A quick update on the weather in Iceland, and a slight change to the itinerary. At the moment, it is looking lovely in Iceland, but by monday evening when we arrive, it looks very, very wet:
As such, please make sure that you have put your waterproofs in your day sack, or even better,wear them on the plane, as you do not want to start the trip wet and cold. If you are not appropriately dressed each day, you are staying on the bus! I think some waterproof trousers are going to be important this year.
Other things to have in your hand luggage:
English Money for breakfast - we will stop on the way up, and there is some time in the airport
Swimmers - no towel needed in the Blue Lagoon
Icelandic Money - you may wish to buy a snack at the Blue Lagoon
Extra layer for post Blue Lagoon warmth
Hat - essential
Passport - I will be checking these when you arrive in the morning
Departure Time: 0545 (morning time on MONDAY)
The Kit List again:
KEEPING WARM
·
Layering
is the key to retaining body heat because air is trapped between the layers and
therefore ‘insulates’ your body from the cold.
·
Several
thin layers are more effective than any one thick garment.
·
Woollen
fabrics are better insulators than synthetic fabrics such as nylon or
polyester.
·
Some
modern fabrics are excellent, allowing water vapour to pass through without
losing any heat.
·
Don’t
forget your legs! Warm trousers (not jeans) are essential, but bring light ones
for summer and always bring waterproof trousers whatever the time of year.
·
... on
your feet! Thick woollen socks are best (not nylon)
·
A Hat!
Needed all year – more heat is lost through the head than any other part for
the body. A warm one for winter that also can cover the ears is good. A scarf
is essential October to April to protect the neck.
·
Gloves
(waterproof): frozen fingers hurt, wet fingers lose heat: uncovered wrists can
have significant heat loss.
·
Depending
on the weather, anything between 1 and 5 layers will be required.
Suggested layers: Base layer of a thermal
vest/long johns if cold
Cotton
T-shirt if warm
Collared
shirt/rugby top or polo sweater (scarf if not polo)
Woollen/breathable
fleece/sweater
Insulated
jacket/fleece
Waterproof
outer garments (top and bottom)
If going in summer, then 3 layers
would be normal (and include shorts just in case!!). Whatever time of year, be
prepared to carry an extra layer in your daysack.
WARNING: Overheating (too many layers) can be
as debilitating and dangerous as getting cold, so don’t start your day looking
like an arctic explorer/Michelin man or woman by wearing everything!
KEEPING DRY
·
Getting
wet leads to cold/heat loss which can lead to hypothermia which is very serious
·
A fully
waterproof out garment is ABSOLUTELY essential. Beware of misleading claims
common amongst cheaper brands of nylon-based garments. Gore-Tex, Paramo or
similar fabric is advisable.
·
Waterproof
trousers are a must.
·
Boots are
essential! Trainers, however expensive, are no substitute as they don’t give
you ankle support. Wellington boots are not to be used as although they are
waterproof, they’re useless for gripping on wet rocks.
·
Please
don’t feel obliged to spend a small fortune on 4-season boots which may only be
used for a week. Any waterproof with a vibram or similar moulded rubber sole
will be adequate. Please wear them in before going to Iceland
The places where we
stay are warm and comfortable and so you will need light clothing and footwear
(eg trainers) to change into during the evening.
·
Sunglasses
– all year round there’s a high albedo (reflection of sunlight) off snow and
ice. They also protect you from dust-storms if there are high winds blowing off
ash areas. Contact lens users may wish to bring ‘goggles’.
·
A small
day-sack – big enough to carry spare jumper/waterproofs plus packed lunch,
drinks bottle, camera etc
·
Sun-block
cream in the warmer months
·
Towel (suitable for when
swimming)
·
Swim-wear
·
Personal Toiletries
·
Personal medications (staff
responsible need to be aware and informed of any prescribed medications)
·
Thermos flask (or water bottle
in summer)
·
A seriously LARGE block of
chocolate (chocolate is ridiculously expensive to buy in Iceland) or multiple
packs
·
Camera (don’t forget charging
and download cables as well as spare batteries)
·
Plasters and paracetamol etc
·
Writing paper, pens, pencils
·
Plastic bags
For reasons of safety, the use of personal stereos/ipods etc with
head-phones/ear pieces is not permitted when out in the field. Batteries will
be expensive in Iceland so bring your own spare ones. You must have your own
personal insurance for any such items
·
Rules and regulations will be
kept to a minimum
·
When instructions are given,
they are given for a reason ... YOUR SAFETY!
·
Follow all instructions from
your staff/party leader
·
Disregarding any instructions
will be viewed as being a serious breach of discipline
WE, the staff, rely heavily on YOU
to make this a successful, enjoyable and memorable experience: we are a team
together!
You have the emergency contact details, if not:
Most mobiles will work in Iceland, and if you need to get in
touch, please call or text one of the trip mobiles. Alternatively, during the
day time, use the main college number and they will get a message to us through
the duty manager, Martyn Owen. If you have an out of hours emergency, Rob
Setchell is our designated emergency contact, and will be able to get in touch
with us at any time.
Trip Mobile Numbers:
07583298460/07825630026
College Number:
01823 320800 –Duty Manager Martyn Owen
Emergency Contact: Rob Setchell - 07712 611653
We plan to arrive
back at RHC on Saturday the 24th at around 4:30pm, we will ask
students to call you an hour before arriving with an accurate update. There
will be limited internet access on the trip, but hopefully, you will be able to
follow us through the Geography Blog.
Any questions, get in touch with me quickly!
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