iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 4h

It's an art installation by Yoko Ono called the Peace Tower that's lit October through December. I think it's about 20 years old or so.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 11h

Loksins! (finally!) A cloud-free evening in Reykjavik. Which means? Northern lights! Luckily the terrestrial weather cooperated so we could enjoy some space weather. It's been weeks... #aurora #northernlights #iceland

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

I'd expect nothing less from my Bluesky followers, but this was in my Facebook group of 175K, all with varying exposure and understanding

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

We just hit G2 geomagnetic storm conditions and the forecast for northern lights this evening has been improved to Kp6 levels. We have thick clouds here in Iceland, but was able to see massive bright green lights in between clouds in webcams. Keep your eyes to the sky, Europe & N. America! #aurora

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Definitely backronym, if I had to guess!

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Slept right through this one this time!

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

I had discussions last time we had an earthquake in the capital region: our tectonic regime means we have shallow earthquakes, thus quakes of smaller magnitude can be felt more distinctly than other seismically active areas around the world. But it also means that we don't have huge quakes, too!

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

It's been a seismically active day here in Iceland, including an M3.4 that was felt overnight in the Reykjavík metro area. It's a reminder that our earthquakes are not always volcanic in nature and could be tectonic, relating to the continental rift and local faults.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Everyone missing that this is "nearly" $100. Is that $99 or probably more like $72 or something?

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Glad to be able to read the minds of like-minded followers! :)

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) studies how Earth's magnetic field responds to solar wind and space weather. It's a collaboration between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Science. It's the first tool in space that can capture 45 hours straight of UV.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

In exciting Northern Lights news (since it's been oh-so rainy here all month in Iceland): the SMILE UVI (ultraviolet imager) captured its first images in July, and the ESA has just released these astounding shots of an aurora substorm ringing the north pole DURING midnight sun season.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Our Lava of the Day™️ is this almost Prince Rupert's Drop esque volcanic glass drop that formed during the formation of a small lava tube in a lava channel. Nail polish is Nailberry Cosmic.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

My Lava of the Day™️ (#lotd perhaps?) is this tachylite volcanic glass fold that has a Pele's Hair stuck to its rump, just like a little lava stingray. Pretty proud of this piece!

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

It's #caturday again already? Look at this little monster! No blanket-covered foot is safe when when he's lurking about. Lethal force against bipedal terrorism is his only stance.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Thank you. Yes, yes, I am fine. Sometimes just feeling my feels!

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Thanks for the virtual hugs! According to the Gen Z TikTokers, apparently emoji are "out" now too. I have no outlet for these emotions LOL I did do a nice, fun little hike today in between dissociative sessions. That will have to do...

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Must contain the millennial urge to post song lyrics when dealing with big feelings....

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

My cat and I have matching chairs that we sit in together like an old married couple 😹 although Gary is all child. Happy #caturday, all!

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

It's the number one brand in Iceland behind the literal country itself, based tourism numbers. My guess is they'll do what it takes to preserve it. The company itself has also built up Kerlingarfjöll (to be reviewed) and new halfway built lagoon near Háifoss.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Unfortunately don't know much more beyond what @samer.is said in their comments. I know they mention accessible changing rooms on their website, but I have found that Iceland is not forward-thinking & thoughtful when it comes to accessible & inclusive infrastructure, so not sure if they truly exist.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Blue Lagoon reopens faster than the actual town nearby during an eruption, which is wild. It's still open, protected by defensively berms, and even though there's a 30B liters of magma sitting just below it at 4-5 km depth, the eruptions will most likely stick to the dike-prone area further afield.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

They wouldn't even turn the bar screens off when the bar wasn't in use and aurora overhead. Also (must be careful w/what I say): I had friends who worked here, and all these women have since quit. IYKYK. Rating: 6.9/10 Good for groups, great location for Golden Circle visits. Wish it had more.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

While I do like that there's now a higher-end option in the Golden Circle, there are some drawbacks. Between the lagoon and the river feels very unfinished and dug-up. Is something going in there? Also, at night, the swim-up bars have the brightest lights. The night sky is completely obscured.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The restaurant is headed by a Michelin-starred chef and is yummy. But oh-so expensive. There are two huge swim-up bars in the lagoon. But that's it. No other extras, unique offerings, or gimmicks. Price for basic package is more than the new Reykjaböð but cheaper than older market player Hvammsvík.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

This lagoon is a multi-level lagoon overlooking the Hvítá (White River). The view of the river's bridge is lovely from afar. The architecture of the main building is stunning. And the lagoon has a huge, fun waterfall and lots of nooks and secluded seating areas. There is a sauna and cold plunge.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Our second lagoon review is the year-old Laugarás Lagoon. I have gone a few times, and I now include this lagoon as a meal stop option for my Golden Circle Geology tour guests. I have mixed feelings about this lagoon. At first, I really liked it, and I still recommend it. But I have reservations.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Phenomenonal video from USGS can be found here: www.facebook.com/share/r/19mb...

facebook.com

Facebook

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Eruptive episodes had become shorter in duration but closer together in time as the system evolved (a psuedo pattern seen in some fissure systems here in Iceland too). But this new activity elsewhere in Halemaʻumaʻu crater begins a new chapter in this long-lived episode of this volcano's story.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Let's do an update on Kīlauea because new developments are quite interesting: As eruptive episode 54 was winding down, new vents and lava flows began north of the main active area about a day ago. Six vents are now open at the crater. This is a deviation in eruption pattern established Dec '24.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We had an #aurora display visible within city limits of Reykjavik this week. Absolutely insane scenes of bands of light everywhere throughout the sky. Luckily I was leading a private tour and my guests had the chance to side quest in the city after their Sidequest tour. #northernlights #iceland

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Absolutely gorgeous night of aurora hunting here in Iceland. You're next, North America! #northernlights #aurora #iceland

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I will do a review on this one too. I've been twice. It definitely has a more authentic feel to it. 🥰

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Overall if I want a higher-end, pool-lagoon experience closer to Reykjavík, I think this is the one I'll opt for now (for time being, who knows what will get built next haha). Rating? 8/10 for proximity & spa. Could improve accessibility, spa exclusivity, added hidden spots in pool (too wide open).

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

My biggest complaint was how far I had to walk on uneven gravel to the front door. Absolutely not accessible right now. The cost for just lagoon/sauna access is lower than other market players currently but for spa access it's a bit higher (but you get full spa use for three hours with ticket).

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I enjoyed the greenhouse drinks room and patio (prosecco on tap! Collab fridge!) but I'm intrigued how they're going to keep spa and non-spa guests separated. They're building cabins, there's a restaurant & event space on-site. Changing areas, showers are nice but could have more seating.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The star of the show is the bathhouse. Ten spa stations that you can do in whatever order you want, as many times as you want. Designed to look like an old barn, yet feels sophisticated. Really unique offerings like a snow room, progressive shower walk, fireplace pool, & hot plunge w/nature sounds.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I know this is a weird gripe, but the pool has a fair amount of seating but feels very wide open and/or exposed. It could use some extra greenery, rocks, or alcoves. But it did have a covered area with a fire place which has huge potential for wintertime and is a unique offering.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The big pool "lagoon" sits at the foothills of a geothermal valley. At times it feels really secluded if looking from a certain angle, and then you turn around and can see the Ring Road descending from Hellisheiði. Overall look is spartan wood, architecturally clean lines with turf house touches.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Jæja! I asked and y'all answered. A local's review of all the different lagoons and nature baths here in Iceland, since so many new ones have opened. The most recent opening is Reykjaböðin, just outside Hveragerði next the Reykjadalur hot springs trailhead, less than hour from Reykjavík.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

A lovely happy #caturday to all who celebrate! #mjá Gary the Maine Coon was posing up a storm this week.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Cool. How we feeling about that EU vote now, Iceland, that we know our ally has been trying to colonize us for years? The first public comment was a mistake, the meme was a joke...but how many times do they have to bring it up before we believe they're serious? www.ruv.is/english/2026...

ruv.is

When Trump called Bjarni - RÚV.is

Donald Trump, then newly re-elected US President, called Bjarni Benediktsson, then Prime Minister, just a few days before Iceland's 2024 parliamentary election - and reportedly raised the idea of Icel...

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I'd say we're about a week or two early on this; last year I did a fall foliage photo trip the last weekend of September here. By the looks of things, I could do the same trip this coming weekend of next. Photo above from Reykjadalur two days ago, photo below from September 27, 2025.

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

While a lot of Europe and the US still struggles with 30°C weather (it's been 36°C+ at my family's home), autumn is definitely here in Reykjavik. The leaves have already started to change, the nights are growing darker and cooler, the moss is slowly losing color, and the air has that crisp smell.

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