Third Trimester Part I

With the thesis research in full swing, things in Akureyri quieted down considerably. As the days got shorter, most people made a point of taking a break during daylight hours to relax. Some biked around town, some jogged, and some anticipated the snow to come to start various snow sports. As the two Americans present in Akureyri, Ashlin and myself crafted a model American Thanksgiving dinner. Authentic dishes were made, such as pumpkin and apple pie, stuffing, homemade bread, green bean casserole, potatoes, gravy, and a 9 kg turkey, affectionately named Tom. All 14 of us said what we were thankful for, and enjoyed a tasty meal.

With Christmas just around the corner, things in Iceland turned towards the holidays. The Christmas shop, which is actually open year-round, reminded us of the various holiday traditions of our various countries.
I had a chance to escape to Brussels, Belgium for some research time with my thesis advisor. The time was productive, and the short 14 week thesis period meant that extensive research was crammed into a very short period of time. For some, it felt like the 'To Do List' kept getting longer. While in Brussels, I made some time to explore around the city and take in the sights.

Even with the deadline months away, we were all feeling the crunch to stick with our timelines and make sure the work gets done. Since the projects were fairly independent, it was up to each of us to motivate ourselves to stay focused. Help from enthusiastic advisors was always a welcome motivator.

September

With the second trimester almost finished, two thoughts were on our minds. Where (and on what) were we going to do our thesis, and where were we going during study break. With no study tour around Iceland, we had to make our own fun.

Groups of various sizes took trips deep into the interior of Iceland to the Kverkfjoll Ice caves at the base of the Vatnajokull glacier. This required strong vehicles, a few stream crossings, and staying at remote huts in the interior. This area in Iceland was definitely one of the most remote in the country.
We were rewarded with unspoiled views of that overused 'Fire and Ice' cliche that you hear about. A quick stop at Askja and Viti (above) allowed us a quick dip in the thermally heated crater. While it looks warm, it certainly was not, and with nothing to block it, the wind made it much worse.
The final sight of the trip was Vatnajokull glacier itself. The huge icefield spills off the mountain, which creates the characteristic ripples in the ice.

A volcanic feature deep within the glacier vents hot gases to the surface, creating the deep blue Kverkfjoll ice caves. This was definitely the highlight of the trip, as the sight was something that cannot be easily imagined or even described.

Back in Akureyri, the school was engaged in a tough battle during the inter class games, called Sprellmot. A fierce battle ensued with RES facing tough competition in all matches.
After a well choreographed and executed song competition, RES ended up with a honorable mention, good for a second place finish. Lets hope for a first place next year!