As we headed north along the eastern edge of Iceland, we had to cross through some tunnels to get through the mountains. The crazy thing about Iceland’s geothermal energy, is our guide pointed out the external temperature as we travelled. It went from freezing temperatures outside in the snow to a balmy 20°C in the middle of the tunnels.
We passed along some increadible waterfalls and canyons as we went, with more of the basalt stone columns. We passed along the edge of the central highlands of Iceland. Our guide said they really aren’t travelled as much as in the winter due to the extreme weather they can get. We stopped for some pictures of the sunset, the snow was blowing drifts across the plain in beautiful patterns. I wasn’t quite enough of a photographer to manage the low light, but it was a great spot to stop and admire the scenery.
We got to Myvatn that night, where we would be staying for a few nights. It’s named for the large lake in the area. It is a spot known for geothermal pools, northern lights and spring mosquitos. I am glad we were there in the winter. The first night was the clearest evening of the trip. We finally had some northern lights activity! After dinner every one trooped back outside into the dark to learn to photograph this amazing display. While we only had some green lights low on the horizon, I was very happy to get to see them. While this trip was about photography, it was also about the experience. I had seen the Lights before, but it is always a humbling experience.
The next day was exploring the area. Our guide Aaron knew it well, he said his grandparents lived in the area when he was a child so he would visit often. The first stop was to photograph some mud pools. It was pretty crazy, they were so hot the mud was bubbling and steaming. We also stopped at a ridge in the landscape that had a geothermal pools in it. Our guide said he had swam in it as a child but now the water was too hot for humans. It was still very photogenic. Sadly so, apparently the cave had been used for a famous scene in Game of Thrones with Jon Snow, so while trying to get our pictures, a bus load of GOT tourist pulled up and shined flashlights everywhere!
We also had lunch at an adorable little farm, I had an amazing lamb stew, a tea made from herbs plucked from the lava fields, and bread that is cooked by burying it in areas of higher heat so the rocks cook it! I also got a phenomenal hand knit touque made by the families grandmother. She was in her 90s if I recall correctly. She couldn’t make the complicated sweaters anymore, but was still making simple stuff. I loved that hat so much.
We also went to a lava fields, where the harder rock has made columns and arches that stand out from the landscape, and finished with another sunset photo shoot over a small lake. Again the clouds were against us. I won’t complain about the location though! That evening our guide asked if anyone was interested in going to the hot spring in the area. My dad and step mom weren’t interested, so it was just myself and the other guest.
The hot spring was amazing, the water was deliciously warm, the facility well built. And I ironically got my wish for the experience I wanted. While floating in hot water (one of my favourite things as a water soul who hates being cold) the northern lights started up.. We had a brilliant show that lasted close to an hour. Part of me cursed not having my camera. Then I remembered my wish to just experience them, and what better way to do it? I was floating in a hot spring with a beer in hand watching the skies dance.
