A month ago we talked about the preparations for this great trip, described a little bit about the main characteristics of a unique country like Iceland, and reported on the first 3 days of the trip. Now, let’s move on to the second part of this expedition, with some notes at the end!
After a few days of strong winds but already with breathtaking landscapes, we were all looking forward to the second part of the trip, and the next day started well.
DAY 4
We started with a first 170 km stage on land, where we had the privilege of passing between two glaciers.
A trip like this offers us the total exploration of our 5 senses. If everything had been surprising so far, it is when you truly feel Iceland in its entirety. Hard to describe!!!! The first sense to be invaded is sight. The mixture of the black of the earth, the green of the small vegetation, and the white of the snow, in a monstrous dimension is worthy of having entered any scene from the Lord of the Rings movie. Being inhospitable areas, the sound of silence is deafening and hearing becomes only a direct path to our thoughts.
Landmannalaugar was our destination. It is a thermal region that, due to its difficult access, has maintained its natural beauty intact. In the center, a well-organized campground from a first world country offered more than necessary conditions for a fun night.
It is here that two more senses are invaded without permission. The land smells of sulfur, and on a motorcycle, everything is felt in a closer, more real way.
Here there is a small lake of sorts. On one side, a spring of cold water gushes. At the opposite end, a spring of boiling water. And no, it’s not like in the Azores, around 30 degrees. We are talking about approximately 80ºC. It is a natural spa, where people move around in search of their ideal temperature.
On this trip, we had the presence of the Chef and friend Chakall. Olive oil and chorizo in the GS’s bags, boiled eggs in the volcanic spring, and the magic of the cook, save any campsite.
Returning to camping is not for boys, it requires some resilience after a tough day of off-roading. However, the dynamics of dinner make us forget everything. It took 15 Portuguese and 15 minutes for a calm tent to turn into a place of sharing and tasting cheeses and medronho among all the foreigners present there. DIA 5 If everything seemed perfect, the departure from Landmannalaugar required work. And if apparently we were in a Netflix series, where the scenarios were contemplated, on this day we entered them. There were many kilometers on land, 30 of which with more than 25 water crossings. Blessed equipment you are… Amen. Some stay, others pass, one follows, others help, some get soaked like chicks, some swear, others film. The good mood persisted during these difficult kilometers. But it is these moments that remain in memory.Curiosity: Iceland, if memory serves me right, has 52 active volcanoes. On this day, we received the startling news that one of them had erupted. In our naive minds, we thought we were going to be stuck in Iceland. To our surprise, we realized that it’s a common thing and no one cares. Instead of running away, people make pilgrimages to see the natural spectacle and go as far as bringing grills to cook some good steaks on the lava. Furthermore, volcano enthusiasts charter planes, hire small planes and helicopters, and fly drones to witness the “fireworks.”
After some rest from the strong winds, we headed to Reynisfjara beach where we once again realized that the flow of lava is not random and makes the rocky cliffs look like Lego constructions.
Back on the road, we headed to the Blue Lagoon. The journey was tough and we faced strong winds again. Here, the technique is to lean the motorcycles into the wind at almost 45º angles.
But the goal was clear and quite pleasant. The Blue Lagoon is a thermal resort that was named by National Geographic as one of the 25 wonders/experiences of the world. It is a mega pool, with almost white hot water. They say we become more beautiful after those waters and those nourishing masks on our faces. In the center, a bar that offers cocktails and after the bath, a dinner that seemed more like a feast of the Gods.
These stops at leisure spots are part of our travel philosophy and are essential to gain strength for a few more kilometers. In the end, they are moments of group sharing, and a summary of the day’s stories where we let out some laughs with everyone’s adventures and misadventures.
DAY 6
Back in Reykjavik, it was a day to check off some points around the city. In addition to the thousand and one waterfalls, it was time to “split” myself. If in São Tomé I had already been with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern, this time I had one foot on the Eurasian tectonic plate and the other on the North American, seen in the form of the mid-Atlantic ridge.
To end with a golden key – the “Geysir”. The “big puddle” that breathes for 3 minutes and spits water to a height of a 5-story building. It gives us a feeling of smallness, and that this pressure cooker called earth has a little relief valve for internal pressure.
All trips have an intention, and above all, a learning. Each one takes their lesson. Mine were:
- Due to its size, it reminded me that I am ridiculously small on this planet and my importance in the world is truly none.
- This ball where we live is more alive than ever and can end from one day to the next.
- The importance of things is only what we want to give them, and next time I see a volcano erupting I’ll organize a barbecue and invite friends.
- Always think before eating McDonald’s. In Iceland there is no McDonald’s, and the last one is intact for 12 years, without preservatives, in a museum.
- BMWs are not perfect in anything but they are the best motorcycles for this type of trip. The versatility, comfort, performance on and off-road are phenomenal. Additionally, it comes with a God (electronics) included that saves us at all times.
- Traveling is the greatest “sea of culture” we can give to our children. And also the only thing we take to the grave.
- In my specific case, here is a word of motivation to everyone. I am 1.68 meters tall and weigh 50 kg. I started doing this type of trips recently. With a motorcycle and training, anyone can do it. If you have that little bug inside you, go for it because all you lack is courage.
