Geological Wonders
 The Gateway To Hell - Námaskarð, Iceland
It may be called The Gateway To Hell, but Námaskarð is simply
heavenly to those who seek the unearthly while still staying on Earth.
Iceland is one of the world’s most volcanically active countries,
which seems ironic considering its chilly name. One of the most powerful
and wide-ranging volcanic events in modern history, the 1783 eruption of
the Laki volcanic system, caused the deaths by famine of up to 25
percent of Iceland’s population and the loss of most of the island’s
livestock. Things are calmer nowadays… enjoy Iceland’s wonders but keep
your options (and travel arrangements) open!
Reed Flute Cave - Guilin, China
The magnificent underground cave system traditionally called Reed
Flute Cave and known today as the Palace of Natural Art lies beneath the
city of Guilin, China, and is over 750 feet (240 meters) long.
 The first recorded visits to the cave took place over 1,000 years ago
during China’s Tang Dynasty. Artificial lighting is used to enhance the
stunning rock formations in the cave, which has been officially open for
visitors since 1962.
One of the largest parts of the cave system is the Crystal Palace of
the Dragon King, which can hold up to 1,000 people and was used as an
air raid shelter during World War II. The grotto features a solitary
stalagmite that resembles a human being – it’s said that a visiting poet
attempted to write about the beauty that greeted his eyes but took so
long to find the right words he turned to stone.
 The Devil’s Marbles - Northern Territory, Australia
Known as Karlu Karlu to Australia’s aboriginal people and one of
their most sacred sites, The Devil’s Marbles are huge blocks of 1.7
billion year old granite rounded by countless centuries of weathering.
Wind, water, temperature and sunlight conspire to erode and, on
occasion, split the massive ovoids which sit, individually or in groups,
in a desolate Outback valley.
As can be seen above, some of the Devil’s Marbles are of a staggering
size… which gives one a hint as to the proportions of ‘ol Satan himself! |
