Posted Sep 5, 2012, 12:38 PM
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![hkskyline's Avatar](image.php?s=00e409a98a602119e2a64030f76fc642&u=418&dateline=1284838395) |
Hong Kong
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,645
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Iceland's Highway 1 is the only route the circles the island nation, running over 1300 km across towns, natural wonders, and incredible landscapes.
It is morning in Vik, a small town on the southern shore of Iceland. The rain and fog are back, and the neat rocks just off the coast are barely visible.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0518.jpg)
So many waterfalls could be seen along the ring road eastwards.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0531.jpg)
There were also a lot of sheep. Tasty lamb chops were common across Icelandic restaurants!
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0533.jpg)
Blocks of ice that have broken off the Vatnajökull glacier fill up Jökulsárlón's glacial lagoon. Like the glaciers I've toured in Canada, these chunks retained the deep blue traits.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0562.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0563.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0567.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0571.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0580.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0582.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0590.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0619.jpg)
With global warming, would there be more glacial chunks filling up the lagoon going forward?
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0633.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0642.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0644.jpg)
It was way past lunch time upon arrival in Höfn. This fishing town is also by the sea, but further east from Vik.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0646.jpg)
The rain would not cease, but despite the unpleasant weather, the photos still are able to convey the obvious livelihood of this town - fishing.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0653.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0671.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0672.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0677.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0688.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0702.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0703.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0710.jpg)
This town actually doesn't have many restaurants. We had to ask around to find a lobster dinner. Apparently, Höfn is famous for lobster!
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0727.jpg)
After a night's rest, the drive continues across Iceland's east, then turning to the country's north. Stopping just outside Höfn, the morning tranquility was eerie but beautiful.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_1925.jpg)
There were lots of mountains and vegetation-filled plains. This part of Iceland is still lush.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_1936.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_1945.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_1947.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_1953.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_1985.jpg)
The coastal scenery was beautiful. It was very different from the glacial views from the day before.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_1987.jpg)
Highway 1 is not really a big road by international standards. It was 1 lane in each direction, and drivers policed themselves to let others pass safely.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_1998.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2006.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2009.jpg)
Although the ocean was beautiful, there was a lot of territory to cover today, so it was time to divert onto a gravel road to cut across the mountains near Berufjordhur.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2032.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2033.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2035.jpg)
Two lost sheep were suddenly trapped on the hillside as our photography troupe approached, initially to photograph the waterfalls, but soon all attention went to them.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2040.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2042.jpg)
I'm not a geologist, but the facade seems to tell a rich history.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2094.jpg)
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2096.jpg)
After a harrowing drive up steep gradients on gravel, experiencing snowfall in the upper elevations, and a fun descent back to the plains, it was time for a gas and lunch stop at Egilsstaðir.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2111.jpg)
This supermarket chain fed us throughout the trip.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2102.jpg)
Like the other towns along the route, this one was also not big. The airport was within walking distance from the town itself.
![](http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2112.jpg)
More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland-hwy1.htm
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