Slippery paths

Even at the major tourist destinations here in Iceland, there are still an amazing number of very dangerous paths. Muddy, twisty numbers winding up hillsides or along the very, very edge of a huge waterfall, even behind one. Or paths in the steam vent areas that aren't really marked at all, a piece of wood laid over a stream of boiling hot water whose direction could change in an instant. Certainly the Icelandic government feels that people ought to be aware enough to navigate these places on their own, and I am always impressed how many people do. But on the other hand, no one should go solo out into any of these places. The potential for real bodily harm is actually pretty great.

Perhaps this is why most tourists just drive by these places of extreme natural beauty in the buses, or walk in big groups up short paths, near enough to take a peak, but avoiding any chance of slipping down the slope into a volcano, or a waterfall, or a vat of boiling water.

Iceland, gotta love it.

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