Iceland: Gjáin (a beautiful ravine) EarthCache
Iceland: Gjáin (a beautiful ravine)
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--- Original cache by Swedemom---
Experience the "being on another planet" feeling by making the trip through Þjórsárdalur Valley on the edge of the central highlands of Iceland just off Route 32. Enjoy the better known waterfalls, Hjálparfoss and Háifoss, but do not miss Gjáin (a beautiful ravine). Rest and relax in this peaceful location where you might spot a shy troll looking out at you.
Þjórsárdalur Valley lies beneath a volcanic desert created by the Mt. Hekla eruption of 1104. Prior to the eruption, a successful farming community was established in Þjórsárdalur. Þjórsá River, the longest river in Iceland, is one of three rivers that flows through the valley. The landscape is one of "sharp contrasts such as flourishing birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls." (Around Iceland, p.188, 2006)
Gjáin is a ravine in the Þjórsárdalur Valley. A ravine is a "small, narrow, steep-sided valley larger than and gully - smaller than a canyon and usually worn by running water." (Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, p.711, 1965).
It is covered with lush vegetation, volcanic rock formations, and a small waterfall called Gjarfoss. The rock formations are unique and artistic in nature's way. While viewing Gjáin from the waypoint, watch for a shy-looking troll peeking out from behind the round, layered rock formation. This formation juts out from the ravine wall with a babbling brook below it. The face has two small cave openings that represent the eyes. The nose is formed by the layer of volcanic rock between the cave openings. The lush vegetation above the eyes is the hair. Isn't she beautiful?
To log this Earthcache, you need to provide the following information:
1. Since this is Sagaland, give the shy troll a strong, Viking, female name.
2. Identify and list the various volcanic rocks you observed in Gjáin.
3. Estimate the depth of the cave openings on the troll's face.
4. Take a picture of the shy troll (Optional)
5. A very short distance from Gjáin is a restored Viking longhouse (WP1). Write me the name of the farm and the warrior-farmer who owned it.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Cyrnfr purpx va nqinapr jurgure be abg gur bar ebnq vagb gur fvgr vf bcra sbe geniry. Vg zvtug or pybfrq qrcraqvat ba gur jrngure pbaqvgvbaf!