The day had come when we were going to fly home, but our flight wasn’t until later in the day.  So Tauck had a few more stops that certainly added some last minute fun to our trip.  As we drove along the road, we saw more lava rock and moss-covered lava that was so prevalent throughout our travels in Iceland.

We also visited Seltun, a geothermal area that consists of bubbling mud pots, volcanic vents, thermal springs and fumaroles.  A sign near the entrance warned us of the danger of steam explosions.  We were able to explore the area via paths and boardwalks.  The water in the ponds is surface water that is heated by steam from a boiling geothermal reservoir beneath the surface.  There was a prominent smell of sulfur in the air.

From Seltun, we went to the Blue Lagoon.  It has 100 degree water supplied by a nearby geothermal plant.  The water is a mixture of sea water and fresh water.  It also contains blue-green algae, mineral salts, and silica mud to condition the skin.  If you are debating if you really want to put your swim suit on and do this, you do!

The warm water was very relaxing and refreshing.  There is a ramp so you can easily walk in and out of the water.  While still in the water, you can walk right up to to a “bar” for something to drink or a silica mud mask.  Inside, there are lockers, showers and hair dryers.  The facility also has a restaurant (where Tauck guests had lunch) and a gift shop where you can purchase Blue Lagoon products (not inexpensive).  Going into this warm water was wonderful – it is definitely something we enjoyed!

• If you swim at the Blue Lagoon (which I highly recommend) and you are flying home the same day, bring a plastic bag you can put your wet swim suit in before it goes back in your suitcase.
• I purchased an underwater camera to take to the Blue Lagoon.  I didn’t need to worry about getting it wet and it worked very well.  I have also used it on subsequent trips.