• The F-Road Saga

    11 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    F roads are not vulgar, but rather a designation for need for 4x4 and level of maintenance to expect. Our journey to Gullfoss began scenic, through rolling farmlands with mixed paved and gravel roads (typical for Iceland), grazing sheep and horses, unexpected waterfalls, and beautiful Lupines that we learned we imported from Alaska.

    However the journey turned more than adventurous with one recommended right from google maps that quickly led us onto F338, better known as an trail that looked like it was meant to service power lines. “No way google would lead us this way so we continued onward… for 57 km… and despite our hope the conditions failed to improve as we summited a plateau between mountains with remnants of snow and a glacier with temperatures dropping quickly. Thankfully our new found love for Kia prevailed and both us and the car survived the trek, but our lesson was learned. Double check all routes before blindly following.

    The tour guide we conversed with in the hot tub in the evening assured us he’d be sharing this story with his passengers, but also that it seems to happen quite frequently here. Without more newsworthy reports, it’s like a local delicacy.
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  • Lögberg

    11 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Law Rock was where the Alþingi (Icelandic Parliament) was founded in 930, one of the oldest in the world. Chieftains met outdoors for 2 weeks each summer and discuss legislation and rule on crimes committed. Impressive backdrop for the start of the longest running governments in the world (despite Iceland only becoming independent in 1944)Читать далее

  • Landmannalaugar

    12 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    After a 2 hour off road adventure, we arrived at Landmannalaugar. Translated to “The People’s Pool”, Landmannalaugar is the start of the Laugavegur Trail and base camp for many outdoor enthusiasts, and booked tours. It is named for the natural bathing pools where hot springs mix with glacier melt off for an enjoyable river swim… For us, it was the beginning of an incredible 4 hour hike led by Enriqué.Читать далее

  • Hiking Part 2

    12 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    Past a Sulfurous geothermal area, we arrived at the final push towards our summit. Short but steep, navigating snow and ice in July was a new experience, but the colorful changes were breathtaking. We learned the name of the mountains are such for navigation purposes, so they first inhabitants were able to tell people how to find sites and landmarks. The rocky outcrop was a troll that left his hand out and was kissed by the sun turning him to rock, named such so people could find the bathing river.Читать далее

  • Base Camp Plunge

    12 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    We returned to the start of our trek with enough time to test the hot springs. Unlike the controlled pools from day one, this river temperature was controlled by nature and where you sat. A unique experience unparalleled, but slightly less relaxing when cold currents came through. We ended our stay with a trip to the Mountain Mall for a coffee before we boarded back onto the bus.Читать далее

  • Icelandic Dinner

    12 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Upon return to Hella, our famished stomachs led us to Hygge, situated between a camp ground and a golf course. We were given our first taste of traditional local spirit Brennivin, which you eat with fermented shark. It was an experience but not as awful as someone’s facial expressions… afterwards we had a great meal featuring pumpkin soup, whale, trout, and horse fillet. A tasting experience not to be forgotten.Читать далее

  • Vestmannaeyjabær

    13 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    With time to spare we walked around town, to explore. There is zero doubt what the local economy was as the smell of fish was prominent everywhere we went. With eager eyes I left Allie behind and decided to start the climb up Heimaklettur, the highest peak on the island. A nerve racking hike with multiple ladders, ropes and chains to hold onto, and minimal protection from the elements. Only made it half way due to time restraints, but the views were nonetheless amazing.Читать далее

  • RIB Boat Ride

    13 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    While the sun was still shining we hoped on a boat for a tour around the island. Cliff side nesting birds were everywhere as we went into seaside caves, saw the effects of the 1973 eruption and newly found coastline, the surrounding islands and their “club houses” and an ending serenaded by non other than Whitney Houston.Читать далее

  • Mini Bus Tour

    13 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    After a quick lunch at the local fast food spot, much better than McDonalds, we joined a bus tour to explore Heimaey Island. Views included the local golf course, the valley where the Þjóðhátíð music festival is held, a recreated Viking house (the first Viking settlement in iceland), Icelandic sheep, a puffin nesting ground, Stórhöfði (the windiest place in Europe), and the crater of Eldfell which last erupted in 1973. A great educational journey that included a demonstration of Spranga, local rope swinging used to harvest the eggs of the nesting birds.Читать далее

  • Lovely Day for a Horse Ride

    14 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    After another early morning ferry ride, we drove a quick 45 minutes to the beachside town of Vik to try our hand riding Icelandic Horses. Riding along the black sand beaches, we had a very picturesque start of would be a memorable day. Both of our horses were eager to get moving and Allie’s couldn’t help stopping for frequent snack breaks. A perfect match!Читать далее

  • Journey to Katla

    14 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    After a quick food stop, we boarded our second off road adventure vehicle to head up to the base of Katla, one of the most active volcanos on Iceland and about 20 years overdue for an eruption. Covered in up to 150 m of glacier ice, the threat to the locals would be the significant flooding and thus, there are no significant towns along the flood plains.Читать далее

  • Ice Spelunking

    14 июля 2022 г., Исландия ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Our second journey into a cave, this one was in a glacier and entirely of ice. Our eccentric and knowledgeable guide Thor was himself an attraction, as he took off across quick sand frequently sinking into his knees. And than hacking at the glacier for us to taste… “Don’t mind the dirt, they are minerals and healthy for you”.Читать далее

  • Окончание поездки
    15 июля 2022 г.