The wrap up (Part three)
Every time I post another of the "wrap up" posts (one more after this), people message me or tell me "my daughter is going and is reading everything!" Or "we're thinking about going!" And "I've seen all of this and we want to go in the future." We appreciate everyone following along and are so glad everyone is enjoying our wrap ups!
As always, the tips and thoughts are in no particular order. Let's head back to Iceland!
As always, the tips and thoughts are in no particular order. Let's head back to Iceland!
Eastern Iceland Harbor
The east of Iceland- I really liked eastern Iceland. This area is as far from Reykjavik as you can get. There are substantially fewer tourists and less locals for that matter as well. It was more rural, towns were further apart, it was more remote. This didn’t bother me…..to tell the truth, I liked it.
Wildlife- We didn’t see huge amounts of wildlife but we did see some. On a gravel road in the highlands going over a mountain pass, we saw an arctic fox. We saw seals on one of the beaches. There were signs to watch for Reindeer crossing the road in the east but we saw none. There were thousands upon thousands of birds who nest there during the summer months. Much more of the wildlife is in the east.
Cell phone and data service- Verizon Travel Pass. Ten dollars a day and our phones work like we’re at home. It adds up but it just makes things SO much easier.
Wildlife- We didn’t see huge amounts of wildlife but we did see some. On a gravel road in the highlands going over a mountain pass, we saw an arctic fox. We saw seals on one of the beaches. There were signs to watch for Reindeer crossing the road in the east but we saw none. There were thousands upon thousands of birds who nest there during the summer months. Much more of the wildlife is in the east.
Cell phone and data service- Verizon Travel Pass. Ten dollars a day and our phones work like we’re at home. It adds up but it just makes things SO much easier.
Hafnargata shipwreck
Geothermal- Geothermal is fascinating. It makes electricity, heat, etc. so cheap it is negligible. Heated water comes out of the ground, is pumped through radiators in buildings for heat. Steam comes out of the ground and is harnessed to turn turbines which turn electrical generators. Hot water out of the spigot is geothermal.
Free hot water and steam (as well as hydroelectric) make power and heat cheap. This is not only sustainable but easy and safe. The only drawback is that you have to live on top of an active volcanic field.
Volcano caves- Another truly memorable stop. We took circular stairs down into caves made by an active volcano hundreds of years before. This was truly unique and you keep reminding yourself that this was lava in the very recent (geologic time) past.
Free hot water and steam (as well as hydroelectric) make power and heat cheap. This is not only sustainable but easy and safe. The only drawback is that you have to live on top of an active volcanic field.
Volcano caves- Another truly memorable stop. We took circular stairs down into caves made by an active volcano hundreds of years before. This was truly unique and you keep reminding yourself that this was lava in the very recent (geologic time) past.
Photos on the glacier boat tour
Photography- I discuss photography with Laurie as we travel. We always have. As a technical photographer, I am exceptional. I understand how cameras work and how to get the photo I want. I have an excellent understanding of exposure, depth of field, shutter speed, all the technical aspects of photography.
Laurie is not as good a technical photographer as I am. I give her tips and we discuss how to shoot around certain issues and deal with certain conditions. I try to teach her these things. But……………her eye for composition puts mine to shame.
When editing, I will go through my photos and pull photos that I may use in the blog post. Then I go through Laurie’s photos and pull her photos for the post. My photos will be technically correct, well framed, well exposed, and mechanically perfect. Her photo will simply look better. You can’t put your finger on any one reason…..it just…..is.
The photo she composes is often more interesting than mine and just draws the viewer in. It sometimes has a “warmth” that mine do not. While I’m a really good technical photographer, her grasp of composition makes her just as good but in a different way. Working together we produce a really interesting and varied portfolio of photos during our travels.
Laurie is not as good a technical photographer as I am. I give her tips and we discuss how to shoot around certain issues and deal with certain conditions. I try to teach her these things. But……………her eye for composition puts mine to shame.
When editing, I will go through my photos and pull photos that I may use in the blog post. Then I go through Laurie’s photos and pull her photos for the post. My photos will be technically correct, well framed, well exposed, and mechanically perfect. Her photo will simply look better. You can’t put your finger on any one reason…..it just…..is.
The photo she composes is often more interesting than mine and just draws the viewer in. It sometimes has a “warmth” that mine do not. While I’m a really good technical photographer, her grasp of composition makes her just as good but in a different way. Working together we produce a really interesting and varied portfolio of photos during our travels.
Waterfall photos, northern Iceland
Phone photos- We did use our phones for some photos but I am very selective what I shoot with a phone. People constantly tell me “my phone takes just as good a photo as your camera”. I assure you it does not. There are many technical reasons for this which I won’t go into.
Phone photos are fine for a photo up close, photos with friends, photos of an animal nearby, shots of your dinner. When you start doing landscape photos, shots in the distance, the image falls apart. If you try to blow it up at all, it starts looking mushy, like you’re using a filter that looks like it’s painted. It does NOT look like the photos from my camera…….not even close.
Phone photos are fine for a photo up close, photos with friends, photos of an animal nearby, shots of your dinner. When you start doing landscape photos, shots in the distance, the image falls apart. If you try to blow it up at all, it starts looking mushy, like you’re using a filter that looks like it’s painted. It does NOT look like the photos from my camera…….not even close.
Vestrahorn mountain
Meeting others in the guest houses- Guest houses are different from a hotel. You have a room with beds and share the rest of the house with the other visitors. As common areas are shared, we met a lot of interesting people and really enjoyed their company. Connecting with fellow travelers from other countries allowed us to learn about other people and their cultures.
We met a family from Canada that we ran into at the Myvatn Nature Baths later in the day. We met a family where the daughter lived in Canada and the son and mother lived in India. We met people from many different countries that we shared travel experiences with. It’s truly a pleasant way to spend the evening.
We met a group of people I would estimate were in their 20’s who were from Italy. We chatted about places we had seen and places we were going. We talked about photography and I shared drone videos with them. We ran into them 300 miles down the road………twice. I thought it was cool that we kept bumping into them.
We met a family from Canada that we ran into at the Myvatn Nature Baths later in the day. We met a family where the daughter lived in Canada and the son and mother lived in India. We met people from many different countries that we shared travel experiences with. It’s truly a pleasant way to spend the evening.
We met a group of people I would estimate were in their 20’s who were from Italy. We chatted about places we had seen and places we were going. We talked about photography and I shared drone videos with them. We ran into them 300 miles down the road………twice. I thought it was cool that we kept bumping into them.
Gardur lighthouses
My low sodium diet and Icelandic food- As many of you know, I have to watch my dietary sodium intake. In the states, I try to find lower sodium food items and eat these. Not only does Iceland not have these choices, they have figured out how to put even more salt into already salty foods!
A single Icelandic hotdog with all the trimmings is close to 2000 mg, more than my sodium target for the entire day. This is a common situation and I found I couldn’t avoid salt. I decided to do the best I could and make the best choices possible. I also chugged water like a madman to flush it out of me. They LOVE salt in Iceland.
Candy- If you think Icelanders love salt….just wait until you find out about their sugar intake. It was not at all uncommon to find a grocery story with FOUR candy aisles. Even tiny grocery stores would have at least two aisles of candy. All kinds of chocolate, gummies, and they LOVE licorice!
Laurie found a candy called “Bingo”. It is chocolate covered licorice balls. She has never been a big candy eater, but went through at least 3 bags of Bingo during our travels. She also brought 4 bags home. She loves Bingo and they make it only in Iceland.
A single Icelandic hotdog with all the trimmings is close to 2000 mg, more than my sodium target for the entire day. This is a common situation and I found I couldn’t avoid salt. I decided to do the best I could and make the best choices possible. I also chugged water like a madman to flush it out of me. They LOVE salt in Iceland.
Candy- If you think Icelanders love salt….just wait until you find out about their sugar intake. It was not at all uncommon to find a grocery story with FOUR candy aisles. Even tiny grocery stores would have at least two aisles of candy. All kinds of chocolate, gummies, and they LOVE licorice!
Laurie found a candy called “Bingo”. It is chocolate covered licorice balls. She has never been a big candy eater, but went through at least 3 bags of Bingo during our travels. She also brought 4 bags home. She loves Bingo and they make it only in Iceland.
Hvalnes lighthouse
Extra tablet/technology- This is probably our most “technology” supported trip. For the first time we didn’t bring paper boarding passes (although we had to print at the airport). We did not have paper planning documents, directions, tickets, or anything of that sort. Everything was electronic and it made things so easy.
Our rental car came with a 4g internet hotspot that worked almost everywhere we went. We kept all of our travel info, tickets, documents, etc. in a Google Keep file that was shared between both of our accounts. Anytime we needed something we always had it.
We also had an extra Samsung tablet. It was a bit older but still worked fine. I downloaded all our travel files as PDF files to the tablet. Anytime we wanted to review a document we would reach between the seats, grab the tablet, and review. The larger screen was a great help and made it easy for us to look at things at the same time.
Our rental car came with a 4g internet hotspot that worked almost everywhere we went. We kept all of our travel info, tickets, documents, etc. in a Google Keep file that was shared between both of our accounts. Anytime we needed something we always had it.
We also had an extra Samsung tablet. It was a bit older but still worked fine. I downloaded all our travel files as PDF files to the tablet. Anytime we wanted to review a document we would reach between the seats, grab the tablet, and review. The larger screen was a great help and made it easy for us to look at things at the same time.
Cabin view, Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Drone/GoPro/photo gear- We took a lot of photo gear and used most of it. I recommended Laurie purchase a 18-105 lens last year and it turned out to be a great choice. She was so pleased that I bought one for my camera. This trip probably 99 percent of my main camera photos were with this lens. It is my new go to lens.
I brought a long (350mm) but only used it for one group of photos. I brought my travel tripod and did use it a few times. I brought the Go Pros and used them extensively for both photos and video. Having daylight nearly around the clock makes photography easy.
I used the drone as often as possible and took a bunch of fantastic photos and videos with it. With the new drone laws coming online I’m going to upgrade and get a sub 249 gram drone with remote ID (drone folks know what I’m talking about). The smaller drone will be much easier to travel with as well.
I brought a long (350mm) but only used it for one group of photos. I brought my travel tripod and did use it a few times. I brought the Go Pros and used them extensively for both photos and video. Having daylight nearly around the clock makes photography easy.
I used the drone as often as possible and took a bunch of fantastic photos and videos with it. With the new drone laws coming online I’m going to upgrade and get a sub 249 gram drone with remote ID (drone folks know what I’m talking about). The smaller drone will be much easier to travel with as well.
Glacier lagoon southern Iceland
Myvatn Nature Baths- We did a hot springs visit in Northern Iceland to the Myvatn Nature Baths. It was very nice, very well put together, and ⅓ the price of the famous Blue Lagoon. This is most probably due to the location. Blue Lagoon is 17 minutes from the airport, while Myvatn is 503 KM or 302 miles.
There is something so unique about floating in a 95 degree geothermal pool with a drink from the bar while the weather around you is 50 degrees…..and even colder in the winter. It was another one of those places that I looked around and wondered how I ever went this far. If you’re in Myvatn, it is a must do.
I'll change gears now and let Laurie take over!
There is something so unique about floating in a 95 degree geothermal pool with a drink from the bar while the weather around you is 50 degrees…..and even colder in the winter. It was another one of those places that I looked around and wondered how I ever went this far. If you’re in Myvatn, it is a must do.
I'll change gears now and let Laurie take over!
Mountains down to the sea
Iceland has been building up to meet the demands of this influx of tourists but it is still very much a place where you are on your own. There is a website that tells you when roads (road.is) are closed and that is very handy because they close coastal roads when the winds get high. It also tells you what roads are closed due to snow, etc. Some roads are 4x4 only and if you go on a closed road or one that is 4x4 only with a 2 wheel drive car, and something happens to your vehicle, you are held liable and can be ticketed as well.
Iceland is mostly volcanic. There seemed to be very little topsoil and the vegetation has adapted. There were many varieties of moss, some which only grow on lava. Different sorts of lichen which I believe the reindeer eat.
Iceland is mostly volcanic. There seemed to be very little topsoil and the vegetation has adapted. There were many varieties of moss, some which only grow on lava. Different sorts of lichen which I believe the reindeer eat.
The highlands
The horses have also adapted to eating whatever they can find but most were in fields or on the tundras where grass of sorts did grow. They were having a late spring so not much was blooming except dandelions. They seem to be the national flower. A testament to the hardy nature of these ‘weeds’ they were huge and everywhere.
There is limited wildlife probably because there isn’t a very long food chain. There are no large predators. And being an island they are able to control what is brought in and have managed to keep invasive species out. No snakes at all, and there had to be some sort of rodents for the foxes to eat but we didn’t see any. At the farm they did ask us to keep the doors closed to keep the mice out so they clearly have them.
There is limited wildlife probably because there isn’t a very long food chain. There are no large predators. And being an island they are able to control what is brought in and have managed to keep invasive species out. No snakes at all, and there had to be some sort of rodents for the foxes to eat but we didn’t see any. At the farm they did ask us to keep the doors closed to keep the mice out so they clearly have them.
South coast
These geologically young mountains rise out of the ground sharp and steep. It is not hard to imagine the eruptions that formed them. It gives a sense that all life there is tenuous, subjected to the constant threat of cataclysmic events that can alter the entire landscape in very short time.
The black sand beaches are beautiful, windswept and stark, not inviting one to sit and lounge. Other places the land simply ends, and steep cliffs meet the ocean in a contest between who will dominate. Tenuous tenacity best describes life there.
The black sand beaches are beautiful, windswept and stark, not inviting one to sit and lounge. Other places the land simply ends, and steep cliffs meet the ocean in a contest between who will dominate. Tenuous tenacity best describes life there.
Black sand beach, Stokksness
We have already talked about how beautiful this island is. It is truly a postcard picture waiting to be taken. Like shaking a snow globe and seeing what emerges, the fog would lift and what was revealed was amazing.
Then there are the geothermal fields where sulfur steam escapes from bubbling pits or rock piles. Not an inviting landscape and nothing grows there. The only place we stayed where the hot water smelled bad was the horse farm. I don’t know why there and not other places, and for that I was thankful because it is really pretty nasty.
Then there are the geothermal fields where sulfur steam escapes from bubbling pits or rock piles. Not an inviting landscape and nothing grows there. The only place we stayed where the hot water smelled bad was the horse farm. I don’t know why there and not other places, and for that I was thankful because it is really pretty nasty.
Black Sand Beach, Hvalnes
Another particularly Icelandic experience was driving along through nothingness and then coming upon a squat structure that would turn out to be a hotel. There were also ‘hotels’ that were individual little cabins that sprouted up from nowhere. No highrise hotels anywhere - but these small places are apparently springing up all over to accommodate the huge influx of tourists. We have already described some of the out of the way places we stayed.
Driving along the coast we would come into small villages that seemed to have basic amenities, one main church (not one on every corner) and very active commercial fishing. Sometimes we would see just a church sitting alone in the middle of nowhere.
Driving along the coast we would come into small villages that seemed to have basic amenities, one main church (not one on every corner) and very active commercial fishing. Sometimes we would see just a church sitting alone in the middle of nowhere.
South coast farm
Inland we drove through miles of tundra where there was nothing to break the wind. Large farms were nestled up against the base of mountains and all had red roofs and white buildings so they were easy to spot. I can’t imagine living so remotely.
There is very little agriculture except for hay and these farms seemed to be all centered around livestock - horses and sheep mostly. Life on the horse farm was very interesting and they hire a number of young people to work the farm from all over Europe. I’m sure these others do something similar.
I would imagine that living in such a harsh environment fosters communities that have to rely on one another and have to learn to get along or nobody survives.
There is very little agriculture except for hay and these farms seemed to be all centered around livestock - horses and sheep mostly. Life on the horse farm was very interesting and they hire a number of young people to work the farm from all over Europe. I’m sure these others do something similar.
I would imagine that living in such a harsh environment fosters communities that have to rely on one another and have to learn to get along or nobody survives.
Reynisfjara Beach
Living in constant daylight was a bit disconcerting. I am not a late night person but we would be sitting around in the evening and realize it was already midnight without really feeling tired. I wake up with the sunrise at home, and even though it never got dark, the sun did set about 12:30am and rose at 3:30am.
My internal clock noted the sunrise and I woke up, but luckily was able to get back to sleep most nights. I lived in Finland for 6 months when I was in high school. I arrived in January when it was dark almost all the time, and left in June when it was light all the time. I do remember how odd that was, so I was a bit prepared. But it still is contrary to normal biorhythms.
It was so refreshing to be able to leave the country post Covid, and experience again a different cultural and geographical place. There are some lovely places in TN with waterfalls and natural areas, but now I have seen ‘real’ waterfalls and chuckle at our nice tame ones here.
My internal clock noted the sunrise and I woke up, but luckily was able to get back to sleep most nights. I lived in Finland for 6 months when I was in high school. I arrived in January when it was dark almost all the time, and left in June when it was light all the time. I do remember how odd that was, so I was a bit prepared. But it still is contrary to normal biorhythms.
It was so refreshing to be able to leave the country post Covid, and experience again a different cultural and geographical place. There are some lovely places in TN with waterfalls and natural areas, but now I have seen ‘real’ waterfalls and chuckle at our nice tame ones here.
Just a normal waterfall in someone's back yard
Iceland seemed to be very liberal politically. Rainbow painted streets, flags and a welcoming attitude predominate and it was lovely to see that tolerance displayed openly. Vegan and gluten free options were on many of the menus. Recycling bins were everywhere. Such a difference in attitude toward preserving the environment. I’m sure there are fundamentalists there, but the general feeling is one of laissez faire and open mindedness. It was wonderful to know that there are places that seem relatively free from the kind of intolerance that is now so rampant in this country, especially where we live.
Iceberg lagoon south coast
It seems Iceland is now a top tourist destination. I only hope that people who go respect the Icelandic environment, both physical and cultural. It is most definitely a plan ahead type of trip. And being able to adapt plans is a must. If planning is not your forte, then tours are always an option.
We saw many tour buses during our travels. The people are generally friendly and welcoming, but in a no nonsense way. Everyone speaks English which makes it easier. Don’t even try and pronounce most of the Icelandic names of places - just learn to recognize them on street signs.
So if you’re up for an adventure in a breathtakingly beautiful place, Iceland would be a good choice.
We saw many tour buses during our travels. The people are generally friendly and welcoming, but in a no nonsense way. Everyone speaks English which makes it easier. Don’t even try and pronounce most of the Icelandic names of places - just learn to recognize them on street signs.
So if you’re up for an adventure in a breathtakingly beautiful place, Iceland would be a good choice.
Grundarfjörður Harbor
Back to Bill- No.......I can't pronounce that harbor. But it's a gorgeous place. Anyways, I've posted all of Laurie's comments and I have a few more in our final post about Iceland......probably in the next week or so. After that........I'm going to start editing all the videos I shot while there!
Video is new for me and I'm going to put the videos on a Youtube channel. I have it set up but really haven't posted anything. Videos are new to me so I'm excited to learn something different!
Last post in a week or so. I'm humbled by people who stop me at work and say "Wow! My family has been reading along and we just LOVE your photos!" It amazes me that people enjoy it so....and we're so glad to share and hopefully spur an interest in exploring this world.
Be well everyone.
Video is new for me and I'm going to put the videos on a Youtube channel. I have it set up but really haven't posted anything. Videos are new to me so I'm excited to learn something different!
Last post in a week or so. I'm humbled by people who stop me at work and say "Wow! My family has been reading along and we just LOVE your photos!" It amazes me that people enjoy it so....and we're so glad to share and hopefully spur an interest in exploring this world.
Be well everyone.