Iceland 2015

[AndyCook]

I think a snorkel is advisable. Cheap insurance for the engine if you misjudge a river


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[AndyCook]

Update for days 4-5. Rest day in Grimnavik area, near Reykavik. Yesterday we got to Langmannalaugar sp?, via a route further north passing the temperamental Hekla volcano, which remained quiet. So nice remote trails and small fords and good geology. Langmannalaugar had a huge lava flow which occurred in 1470. The place was pretty mobbed with day trippers wallowing in hot springs.
We exited on a different trail and headed to far west of Iceland to Grimnavik to a well equipped but very exposed campsite, strong winds meant not chance of awnings going up. We put caranex up for cooking dinner.

Today a rest day, so wife and I went to look at another geothermal area, Krysuvik. Then got mountain bikes out for a 20km bike ride on trails on mid altantic rift. Then we drove the trail in Hilux. Got back to camp at 4 to chill.

Beware Hekla

Volcano beyond George

We are geologists so have a rock map[emoji3]

1470 lava flow at Langmannalaugar

Langmannalaugar

Hot spring

And Monday, our rest day.

Journalists Landy had leaking clutch slave cylinder, so off to Reykavik they go for spares

Some pics at Krysovik geothermal pools

Bike ride along the Rift Valley
And lava tunnels

Hilux by major fault plane

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[Chris]

So what are your impressions of Iceland so far Andy. Top destination or not?

 

[AndyCook]

Hi Chris, yes indeed. On par with Morocco, but missing the cultural aspect of Morocco.

Only issue here is it can be blooming cold and windy. We are equipped with lots of mountaineering cold weather kit so ok. But with wind you cannot put foxwing up for example. And conditions were borderline for our Carnex last night so we took it down before bed. So cooking in rain and wind could be an issue, but the campsites usually have huts or covered areas for cooking and sitting out bad weather,
We have had some nice warm days up to 18degC, and cold days at 10degC.

The scenery varies around each corner, with mountains, volcanoes, lava flows, plains, rivers, glaciers, and is stunning.
Lots of geological interest for us.
Rivers could be dangerous though if care isn't taken.

Certainly well worth a visit, so I really recommend it. More of an adventure than our trips to Alps and Pyrenees.




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[Chris]

I shall add it to the list then Andy. Looking forward to a final summary once it's all over.

 

[froggy Steve]

Looks like a top destination to me, even if it does look a bit chilly!

 

[chapel gate]

Cracking mate. I look forward to getting home to see these pics. Is it possible to wild camp or do you have to stay on camp sites?

 

[AndyCook]

Wild camping could be possible with a couple of vehicles. But limited choice of spots. You must absolutely not drive off the side of the marked trails is since it can take 100yrs for tracks to disappear and offenders will be heavily fined. The police did random stops after leaving ferry to educate us and take passport details and photo vehicles. Locals will photo offenders and report to police. We are a group of 9 vehicles so certainly not wild camping as there is not space nor environmentally friendly in this cold environment, going to loo etc. unless you took all waste home.


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[chapel gate]

Im aware going off road isnt allowed in summer, there will only be one motor so nice to know wild camping isnt forbidden. We're self sufficient and take a small porta potti..

 

[Gary820]

Enjoying the updates, looks a great place to visit.

 

[SteveS]

Hi Chris, yes indeed. On par with Morocco, but missing the cultural aspect of Morocco.

Only issue here is it can be blooming cold and windy. We are equipped with lots of mountaineering cold weather kit so ok. But with wind you cannot put foxwing up for example. And conditions were borderline for our Carnex last night so we took it down before bed. So cooking in rain and wind could be an issue, but the campsites usually have huts or covered areas for cooking and sitting out bad weather,
We have had some nice warm days up to 18degC, and cold days at 10degC.

The scenery varies around each corner, with mountains, volcanoes, lava flows, plains, rivers, glaciers, and is stunning.
Lots of geological interest for us.
Rivers could be dangerous though if care isn't taken.

Certainly well worth a visit, so I really recommend it. More of an adventure than our trips to Alps and Pyrenees.




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I wondered if I would need to utilise my internal sleeping arrangements when i get to Iceland next week.....got myself set up to be able to sit out sand storms, Iceland, Patagonia etc.....

Brill photos - can't wait to get there. Glad I fitted a snorkel and raised breathers, some of those fords look pretty deep

We've been keeping an eye on some of the webcams and they were still getting snow up to a few weeks ago and roads appeared to be blocked/tricky in the more remote places

 

[AndyCook]

Well, driven across the highlands twice, and many fords, and some cold weather, Iceland dis epic!

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[StarCruiser]

Some fabulous photos there Andy, especially the sky one after the boardwalk. Reminds me I must get some of my photos printed up and hung on the wall.

 

[AndyCook]

Headed back north on F26 across the highlands in Iceland, 245km with no fuel stations and 95% on gravel trails and many ford crossings. Saw the nice mountain rescue 80 series again with 38" tyres. And a 150 with a Dutch family joined our group for a while.

Very remote area, but warmer today.

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[AndyCook]

Biking today around Husavik area.

And watching Tour de France on iPad to catch end of race at alp d'huez

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[SpinDrift]

Great trip Andy. Its on the list ...

 

[AndyCook]

Superb trip round and across Iceland
Thank you - Peter and Jo @ Atlas Overland.

Weather challenging at times, but last few days it has been sunny, not windy and warmer, some fantastic trails, volcano and dinner and a great end to an adventure

Askja volcano

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[froggy Steve]

Cant go abroad without the Marmite! What a great looking trip, great report thanks for sharing. Another 'must do' to add to the list!

 

[Ian Chuter]

Cracking trip report as usual Andy, thanks for taking the time to post it.
Looks like yet another one for the trip list

 

[StarCruiser]

Great trip. Would love to do it that way. Did you get to try any of the local food like Puffin or Minkie Whale? Was your trek an all inclusive trek or did you have much expense on top as it is hugely expensive over there? Thanks for sharing.