“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Sir Winston Churchill
Perhaps one of my most memorable adventure travel experiences thus far has been my hike across a real live sea of ice. There is nothing quite like strapping on a pair of crampons and moving at a snail’s pace straight into unimaginable winds and icy cold rain across one of the world’s most beautiful and magical glaciers. Sure I’ve done plenty of amazing hikes around the world ranging to such far off places as Peru, Patagonia, The French Alps and Nepal. Yet nothing was quite like walking across a wide, moving sea of ice.
First steps onto the massive Myrdalsjökull Glacier. Unfortunately there was no way possible to show the enormity of it all. This is just the beginning.
As we laced up our crampons and began to walk towards the tongue of the glacier, the wind and rain picked up making it miserably cold. Thankfully I was prepared with my waterproof pants and jacket, and took each step slowly with anticipation of what I might see.
“If you wait for the perfect moment when all is safe and assured, it may never arrive. Mountains will not be climbed, raced won, or lasting happiness achieved”. – Maurice Chevalier
Once on top of the mighty Myrdalsjökull Glacier, I was spellbound by its stark beauty and vastness. The contrast between the vibrant green grass against the salt and pepper-colored ice was startling.
What was even more impressive were the enormous crevices and ice formations with an iridescent blue inside. This gigantic sea of ice was nature’s display of a fabulous work of art.
“Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig”. – Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
Unfortunately the rain and wind became unbearable and we had to head back. But not without snapping a few more photos of this amazing sea of ice. Here is one of my favorites.
If you go
There are plenty of tour operators in Reykjavik who will take you on a day long tour with stops along the way to the magical Seljalandfoss waterfall.
This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Sea. To see more entries click here.
Related posts:
Lost in Iceland: A Day of Ice Trekking in Myrdalsjokull Glacier
Entranced by Iceland: A Visit to the Remote Skaftafell National Park
Marvelous that you were able to experience nature in one of her most harsh and fabulous forms.
I fell in love with Iceland. It is not too far away either but very expensive given its remoteness.
Wow! Amazing photo, but as for the cold… rather you than me… I’ll just enjoy the view! 😉
Have a great weekend!
Ishaiya
Thanks! Yes it was a bit cold but then again I live in Minnesota and our winters are beyond any cold I have ever experienced anywhere! 🙂
The coldest I ever experienced was -20 degrees celsius when I lived in Berlin, Germany. That was far too cold for me! 🙂
Wow, beautiful.
Thank you ! 🙂
Reblogged this on Icanbeatit.
Just amazing…what a wonderful journey!!! The pictures are wonderful too!!
Thanks! Yes it was something else. 🙂
Reblogged this on Amanda's Words / starfire8me and commented:
THAT IS SUCH A GOOD PIC.
and to think, I played golf that day.. s
Pretty hard to believe isn’t it?!
Incredible photos, but..BRRRRR. I think I need to find a sweater to view them. 🙂
Yes, it was a bit cold but so beautiful!!!!
Stunning photos, Nicole! What an incredible experience walking on a sea of ice! I’d love to go to Iceland! I’ve walked on a glacier in New Zealand and also hiked in Patagonia and Peru, but not Iceland or Nepal yet! I think both those places would be incredible for photography.
Thanks Lucy! 🙂
sooo amazing! I love this photos!!!! 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
L’ha ribloggato su My Luxury Experiencese ha commentato:
Amazing!
I first walked on a glacier when I was about 12 years old – it was an incredible experience. It’s sad to think that soon there will be no glaciers left for our children to explore.
I hear you. 🙂
A hike in Iceland was one of my greatest outdoor experiences too – super country.
Yes indeed! 🙂 I need to go back soon. Believe it or not we have a direct flight from Minneapolis and it is under 6 hours! Just expensive though.
Is the black on top of the glacier from air pollution?
Good question! No it is actually from all the dirt and rock underneath the ice that gets pulled into the glacier.
Sounds like an amazing adventure! I’d love to go see it someday!
http://areyoureadytoconquertheworld.wordpress.com/
Thanks! 🙂
An original interpretation Nicole! Your photos are always stunning.
Oh thank you Madhu! Really appreciate it!
Every time I see pictures of Iceland I am struck by how much it reminds me of living in Alaska. I’ve never sen anything like this though. Thanks for sharing.
I must go to Alaska! I can’t believe I haven’t been there yet.I love Iceland. It is truly a magical place.