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Iceland Black and white

Cover: Storm clouds moving through the western fjords.

We know the size of Iceland. It is approximately 40,000 square miles and home to about 350,000 people. Seven Icelands could fit within the borders of the American state of Texas.

Despite its small size the country seems vast and impossible to cover. The horizon always feels out of reach and the terrain, between here and there, impassable. Scanning the various landscapes of the country, from a geological perspective, it feels as if Iceland just happened yesterday. Springing into existence from volcanoes in the North Atlantic.

Lava rock carpets the earth. In some places the rock is covered by a think layer of moss. Glacial ice fields move slowly through the mountain passes, breaking off into large chunks and flowing toward the ocean, sometimes melting into mineral rich blue-green rivers before cutting across black sand beaches and reaching the sea.

Green fields, Lupine filled plains, rocky sub-Arctic desert, snow-capped mountains, active volcanos, glaciers, icebergs, fast moving rivers, towering waterfalls, and threatening storms are all part of the landscape of Iceland and it can all be seen in less than an hour of driving on any of the country's main roads.

Each view that emerges at each bend is more surprising than the last. And although what you see before you seems distant, if you keep driving, walking or riding, you will reach that far off point and it will be even more overwhelming close up. Turn and look at what's behind you and your perspective will be completely new. Something you just passed, but did not see.

I think you could live here a lifetime and not see the entire island. Not be surprised daily.

Like the ocean that surrounds it, Iceland is constantly shifting its shape, showing us how our world was created, and reminding us that creation continues, the work is far from complete.

For more stories visit ThisDecisiveMoment.com

© Dean Pagani 2021

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© Dean Pagani 2021

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