Geothermal energy is tasty and gorgeous too

Today we visited a huge greenhouse where the electricity for the lights and heat to warm the building are supplied via geothermal energy, allowing them to grow large amounts of tomatoes and cucumbers year round.  It's almost impossible to grow tomatoes and cucumbers (and most other produce) here because of the long, dark winters.  So geothermal indoor farming is really improving Icelanders' quality of life.  I can vouch for the product -- the tomatoes were delicious!

After the greenhouse we visited Geysir National Monument, a big area with several geysers that regularly shoot water into the air because of the pressure buildup from superheated steam underground. It was amazing to see the geysers as well as many steam vents in the ground.  

We went hiking in the nearby area and came upon a stream where water was bubbling up from underground and it was so hot it was actually boiling.  I shot a quick video because it was so amazing, but the file is too big to upload so here is a still picture.

We continued up the mountain and were rewarded with an amazing panoramic view.

Tomorrow we leave on a three-day, two-night wilderness tour where we will visit glaciers and volcanoes  and at night we will be camping.  I'm excited and a little nervous.  I don't think we will be able to get internet out there so we will probably post next on Tuesday night.