mattythor

View Original

Iceland

It's hard to describe a place like Iceland. For me it’s more of a feeling, a feeling of time..endlessness. Unbelievable landscapes that dwarf you as you gaze in awe. Questioning your own existence, questioning what your life is. Iceland's unmatched beauty is something to behold, to see, to feel, to learn from. I know I felt those and many more emotions during my time in beautiful, magical, wild...Iceland.

I explored solo this time and of course, it did not disappoint. I drove the entire ring road around the country. Plus many "side quests" Stopping often to capture the feelings and moments that moved me, there were many. I experienced all the weather you could imagine. Cold, extreme wind, snow, ice, calm moments in the sun and of course rain. In fact on my drive from Hofn to Eggilsstaòir, after two mountain road closures, I found myself driving in a whiteout in the dark! It was one of the most stressful few hours of my trip. But I wouldn't have any other way. That's the adventure of Iceland!

As a photographer it's a must see and feel location. I was there for a month and have so much more to experience. I'll definitely be back soon! Iceland is so vast with few people outside of the few major cities, that you find yourself alone...a lot. Wandering and searching for compositions. Hiking long distances across otherworldly landscapes. Battling weather, all the weather. Feeling completely small and insignificant amongst these ancient lands. But that's the magic and charm of beautiful Iceland.

As beautiful as Iceland is, its also wild and dangerous at times. As I type this from my hotel room in Scotland there is a threat of an eruption around the town of Grindavik. My heart goes out to the people of the area that had to evacuate their homes. Hoping for their safety and all Icelanders that have been, and will be impacted by these events. Stay Safe!

And as always,

Breathe, wander, create, repeat.

Matty