Lava Smells Like Fourth of July Don Barri. Ljósmynd/Aðsend “The smell [of the lava] reminded me of Fourth of July,” states American geology teacher Don Barri, who since his arrival in Iceland has twice visited the eruption site by Fagradalsfjall mountain, Southwest Iceland. The smell was strong, he notes, and reminded him of the smell of fireworks. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson He was surprised by the strong smell and the unbelievable heat from the lava. The closest he could get to it was about four meters (13 ft). He tells mbl.is he has never experienced anything like the eruption, and he hopes to see it once again when he returns next year.
Ram Attempts Burglary in Þingvellir National Park The ram, ready to charge. Photo/Einar Á. Sæmundsen Vala Hafstað
Morgunblaðið reports. Upon closer examination, the case appeared most peculiar.
“The window pane of the door was broken, and the door handle – strong and made of steel - was all bent.” Besides, nothing had been stolen from the building.
Shortly thereafter, as Einar was standing in the entry of the Visitor Center, along with a staff member, the burglar returned - in the shape of a ram.
“Three [employees] went outside to chase the ram away,” Einar states. “It responded by trying to attack them.” In the end, the ram turned around, saw its reflection in the window and went berserk. Three times, it charged at its own reflection, breaking the window pane into pieces and damaging another one.
Unable to Hike to the Eruption? Will Bus Service Be Offered? Paying for parking near the eruption site. Photo/Kristinn Magnússon Vala Hafstað Part of the parking fees collected near the eruption site by Fagradalsfjall mountain, Southwest Iceland, will be used to fund improved access to the area, Sigurður Guðjón Gíslason, head of the landowners’ association Hraun, tells mbl.is . That would include building a better parking lot, installing restrooms and offering scheduled bus service to the top of the mountain. “That way, those who have trouble hiking up the mountain could be transported there, such as the elderly and people with disabilities,” he explains.