Iceland Show

"Awakening"

Heimaey Island, Westman Islands Group The layers of volcanic “growth” are clearly seen along the black beaches of Heimaey Island. Mother Earth is constantly giving life into new areas. In November of 1963, she gave birth with a colossal “bang” and puff of smoke to Surtsey – a modern day dragon that within a thousand days rose above the level of the sea. Now on the Unesco World Heritage List – it is prohibited to visit the island unless one is part of a scientific expedition. Surstey has been designated to serve as a petrie dish to how life starts fresh from the sea. The island can be seen in the distance from this shoreline – featured right of center in this image.

"Billow"

Icelandic Horses Delivered to Iceland by the Vikings, these hardy and mighty little horses have survived centuries of volcanic eruptions, famine and some of the coldest winters on earth. Through strictly controlled breeding practices, they remain a pure breed that is the only “allowed” horse within the country.

"Capital"

Reykjavik Like a child’s magic city, the view from the Hallgrimskikja church captures the heart of the Icelandic capital. Towering over the colorful metal corrugated structures this unique building dominates the Reykjavik skyline. Serving as home to less than 150,000 people, the world’s most northerly capital may be somewhat diminutive in size but holds its own against any European contemporaries in its robust culture and night life scene. In 874 AD Norseman threw his carved pillars of his high seat into the ocean and as per traditional vowed to settle where ever they washed ashore. The capital area turned out to be too inhospitable for his tastes and he later moved on – however, the seeds for setting up a residence in the area had been cast.

"Colony"

Atlantic Puffins Once an adult puffin has selected their life mate, the next task is building or burrowing a spot to lay their egg. These colonies are found throughout Iceland which serves home to 60 percent of the world’s Atlantic puffin population. There is grave concern for their future due to the warming of the ocean currents that is leading to a decline in their food source.

"Complete"

Laugavegur Trek Textured soils, moss and snow patches are cut down by the flowing water and geothermal vents found along the trail. This image encompasses the “complete” Iceland – less a glacier or two!

"Descent"

Laugavegur Trek The Alftavatn Hut awaits by the near left side of the lake cradled by the dark palagonite mountains. The expansive view as one starts the descent demonstrates the diversity of the second leg of this trek. For scale, note the group of trekkers gathered alongside the Grashagakvisl River. The river’s ice cold water will serve as a welcome foot therapy treatment when they select a spot to ford it!

"Perspective"

Vatnajokoll Glacier & National Park One of the most beautiful campsites I have ever stayed in was this spot that overlooked an arm of the vast Vatnajokull Glacier. We had spent 13 hours crossing her and were euphoric after the day’s adventure to have such a wonderful spot to watch the sun sink for the couple of hours that the limited “dark time” in August provides.

"Utopia"

Laugavegur Trek The stretch between Hrafntinnusker Hut to Alftavatn meanders up and down through ravines of delightful ryolite formations. The color palette is quenched by the sheer variety of shades that change from one moment to the next with the shift of a cloud and the movement of the sun.

"Float"

Fishing Fleet Employing five percent of Iceland’s population, the fishing fleet is a very important industry in the country. Due to being locating in some of the richest waters on the planet, the sector is closely monitored and quotas placed on many catch types. The most controversial being the hunt for minke and fin whales.

"Flow"

Gullfoss The impressive Gullfoss (Golden Falls) are one of the three highlights of the “Golden Circle” tour of Iceland. Located along the Hvita River, they stand today in their glory only due to a young Icelandic woman who took on the role of conservationist. In the 1920s the falls were destined to become a large hydroelectric site for Iceland. It was through the persistent efforts of Sigrithor Tomasdottir, the daughter of the water falls estate holder that even when government permission to construct the dam was granted – public outcry had the project shelved. The land was donated to the Icelandic Nature Conservation and became fully protected in 1979.

"Impressions"

East Fjords What creature stepped on the sand prior to our arrival on this wet, misty morning? Making the question even more enchanting was the fact the tracks were gone less than two hours later – a rogue wave perhaps serving as the eraser… or perhaps a troupe of elves out for a mid afternoon stroll?

"Graze"

Icelandic Sheep With over 1100 years of history, the Icelandic Sheep is considered to be one of the oldest and purest domesticated breeds in the world. Even though I spent much of my time on my own while trekking in Iceland – it was comforting to have these woolly souls never too far away going about their business in a calm and orderly fashion.

"Puff"

Heimaey Island, Westman Islands Group It is hard to capture with words the magic of seeing a puffin in action. Often described as “clown like” these extraordinary creatures can live to 40 years of age. They spend most of their lives out at sea where they have been recorded to dive up to 60m (200 ft) in search of their dinner. One must be very cautious when seeing a puffin for the first time – if not careful you may find that they have stolen your heart, leaving you with nothing but a smile and sense of wonder with nature.

“Odyssey”

Laugavegur Trek The two trekkers centered in this image remind one that we each are on our own journey as we travel along the trail. Lost in our thoughts, challenging our strengths, creating our own internal sagas – with each footfall taking us closer to home.

"Solo"

Landmannalaugar Region A lone hiker descends the ridge off of Blahnukur in the Landmannalaugar area. As with everywhere in Iceland – the mood and colors change in a heartbeat. This particular zone takes that mood swing to an even higher level due to the sheer palate of colors that explode in front of the camera lens.

"Shangri-La”

East Fjords Colors abound as we head of into the clouds with the Dyrfjoll Mountain looming overhead. Local spirits and mischievous imps that emerge around Christmas to tie the tails of local cows together in this region. Given the area’s reputation for atrocious weather, one can see how trolls and elves play a large role in the hardy who inhabit it.

"Splash"

Town of Vik The black sand beaches of the south east coast of Iceland provide a fertile ground for flora if left undisturbed. Of note is this stretch of beach has no landmass between it and the Antarctic – a fact that allows for massive Atlantic rollers to smash into the coastline.

"Striding"

Vatnajokoll Glacier & National Park A trekker steps out along the 13 hour crossing of this diminutive portion of the Vatnajokoll Glacier. As Europe’s largest ice cap, the glacier occupies eight percent of Iceland’s land mass. Four long but very rewarding days were spent trekking the 80 km from Nupstadaskogar to Skaftafell.

"Trolls"

Vik Region The Reynisdranger Basalt Spires that were conceived from three trolls that were petrified by the sun as they tried in vain to drag a boat to shore. Regardless of the saga around their creation, the spires capture one’s attention continuously due to proximity to shore and their unique contrast with the cliffs high overhead.

"Enchantment"

Laugavegur Trek As an early bird riser when camping under the stars, I found myself alone much of trekking the Laugavegur route. I recall this very spot as being one that had me stop and absorb the sheer heavenliness of this rock we call home. With only the sound of the babbling stream and my beating heart – I felt so blessed to be standing there gazing upon this enchanting landscape.