Beautiful desert

 From a Sunday drive to Thjorsardalur (Þjórsárdalur) in the south of Iceland.
The valley was settled in the 9th century but abandoned after an eruption in Mt. Hekla in the 12th century. The river is Fossá and in it one finds several waterfalls, this one called Hjálp or Hjálparfoss. And yes, it means Help!

 Another vantage point of Hjálp.

 This from the south.

 Close up.

 And this one draws forth the standing stones, stuðlaberg, a formation in the lava.

 A lonely preacher!

 I don't know -its just kinda cute!

 From Hjalp you go towards Stöng and then in an offroad vehicle until you arrive at Gjáin. And its an oasis in the desert. Clear water, vegetation and berries (if you are there in August/September).

 See the cave? Teethed opening? Left side - see the troll in red? Click the picture!

 See what I mean with oasis?

 Its so beautiful! Imagine it prior to the eruption, with trees!

 And there is a scary, halfburied face! Its a macigal place. Just brilliant! But even if the pics are nice - its best to be there!