What Part of Eyjafjallajokull Don't You Understand?
That moment where for once, I am not making up words. That is the name of one of Iceland's most famous volcanoes. Unfortunately, we didn't hike up the side of that one, but we did manage to hike up the side of another volcano, and a beach, and a waterfall, and another waterfall, AND another waterfall. With a group of eight people (including Gen and myself), we set off on a road trip across Iceland's landscape in hopes of seeing the beauty of another country; and that is exactly what we did.
When people say that it's good to think outside the box, that logic applies to travelling too. In our case, we thought outside the circle; the Golden Circle to be exact. On the first day of our 10 day trip, we landed in Keflavik and proceeded to meet up with the rest of our group in Reykjavik. After doing a little bit of groceries, we drove down the highway (and some dirt roads) to get to the Glymur hike. Now, Gen and I had been hiking some of the trails back in Sudbury and on Manitoulin Island, but nothing really could have prepared us for the test that was Glymur. I want to state that my attitude towards this trip was very "happy-go-lucky" because I knew little of Iceland and was there really for a new adventure, therefore I had no idea (and I mean NO idea) that we were going to be hiking up the side of Iceland’s TALLEST waterfall. I soon learned to ask exactly what it was we were hiking for all of the other trails we tried for the rest of the duration of the trip. Despite the test of endurance and sheer willpower, we managed to make it to the top. It was a mix of of being too stubborn to quit as we were so close to our goal, and the knowledge that it was practically impossible for us to go back down the way we came.
That day, we hiked for roughly six and a half hours up the side of this waterfall. We crossed over a rough river on a log and rocks. We almost free climbed at some points because we couldn't always see the trail. Gen made snow angels on the tops of the white caped mountains (yes we were that high, TALLEST waterfall remember), and then crossed the river barefoot, or in our boots. Soaked but smiling, we had finally made it to the other side and proceeded to make our way back down the mountain. Once back in the car and on the road, we stopped for a few more attractions but none of us remembered much of what happened after the hike. I had to admit that that was the best night sleep I think I've ever had.
We hiked to 4 other waterfalls, hiked up and through a hot field where you literally need to walk between the lines or your shoes will melt, up and around a dormant volcano, and so many other trails. We also explored a bay and beach, walked on a black sand beach and strolled the water near a melting glacier. We even hiked up to the spot, where Iceland's first pool is located (and still functioning). The scenery never stopped changing and my mind was constantly blown. Of course with all of this exercise, exhaustion and excitement, there were some big laughs erupting from the car. We lived like the locals and had a completely immersive experience. We went in some hot pods (make-shift hot tubs using the geothermal heat in the middle of a field) and we tried local delicacies (and not so delicacies). We saw the wildlife, (reindeer and all) and simply let the world leave us in awe.
We spent a day or two in Reykjavik and visited some shops. We went to see the geyser, and a couple of us went horseback riding in lava fields. But I think some of our best moments were when we stepped outside of the famous Golden Circle, and let the country tell us what we should see. I know we are looking forward to going back; to taking on Glymur once more (but with a better understanding of it next time), and to let ourselves just be for a moment. We wouldn't change a thing from the trip; not the places we stayed, or the people we were with, or even the numerous tuna sandwiches and "cool American" chips we ate. But I have a feeling that Iceland is one of these places that changes you and keeps you mystified with every single visit. So will you visit and think outside the circle?
Kyla
