Iceland Road Trip

Friday, July 12, 2013

I experienced the strongest wind I've ever felt when we visited Dyrhólaey, a peninsula on the south coast of Iceland that rises high above the water. We had to drive on a long narrow road surrounded by water on both sides to get there, and this is where the wind blew the hardest, unobstructed by land. I was afraid we'd be swept off the road like a leaf in our tiny car. Once we came to a stop on top of the cliff, the car rocked back and forth as if a giant was jogging with our car in his palm. We stepped outside and leaned into the wind to avoid being knocked over (literally), and walked to the coast to watch incredible waves crash onto a black volcanic sand beach. The contrast of the frothy white water against the black sand is so intense. At times it felt like I was looking through black and white glasses because there was no color in sight.

Just on our first day from Reykjavik to Vik, we saw Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls (and many more from the road... and many more in the days to come).

We arrived in a small village called Vík around sunset, and we knew we reached our final destination (for the day) because of the houses and churches dotting the hills. Less than 300 people live in Vík, but it is the biggest settlement for some 70km (43 mi). We found only 1 hostel and 1 hotel that was open, and went with the hotel because it had a restaurant (our only hope for dinner that night). The special on the menu that night was horse steak and the waiter did a fine job of convincing Yuriy, who had never tried horse meat, that it was marvelous.

In one short day, I experienced so many sights and places for the first time. It's hard to fall asleep after a day like this, because it feels like you're already dreaming.

- Julia

The icy stairs that lead to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. 
The strongest wind we have ever felt was on a peninsula called Dyrhólaey. I don't know how our little car didn't get swept into the water.
The strength in the ocean was mesmerizing. 
Many houses were built into the hillside and completely isolated. They looked like they belonged in a fable, not in real life.
The main highway around the island was mostly empty, allowing us to stop just about anywhere for photos.
Yuriy trying his first Icelandic horse steak. 
I opted for lamb, an Icelandic staple. A good way to end a day of exploration. Columbus and Magellan didn't have it this good. 

20 comments :

  1. These photos are breath taking and the food looks delicious. I am jonesing for Iceland SO HARD.

    http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com

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  2. I love reading about your trips. I've been dying to visit Iceland for such a long time, now, and this post just feeds that fire. Thank you so much for sharing these parts of the world with us.

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  3. I know I keep saying this but these photos! They melt my heart! I adore your writing style and can't thank you enough for sharing this. I love how you guys adventure, no plan, just drive. We do the same and it really makes for amazing experience. We have a friend that has gone their twice and she had the same comment about the food. Delicious, however not from sources she was use to. Ah love your blog and can't wait for more!

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  4. it looks simply stunning!

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  5. Gorgeous pictures! The pictures of the ocean are amazing. It's as if I can feel how powerful those waves are.

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  6. These pictures are amazing- dreamlike! I would love to visit Iceland someday. Thanks for sharing your adventure! x

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  7. Beautiful words and imagery. Were those horses raised for meat?

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    Replies
    1. Benai - I'm sure the ones we ate were, but I'm not sure.

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  8. Your adventures motivate me on hard days like today. They remind me that there is so much more out there to see and experience and treasure.

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  9. AMAZING ! every single photo looks incredible, but what i love the most is the whole concept. and iceland... <3 im your biggest fan

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  10. All the pictures look amazing, I have a few friends who've traveled through Iceland vis road tripping and they swear that it is the best way to see the country.

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  11. These pictures...Just, wow. Iceland has definitely made it's way onto my bucket list!

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  12. incredibly stunning. iceland seems wonderful, even just on a computer screen-i can' t even begin to imagine what it's like in person

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  13. You're right - the white water and the black sand make for a lovely contrast... and the one with the red jacket! Stunning!

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  14. I love the atmosphere of this pictures! Good job!
    Which lens would you recommend for landscape photography? :)

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    Replies
    1. Julia - Thank you! We used an 85mm 1.8, 35mm 1.4, and 45mm tilt-shift.

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  15. WOW! Amazing! I want to put a jacket on just looking at these photos :) You two have such beautiful adventures together! It's fun to peak into your travels through your beautiful blog.

    Elena at elle-alice.blogspot.com

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  16. Wow! That's beautiful.... Thank you so much for sharing!

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  17. what a beautiful post! the photos are so transporting xxx

    via-del-mare.blogspot.com.au

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  18. Beautiful picturese! I love Iceland! I lived there for one year twenty years ago, and we went back last autumn. Wonderful! Nice to get horseriding and I also noticed they have got good restaurants in Reykjavik!

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