After leaving Akureyri we headed East to visit the Myvatn geothermal baths and Lake Myvatn. the entire area is very geologically active. To the south, the largest eruption earth has seen in several hundred years is active right now. It's already ejected enough lava to cover an area over 80 square kilometers. The area near the lava field is highly regulated. Only scientists and state workers are allowed near the site. You can see the red glow of the lava field from a distance. We took a few shots near Akureyri and Egilsstaðir where the glow is visible.
About the Geothermal fields near Myvatn. This place is mars country. A lot of Iceland is mars country but the north east especially. Ancient crater structure from old eruptions cover the landscape. Vents gush hot sulphury gas into the cold winds. Wind really picks up fast in the flat open plains here. Specks of ice and sand pick at exposed skin. Car rental companies highly recommend that renters buy sand insurance because the high winds, especially along the coast, will blast car pain down to exposed steel in a matter of hours. It's a thing.
The texture of the ground here is amazing. Little white and yellow mineral crystals grow on everythnig. Small geometric scars and shapes are etched into the rocks and soil. Bright yellow, red, and orange stones speckle the landscape and coat rocky surfaces. Jet black bubbling waters burp up new smells. An Icelander told us told us that locals know exactly how long it takes to boil a tourist. Areas like this geothermal scene are common on the island and most of them are basically unregulated. Tourists are free to wander and explore. Getting to close to hot vents and falling into boiling pools or through hot soft ground is sadly common. Should you ever visit the island, consider the wise words of 90's poet Ice Cube. It could save your life.