Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Valley of Steam (Premium)

Starting point is 00:00:00 Hi, Thomas here. You're listening to a preview episode. You can enjoy the entire story tonight by subscribing to our supporters' feed. There you'll get access to the entire back catalogue, bonus episodes, and more, and it's all completely ad-free. Click the link below to learn more and thank you so so much. Me and the team really appreciate your support. Approximately 50 kilometers outside of the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik. Liza secluded feet of nature, the valley of steam. This isn't a tourist hotspot like the infamous Gisars or Gulfos waterfall. Visitors here tend to learn of its existence by word of mouth, making for a unique and intimate experience.

Starting point is 00:01:20 As you pull up amongst a scattering of parked cars at the end of a long, tarmac road, you open the door and step out into the crisp clear air of rural Iceland. It's a late afternoon in early November and the sun is just beginning to dim ever so slightly, as evening draws near. There is a small cafe situated on the right of the road, with several rambletypes sat inside. They're enjoying a hot drink after a hike of their own. Just as they are, you're well prepared for the ultra cold climate. A thick scarf, hat and gloves. You pull a backpack out of the boot, stuffed with bath towels and swimwear.

Starting point is 00:02:37 It's a certified paradox to what you'd expect to be carrying in such conditions, but such is the magic of this geothermal valley. As you begin the hike into the mountains, you encounter a few early obstacles. Firstly, a small and narrow bridge across a shallow stream of water and a rocky surface. From here, the route leads into an expanse of orangy brown, slightly slightly sandy mud paths. Already, you're greeted with a collection of steamy hot pools. A generator thick white fog that climbs high into the air and drifts across the mountains on the ice-cold breeze. The unique sight instantly fills your body with dopamine-fuel joy. Sulfuric gases linger in the air, giving off a smell that is akin to rotten eggs. It's rather less revolting, however, in the knowledge that the smell is credit to a pure and natural wonder.

Starting point is 00:04:18 Streams of hot water flow down through the crevices in the mountain surface. Some so hot that they might scold you if touched. Skipping over the bubbling streams and miniature pools of water brings a childlike sense of amusement to the faces of all visitors. Further up the initial hill, an information sign explains that the walk to the bathing pools is roughly three kilometers long. With the evening beginning to draw in, a hasty pace will be required. Over the next hour, the mountains wind round and round, up and down, and the hike certainly isn't a part like stroll. The route is easy to follow as you walk a purpose-made path, covered in a dark grey layer of

Starting point is 00:05:33 gravel. It stands out against the plush greenery of grass, trees and hedges, and it will come in handy on the return journey also. Tied legs are frequently invigorated by the awe of the scenery across the vast landscape. In the greater depths of winter, these mountains are invariably covered with thick layers of snow. Daylight, lost as little as four to five hours during this time, and the walk would therefore be even more challenging and dangerous. However, the sky above is clear and the sunlight is bright enough to illuminate the mountains for now. you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Valley of Steam (Premium)

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