The last signs of winter. Over the last few years living in Iceland, I’ve tried my hardest to learn about and implement ways to preserve Iceland’s fragile landscape during my travels, especially in the highland region. As we go into summer, there are many things that I would love to share with you on this topic, but for now here is one important thing to note during your trip in Iceland. When travelling beyond the paved roads and out into the highlands, it is integral to stay on the gravel tracks. If you see untouched ground or signs that say for example ‘Allur akstur utan vega bannaður’ or ‘No off-road driving’ even if there is an old set of tracks in the ground (which would usually be the scars of a previous off-road driving incident) these are generally areas deemed most at risk. However the mentality to stay on the tracks should be carried at all times and not just when the signs are present. The scars left from vehicles can last for years, especially on moss covered areas (pretty much any area of vibrant green ground in the highlands), so if for some reason the idea comes up to stray away from the track, for the sake of our delicate landscape please stop and think again. Thank you everyone ✌🏼 Shot on the @djiglobal #mavicair.
Beneath the retreating glacial face of Breiðamerkurjökull, a deep rocky canyon channels silt water out into the blue ocean waters of Jökulsárlón. After dreaming for years of reaching this area on foot, I recently joined @localguide to hike out to the calving face at the far end of the lagoon. From that area, I was able to capture some aerial views of the incredible patterns that the water creates. Shot on the @djiglobal #mavicair.
The land beneath. With the glaciers in a constant state of retreat, the unique terrain beneath is slowly revealed as the ice continues to fall away at the edges. Spending extended amounts time around these glaciers, you can really notice the dramatic reduction in size. I’ve lived in Iceland for just under three years and it’s been intense to see how fast they are retreating here. As these outlet rivers channel into lakes over the muddy surface at the edge of the ice, it’s an emotional experience to appreciate the beauty of this new land amidst such a sad scene of accelerated retraction. Shot from an aerial perspective with the @djiglobal #mavicair.
Landing in Hilo on a calm and cloudy afternoon, it was hard to fathom the events unfolding further south. Travelling with our dear friend Jordan, we passed through two military checkpoints in order to reach his family beach house in Kapoho, an area currently in the path of the fast moving lava flows from Fissure 8. The future rests in the hands of Pele, goddess of fire. With minutes counting down until the area would be completely evacuated, Jordan gathered some of his families meaningful belongings and shared with us memories of learning how to swim in the ocean inlet right outside. After closing the door for what may be the last time, we stood together in a circle while passing around some freshly picked Ti leaves, a quiet offering to Pele in a time of unknown ends. Afterwards, we passed by another local resident who’d just lost their home to the lava. She shared with us the events that had unfolded in the days prior. Amidst the loss of homes and displacement of local residents, her sense of acceptance towards the work of Pele and nature’s rebirth was incredibly moving. It was a bittersweet evening as we took to the skies with Jordan and his father for an aerial perspective over the lava flow. Reaching the Fissure 8 crater, you could feel the intense warmth, even at 3000ft. If you’d like to donate to the individuals who have been displaced by this eruption, there is an incredible community driven and funded place of refuge called Pu’uhonua o Puna. I’ve added a link to their go fund me page, it’s in my bio. Any support is greatly appreciated. Mahalo.
Winter transport. With temperatures hovering around -20°c, we travelled across Greenland’s sparse white Arctic landscape. Alongside a local musher and his sled dogs, we sat quietly, sliding towards to the icefjord with no other life in sight. Edging closer and closer, the horizon became lost in a field of glistening frozen mist, illuminated in the soft light of winter. In a land of such extremes, I believe a true sense of peace can be experienced.
As the evening darkness settles, melt water begins to freeze over the surface of these beautiful icebergs. Sharp icicles form at the upper edges, making an already frozen formation seem so much colder. Stuck deep within the sea ice of Greenland’s western fjord systems, these gigantic fallen ice structures will become the icebergs that float out into the open ocean in the years to come. It’s believed the iceberg that sunk the Titanic may have formed in this exact area.
Divided. Heading out in the zodiac under heavy rain, we made our way towards the carving face of Breiðamerkurjökull. Across the lagoon bright blue skies could be seen, causing a huge divide next to these dark rain clouds. Such a crazy contrast of weather conditions in one view.
Surrounding this iceberg, swirls of glacial silt water can be seen mixing with the blue ocean waters of the North Atlantic. Shot on the #mavicair for @djiglobal.
One of the most memorable experiences from last winter was sitting alone with my Land Rover at the summit of Eyjafjallajökull. For years it was a dream to reach this place on my own. After a fair amount of hard work and 4x4 modifications, it was a surreal feeling to finally make it up there and catch the incredible view over the highlands.
One of those unpredictable weather days. To the West of the lagoon, the clouds completely opened up to the bright blue summer skies above. To the East, rain and hail blasted across the dark landscape. As this bright light from the West beamed down onto the ice, the contrast of the heavy rain clouds behind the lagoon made for some truly interesting visual conditions. Exploring the seasons with @icelandair. #MyStopover
Spanning over the entire surface of this outlet glacier, a thick layer of volcanic ash engulfs all signs of the ice beneath. In what seems an entirely desolate and lifeless area, vibrant patches of moss have fought the elements, emerging from the ash. Captured with the #mavicair for @djiglobal.
Mountains of the east.
Skvetta. The lambing season is underway here in Iceland, which is also a great sign of the summer weather being just around the corner. On a visit to my friend Pálína’s @farmlifeiceland family farm we got to know this curious little lamb, who has since been named Skvetta. It was her first time being outside which for sure came with some confusion, but she was definitely keen to explore the farm! #iceland
The last section of this glacier tongue sits atop a steep canyon, now far out of sight. Fragments fall continuously at the edge, whilst the echoes of melt water streams go unheard by passing travellers. An ancient structure, diminishing in the midst of fatal retraction.
Beyond the southern edge of the Langjökull glacier sits a desolate and rugged landscape. Holding the scars of ancient volcanic activity and glacial retreat, it’s rocky formations make for some incredible aerial scenes with the man himself @volcanopilot.
On the tiny island of Suðurey, this lonely hunting cabin has stood amongst the harsh North Atlantic conditions since 1951. It must be a surreal experience to sit inside, looking back at the main island of Heimaey in the distance. Shot for my pals @icelandair. #mystopover
Mountain walls. In a state of almost constant flow, water from the glacier above rushes down to the valley floor, winding within these rocky canyons throughout its journey. During countless eruptions stemming from the volcano beneath the surface, the rock has continually formed and broken down over millions of years. Within the textures and patterns of the rock walls, we can gain visual insight into the history of both the glacier that once existed here, as well as the floods that have pummelled the landscape during historic events of volcanic activity. Nature itself tells the greatest story of all.
The white morph Arctic fox will forever remain elusive amongst the winter snow. Especially in a white out.
Warped in the wake of our sailing ship, the reflections of these icebergs become a work of art amidst the still arctic waters of this fjord.
On an afternoon hike around the outskirts of Ilulissat, I came across this energetic group of sled puppies. These pups are always full of character, running free around the town up to the age of six months old. Shot on assignment for @airicelandconnect. #greenland