We had to drive through an area of Iceland known for it's jokulhaups. This occurs when a glacier breaks and the water behind it gushes out. Jokulhaups (YOKE-ell-ups) are perhaps the most dangerous thing in all of Iceland. The wall of water moves so fast that few can outrun it. One of the sagas relates how one man on horseback narrowly escaped with his life after a jokulhaup swept in behind his steed!
That's why we stopped at Laufskálavarða. (It's pronounced LAHF-skowt-la-VARDTH-ah.) Remember that rock pile I mentioned in my post about Vik? Laufskálavarða is a rock pile, too, but one with a very important purpose. It is believed that leaving a rock here will ensure that one can cross the jokulhaup field unscathed. It's like leaving a token of good faith to the many spirits and creatures that inhabit Iceland.
That's why we stopped at Laufskálavarða. (It's pronounced LAHF-skowt-la-VARDTH-ah.) Remember that rock pile I mentioned in my post about Vik? Laufskálavarða is a rock pile, too, but one with a very important purpose. It is believed that leaving a rock here will ensure that one can cross the jokulhaup field unscathed. It's like leaving a token of good faith to the many spirits and creatures that inhabit Iceland.
One of the students suggested that Stitch leave a rock, too, just in case. After all, better not take any chances!
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