Iceland Expedition - The Laugavegur Trail 2023
In 2020, NAC planned a epic journey to Iceland to hike the World famous Laugavegur Trail. Unfortunately, the world had different plans. The Pandemic of 2020 forced us to cancel our trip in the hopes that we would be able to host it in the near future. The COVID Pandemic continued on well into 2021, and had residual on 2022 forcing us to hold off until 2023. In July 2023, we were finally able to guide this incredible trail. And wouldn't you know, just as we were about to leave, a volcano decided to erupt on the Island, providing us with another amazing adventure! After the trail, we had time to travel across the Island to visit the new volcano and lava flows! This was an incredible journey, I would recommend it to anyone.
PRE HIKE - July 20, 2023
We arrived in Iceland on July 20th, 2023. After clearing customs and grabbing our luggage, we boarded the Fly Bus and headed to Reykjavik. There, we checked into our rooms at a local hostel and prepared our packs for the 4 day hike. The next morning, we boarded another bus that would take us 4 hours to the trail head at Landmannalaugar.
DAY ONE - July 23, 2023
At 11:40am we arrived at the trail head in Landmannalaugar. After visiting the shops and restrooms, we took our group photo at the trail head, and began our journey. In the first 45 minutes of our hike, I realized that this landscape was nothing like I have ever hiked before and there was going to be a learning curve. First, we would have to deal with the 24 hour daylight. Also, along the way, there was much geothermal activity, and you had to be careful. But, despite all the challenges, this was one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen.
DAY TWO - July 24, 2023
It was not as difficult to fall asleep in the constant sunlight as I thought it would have been. The long hike the day before tired us out and we were able to sleep quite well. However, I did wake up at 4:30am everyday to find that it was bright and sunny. That is, except on this day! It was very foggy out, and there was a light mist. The thick fog made it extremely difficult to follow the trail, and on a few occasions we lost the trail, and even lost our fellow hikers. But using the GPS and a lot of calling out, we were able to stick together and make our way to the next camp. We also had our first water crossing this day. It didn't go as smoothly as I would have liked. A few spent much time looking for the best area to cross, only to find they had chosen poorly. I easily made my way across the river without removing my boots. 32 years of practice made it quite easy for me. However, those that tried to follow me didn't fair so well, and fell into the water. Luckily, we had a wonderful surprise, the next camp had a small make shift restaurant set up near the campgrounds. We were able to get a hot meal, and hot coffee. They even had alcoholic beverages for those that enjoy that type of thing.
DAY THREE - July 25, 2023
On this day, we woke up to find the fog had cleared and the rain had stopped. However it was still cloudy and dreary out, so we kept our rain gear close at hand just in case. We made our way down the trail, and the three water crossings slowed us down a bit. The water wasn't very deep, but it was very cold. Being knee deep in water that is just barely above freezing gets difficult, especially with a large pack on your back. But we made it, and finally arrived at our final camp. The campground was different from the others. It was on the side of a mountain, with many levels of tent areas. But it offered incredible views of a massive glacier off in the distance, and a fresh water stream ran down the mountain and thrrough the entire camp area.
DAY FOUR - July 26, 2023
After a very chilly nights sleep, we once again had our breakfast, packed camp and headed out for the day on the trail. Today's weather was a little nicer, dry and moments of sunshine, but today's trail was a little more challenging as well. Steeper and higher climbs offered incredible scenery. We were able to see far across the North Channel clear to Manitoulin Island. The day ended at the most beautiful camp site yet! After setting up camp, we had a well deserved meal around the camp fire and stayed out to enjoy some of the most beautiful stars we've ever seen before heading to bed for the night.
POST HIKE - July 26-29, 2023
At the end of the trail, we were greeted by our off road worthy bus that took us on the 4 hour journey back to Reykjavik through rivers, over lava fields, and many other interesting terrains. Upon arriving back in Reykjavik, we checked into our Guest Houses and had a long, well deserved shower. Over the next two days, the team would split up to explore Iceland on their own.
THE VOLCANO - July 28, 2023
In July of 2023, only weeks before our departure, a new Volcano erupted in Iceland. Upon hearing of this, I began making plans to visit this new amazing event as soon as we were off the trail. It was sketchy at first, as the Government of Iceland was restricting access to the volcano at times due to gases and possible eruptions, but luckily, I was able to visit the volcano and took some amazing photos and videos!
