities over the years. I thought to myself, “No wonder I haven’t seen anyone surfing at the beaches we’ve visited.”

Returning to the beauty of this attraction, one piece of advice for those considering a trip to Iceland is this: make sure Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is on your bucket list. It is one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders, combining dramatic landscapes with unique geological features that create an atmosphere unlike any other beach destination on Earth.

(This photo was taken by the iPhone 16.)

Blog 2

Skógafoss

Visiting Skógafoss Waterfall for the first time was a surreal and breathtaking experience. The sound of the cascading water, combined with the mist, created a powerful feeling. From the moment I stepped out of the vehicle, I felt as though I had arrived on another planet. I completely understood why Skógafoss is such a popular stop for so many travelers.

This site is accessible and accommodating to a wide range of visitors, as you can view it either from the ground or from above. Standing at the foot of Skógafoss, I immediately felt the force of the waterfall as it plunged 60 meters (about 200 feet), creating a sense of near disbelief at the sight. I had always been curious and excited to see one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, and experiencing it in person made me feel incredibly grateful to witness something so beautiful.

I hope future travelers feel the same way when they visit Iceland’s stunning south coast. The incredible, almost cinematic view reminded me of a fairy tale. It offered a genuine glimpse into the hidden beauty of our world. I almost had to look twice to believe what I was seeing. From the moment I stepped off the bus, it felt like I was in heaven.

Being an adventurous person, I climbed the more than 500 steps of the sturdy metal staircase that runs alongside the falls, leading to a panoramic viewing platform. I was so mesmerized that I found myself thinking, “Is this real?” Everyone on the ground looked like ants. Let’s just say—if you’re afraid of heights, this part might not be for you. Fortunately, you can still enjoy an incredible view from the ground.

Ultimately, a first-time visit to Skógafoss is exhilarating. With the dramatic landscape and sheer volume of water, any new visitor is bound to be blown away. My brief time at this magnificent site was more than just an experience—it felt like I was becoming one with the top of the world.

(This photograph was taken using an iPhone 16.)

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g608884-d555031-Reviews-Skogafoss-Skogar_South_Region.html

Blog 1:

Pre-travel Blog

There’s a kind of electric tingle every time I remember we’re about to board a plane for Iceland. I’ve collected a few stamps in my passport over the years. During high school, I had the opportunity to explore the Temple of Poseidon in Greece, dive into the fascinating history of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, take in the majestic landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Canadian Rockies, and, most recently, wander through the wonder-filled country of Austria with Rider during spring break.

But visiting a place as dramatic and otherworldly as Iceland feels like a brand-new adventure. The photos and reels people post on social media make Iceland look so majestic and surreal—it seems like a setting pulled straight out of a fantasy movie. I’ve always been drawn to landscapes that look like they belong in utopian, dreamlike films. Iceland, with its volcanic terrain and unreal waterfalls—like Skógafoss and Gullfoss https://guidetoiceland.is/—fits that image perfectly. It has been on my bucket list for ages, and now that the trip is almost here, I can hardly believe it’s finally happening.

What excites me the most? The anticipation of standing before the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, watching it thunder down in all its glory; feeling the geothermal magic of the Blue Lagoon (and hoping I get to go in!); and seeing the striking black sands of Reynisfjara Beach on Iceland’s south coast. These are the sights I’m most looking forward to visiting and learning about.

There’s something thrilling, yet intimidating, about walking on glaciers—especially when you don’t know what the weather or terrain might throw at you. Hiking and climbing can be a challenge for me due to limited function in my right arm, but I still want to give it my best. I’ve heard that Icelandic weather can flip in a matter of minutes, which both excites and stresses me out—but hey, that’s part of the adventure.

Packing is another challenge altogether. With Iceland’s famously unpredictable climate, layering is essential. I always seem to struggle with packing—especially overpacking. But I’m determined to be smart about it this time. I plan to bring a waterproof jacket, my thick and warm winter coat, thermal base layers, a cozy hat, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots. And, of course, I won’t forget a swimsuit for relaxing in the hot springs.

Most importantly, I’m bringing my camera and extra batteries to capture all the magical moments—me standing in front of waterfalls, exploring national parks, and soaking in the heavenly Blue Lagoon. I’m also packing a wide-eyed sense of curiosity for every wild twist and turn that lies ahead.

It’s funny—my parents visited Iceland about two years ago, and when they come home, one of the first things my mom said was, “Man, their tap water is probably some of the best water I’ve ever tasted.” I laughed so hard! They explained that Iceland’s drinking water is filtered directly from hot springs flowing through lava fields and rocks, which gives it a crisp, clean taste. Ever since they told me that, I’ve been eager to try it myself.

One fact that really shocked me while reading How Iceland Changed the World by Egill Bjarnason was about a volcanic eruption in 2010 that was so massive, it disrupted air travel as far away as Bulgaria. That really made me want to learn more about Iceland’s volcanoes.

My name is Michael McDonnell. I just finished my freshman year in college. One of the most amazing classes I took this was photography and Journalism class. Throughout my life, I have been to 6 countries and this was arguably the most beautiful country out of all of them. I don’t really have a lot of experience with travel journalism, so this was a big challenge. I have always said that “traveling is the best form of education” and I believe that if you are afraid to go out of your comfort zone, you’ll never experience the world beyond the one that you are used to. It can be scary, but it is always exciting, educational, and eye-opening.

My professor took this picture of me on the Rainbow Road in Reykjavík, and I am grateful that she shared it with me.

#Reykjavik #Rainbowroad

Come explore a new dimension with me!

In May I traveled to Iceland for a Photojournalism class. Iceland felt to me like I was on another planet. The geography was much different than anything I have ever experienced.

Spoiler alert! I’m not the only one who thinks it looks another planet. Star Wars was filmed there.