The journey consisted of two stages: we would start in the Northern town of Akureyri and hike south, up into the infamous highlands and between the two largest glaciers on the Island. Then, after nine days of hiking, we would meet the Pjorsa River and our inflatable kayaks at a nearby hut. From here it was downstream for 240kms, until the Pjorsa reaches the Atlantic Ocean. Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest urban area, sits in a fjord between the Arctic Ocean and the mountains that mark the beginning of the volcanic highlands. The region relies predominantly on the fishing industry, but plans for new aluminium smelters in nearby fjords may change that. Unbeknownst to us, the small city enjoys one of the warmest climates in Iceland and it quickly fills us with misguided optimism. From the centre of town we hit the road and for three days slowly ascend the fjord with 24-hour accompaniment from the sun. Green fields either sustain dairy cows or hay crops and from bucolic farmhouses come warm greetings and gifts of fresh milk and cream. But cracks in our naivie visions of a ten-day idyllic amble soon begin to appear. After four days of walking the grass and wild flowers give way to rocky ground and patches of stubborn snow. Melt from the slopes covers the dirt road and make it impassable for vehicles. And after 800 metres of elevation gain we find ourselves on the edge of the vast Icelandic highlands. It looks like a never-ending sand pit; grey volcanic sand only broken by large covers of snow and ice that are a testament to the unseasonal summer. Breaking the disorientating monotony of the land are two great glaciers in the distance; Hofsjokull and Vatnajoekull. From here it is a four day walk between the two giants towards the Nyidalur hut, an emergency refuge in the middle of Iceland and conveniently close to a tributary of the Pjorsa River. We set off in single file across the sand and right on cue, as if to prove its reputation, the weather shows up. Continue reading more on the adventurer of Charlie Turnbull, Sam Brumby and Oliver Chiswell as they journey through the northern fjords, volcanic interior and the fertile south of Iceland. patagonia.au/journal/2014/iceland-energy/
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 05:00:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015