Hot springs in the highlands

We are off again across the highlands. Its cold, grey, draughty and bleak - but also wild, huge and wonderful. The vegetation gets less and less, and it is soon just a large lava field (this time mainly small rocks) and the gravel road (which is getting rougher) with fine mountains in the distance and (when we can distinguish it from the cloud) the ice caps on either side.

Todays destination is Hveravellir which is a refuge/ campsite/ hot spring area in the middle of nowhere. We arrive in good time and enjoy being able to sit in the hut in the warmth. Then its a wander around the hot springs and finally a dunk in the outdoor hot pool. I can recommend being in the pool. However I am considerably less enthusiastic about getting in and out in near zero and windy conditions.

We have nice cyclist company this evening. Two german girls, 3 yorkshire lads and an austrian. They are all heading the opposite direction to us. It seems that the road ahead is rougher and tougher. An American we passed earlier suggests 20 to 30 km are difficult. The warden suggests 40km and the Austrian says it is the hardest 70km he has ever done. We are getting a little nervous.

As I go to bed it starts to snow…Read more