Training Log Archive: skdewitt

Rest day around Thorsmork

Hiked up nearest mtn, Vallakhur and did loop out to other set of huts. Potentially great views but only mediocre due to low clouds. Fun to watch buses and cars traverse nearby rivers and valleys. Dinner in the cabin with last of dehydrated meals. Overcast but no rain.

Laugavegur trail day 4, Emstrur-Botnar to Thorsmork

Lots of ups and downs over ridges today with a bridge crossing near the beginning over a deep chasm. The longest river crossing by wading near the end of the trail and then the first bit of woods in the entire hike about 3 miles from the end. Light drizzle periodically during the morning and light rain near the end. Better than expected though as we were told it would rain all day. Views were a bit closer today due to the lower clouds.

Had our own little cabin at Thorsmork, Volcano Huts, with little kitchen but shared bathroom and shower. Cabin had heat, hot water and shower was free with hot water--relative luxuries. We also had dinner and breakfast at the restaurant and of course a few beers.

Canyon loop hike from Emtrur-Botnar hut

Beautiful views, colors, small waterfalls, and 2 glaciers off to the south.

Laugavegur trail day 3, Alftavatn to Emstrur-Botnar

3 river crossings within the first 2 hours made for an exciting beginning. The third one was above our knees and with glacial water temps, quite painful by the time we made it across. Last 6-7 miles was quite flat, almost dessert-like but with contrasting mountains and glaciers in the background.

We stayed in bunks in one of three small huts (lots of camping at each hut as well). Had our own freeze-dried pasta puttanesca, again using our camp stove. We had use of the hut's kitchen but it was generally too crowded.

Weather was much like day 2, overcast and in the 50s. Were told by guides who have done the hike many times that we've had great weather relative to what it often is.

Laugavegur trail day 2, Hrafatinnnusker to Alftavatn

Continued snow pack for first 90 minutes with a chilly wind. Then the snowy peaks turned into a lush, green valley and we could see our hut at the lake several kilometers away and about 800 meters down. Slow, tricky decent with small rocks acting like ball bearings. In the valley, first river crossing that required us to wade with our river sandals.

Much nicer hut and we were treated to a semi-private room with beds. Ate at the tiny restaurant on site. Overcast all day but no rain, low 50s.

Just now getting to logging our hikes in Iceland, arriving back last night. We had internet access most days but with only my iPod, it's too cumbersome to log well.

Day 1 of the Laugavegur trail hike. Took the bus from Reykjavik to Landmannlaugar, about 4 hours, with the bus driving through river crossings several times. These buses have large, raised wheels suitable for river crossings. Got on trail about 1 pm and hiked to first hut at Hrafatinnusker. Lots of fumaroles (volcanic vents expelling hot sulphuric steam) along the beginning,;views of glaciers, valleys and mountains throughout; and then into snow pack for the last 90 minutes or so. Partly sunny and mid-50s but feeling a bit chilly when the wind kicked up. Were told it was the first sunny day since end of May so I guess we were pretty lucky.

Had our own freeze-dried unstuffed peppers for dinner. Hut was small and full and we slept on mats in the upstairs loft along with lots of others. Very stinky bathrooms.

Sunset is about midnight and rise about 3 am but it never really gets very dark. Finding the night shades and ear plugs useful although the plugs don't really block out enough snoring to do the trick.

Finishing up our travel to Reykjavik, arriving at bus station about 8:30. Stashed our luggage in a locker at the station and kept ourselves busy until about 1 pm when we could check into our air bnb.

Travel to Iceland from JFK; no problems other than Delta trying to screw us over with excessive baggage fees