Destination viewed after 3 miles of ascending, as we get below peak.
Jenni reaches target, Mount Hildarfjall—Myvatn in the background. (A lake of midges)
We've passed through regions where the impact of volcanoes have left their marks. In one spot, the remnants
of the 1996 eruption is still clearly visible. One explosion caused blocks of ice, weighing many tons, to fly
through the air and destroy all and anything in their flight path. These beyond-comprehension-objects create
enormous damage to the environment, even to people with the hardest of heads. An interesting aspect we've noticed
is that it appears the recovery of the land takes less time than in other parts of the world. For instance,
in Hawaii, the land appears to take a lot longer to regenerate growth and recovery. Bear in mind, we make this
observation as untrained laymen. Obviously, everyone is aware of pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicavolcanoconiosis,
the danger from silica particles. We humbly admit we were not familiar with the word.
The long and winding road as Jen edges up. The last section before the peak, facing towards volcano territory.
One of many gorgeous views from the top. Sun?...sun, shadows and snow.
It looks like the editor is leaning into the wind or just resting on her hiking pole in the beginning
of an incredibly steep scree path.
The Icelanders don’t like to fool around—well, maybe they do. It’s when they build a trail to a peak,
they don’t consider using the switchback concept. The rough, stony paths head straight to the top, no
divergences. They do mark the trails well—a great help. We have climbed a few mountains on this trip and
have found them to be challenging, rough but outstanding occasions. The views are diverse and most attractive.
They include, sometimes all in one place, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, volcanoes, lava rock, snow-capped mountains,
villages, glaciers, icebergs—to itemize the landscapes. The afterglow of the tougher climbs endures and we believe
we won’t forget the experiences. Today's hike had many of these features, which we witnessed over the eight-mile
walk and climb.
A view of the peak from a hike on the following day.
Blowing in the wind, that is, the hat, not a fashion statement. The peak of Mount Hildarfjall.
Views in all four directions, this one towards the volcano.
We are currently circumventing the island, in a fashion. The single carriageway makes a ring, obviously
inside the country, also skipping some of the fjords and at times, cutting corners. The road covers a
distance of about 860 miles. It is well maintained with many offshoots heading into the interior. These
ancillary roads tend to be gravel but also maintained reasonably well. Our car, together with the tent,
provides adequate protection against the elements, so far. Living on the road has taken on an added dimension
for us in this land. It’s a fascinating experience. While we have been comfortable, we realize that living
this way gives one a better appreciation of the luxury of a more formal life. It’s a worthwhile endeavor,
if only to keep us 'grounded'.
Myvatn, eutrophic body of water (full of nutrients) in shades of blue, different each day.
Editor, steady and strong, makes her way to the peak with relative ease.
Snow pockets remaining from last winter as the forthcoming winter approaches.
The locals speak very good English so it’s never a problem to communicate. Currently, we are finding the
dominant visitors to the island are French. Funnily enough, we had an Inspector Poirot moment the other day.
We offered to take a photograph of a fellow as we stood at Selfoss admiring the Niagara style water flow.
It was on Bastille Day so we mentioned it in passing to which the young man replied, “I’m Belgian.” With the
number of French people in Iceland, one must presume many are visiting other countries, too; it begs
the question: Who is left in France? Actually, who cares.
Jenni returns to camp; our tent with the 'designer red top' in foreground. Reykjahlio town behind.
Crater further back. White car in the parking area. What more do we need?
A steep and rocky path all the way up. (False peak)
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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