4x4 Hofsjökull Ice Cap
The official big trip is over. But there is no interest in driving all the way back on the highway. A decision is made to go up the valley Bardardalur, perhaps we can get another chance of Hofsjokull without the clouds on the top.
Akureyri is a friendly little town right by the ocean and with large mountains surrounding it.
Skuli accidentally filled his Land Rover with petrol instead of diesel. Lucky for him he didn't start the engine and was able to get it off the tank without any damage.
From previous journeys you perhaps have the impression that there are NO trees in Iceland. As you can see that is not the case 🙂
As we get on the lesser traveled road, Einar hears some strange noise coming from underneath his Cherokee. It turns out he is able to keep driving.
Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is on our way with the beautiful rock formations and iceing on the sidewalls.
The day is still bright and sunny as we get higher and the snow and ice greets us.
Conditions are perfect. Sun is shining, the land is flat and without visible rocks and the snow is firm and easy to drive on.
It is tempting to take the trucks almost up to highway speeds.
Oli is tempted to try out this "snowhange".
As we get closer to the center of Iceland some fog is creeping in from the south. This could mean that as we get higher we would be able to get above the fog.
Right by the side of Hofsjokull it is obvious that the theory is correct.
Sigurjon in his LandCrouiser. You can see the fog floating over the lower regions and the larger mountains and ice-caps in the rear sticking their tops up through the fog.
Glaciers are constantly on the move. Here is a place where it is flowing over a small mountain underneath. As it falls over the edge it breaks up and huge cracks open. It is best to stay away!
Stopping by Hasteinar for some grand views.
Gunni in his older Land Cruiser 80.
Gudmundur in his Land Cruiser 90.
Now - at the highest point of the ice-cap - we can see in all directions. This is the spot closest to the center of Iceland.
On the way down we pass this F-350 on 46 inch tires. It is the same one we spotted on Vatnajokull a year ago.
Getting closer to Kerlingarfjoll again. The sun shining through the fog and the mountain making this amazing shadow.
This Land Cruiser had engine problems and didn't make it yesterday on the big trip. These guys are fixing it for the trip back.
Huts at Kerlingarfjoll.
Kerlingarfjoll seen from the west.
This small canyon luckily has a bridge.
Einar, Omar and Skuli decide to continue off roading and we part ways. Since it is getting late the rest of the group heads towards Reykjavik.
We are still mostly able to stay in touch using the VHF radio.
Sunset through the fog is the perfect ending to this great weekend.
Thanks to all the fellow travelers!
