Laugavegur/Landmannalaugar Trek, Iceland - Day by Day Account

Our next day was actually two days combined into one. We climbed 500 vertical meters and then descended approximately the same elevation. You could stop halfway and stay at the huts or at a campsite, but it wasn't easily truck accessible. So our group started the long day. We began with the typical routine of breakfast and making lunch. However, I realized quickly that the delectable smoked salmon was not in short supply. When Jon Gauti suggested we make an extra sandwich I enthusiastically made three smoked salmon sandwiches. In addition to the meal prep, we also prepped our bodies with a set of warm up exercises lead by our residential yoga expert Mike Fohr.

Any trace of the good weather disappeared and as trekmate Cam White said, "we had an additional unwelcome companion" in the form of lousy, rainy weather. So we got out our rain gear and headed up into the the hills above the campsite with the remnants of past volcanic activity rising above us on either side of the trail. Today's trek was across the Hrafntinnusker Plateau for a total of approximately 25 km. We snaked through the moss-covered black rocks making good time.

Shortly we were through the rock field of Laugahraun and headed to more open ground on the plateau.

It wasn't long before we could see the sulfur laced steam leaching through the ground. You wouldn't think the constant smell of rotten eggs would be appealing during a trek, but it set a primal atmosphere that fit perfectly with the surroundings.

We were warned not to touch the steam with hand or foot as a good blast could take your boot and give you third degree burns.

The land looked like it could just belch up boulders at any moment.

However, as we explored deeper, the postcard worthy painted hills came into view. It was a shame that we didn't have a clear sky, their unique hues were splendid.

"I'm not gonna lie to you," was John's favorite and possibly only line. He started just about every statement about the trail or campsite with it and I am not gonna lie to you, John was hamming it up for the camera, it wasn't that difficult of a trek from an athletic perspective.

The story continues...