Undercover Group and Concealed Connections
Embarking on an unforgettable journey, I hopped aboard a private guided tour dubbed the Underground Network in the southern part of Iceland, curated by travel company Glacial Experience. Our driver and guide, Kjartan Valgarðsson, who also happens to be the company's owner, picked me up in a sleek black Land Cruiser. Strangers just moments ago, we soon discovered three mutual acquaintances, all of whom happened to be my cousins.
In Iceland, we're always on the hunt for those hidden bonds that connect us. Secretly, we yearn to unearth new relatives and expand our sprawling family tree. It's no coincidence that one of the most endearing ways to address a fellow Icelander is by calling them "frændi minn" or "frænka mín," which simply translates to 'my relative' in English.
Getting Acquainted
With our shared connections established, we headed eastward, climbing Hellisheiði mountain. The day was sunny, cool, and utterly windy, but as we reached the mountain's summit, Mother Nature graced us with an ethereal stage. To our left, we marveled at the volcanic giants Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull in awe, while to our right lay the ocean, teeming with the Vestmannaeyjar islands gleaming like diamonds.
Further in the distance, we could see the enigmatic Surtsey, an island born from a volcanic eruption in 1963, and accessible only to a select few researchers.
Unexpected Encounters
Our first stop was a gas station in Árnes. We gulped down some coffee and began chatting with a local tour guide when I swore I heard someone call my name. "Vala? Is that really you?" I turned around and erupted in joy. There, before me, was an old childhood friend living in Germany who I hadn't seen in years. With a warm embrace, she introduced me to her husband, who happened to be an old college buddy of Kjartan's. As it turned out, our little reunion didn't end there. Their son, the spitting image of his father, stood beside them, while his sister and their father were a few steps behind. What a family reunion!
The old friends wasted no time catching up, and before we knew it, photos were being snapped of them grinning ear to ear. With last hugs exchanged, we moved on to the next stop on our clandestine journey.
Married in White
Our next destination was the waterfall Hjálparfoss, nestled in Fossá river in Þjórsárdalur valley. The falls earned their moniker, "the waterfall of help," as weary travelers, having trekked through the highlands via Sprengisandur, could find relief here, giving their horses fresh water instead of icy glacial water to drink.
The waterfall, shattered into two parts by a dark rock in the center, radiated an almost eerie vision of two bridal gowns in contrast to the surrounding dark lava rocks. My imagination got the better of me, just visualizing all sorts of wedding guests frolicking around. The verdant foreground added a beautiful contrast to the snowy waterfall.
Multitasking Marvel
As our journey continued, I was surprised to discover that our entourage was not solely composed of a driver/guide but also a pilot, linguist, founder of a language school, marketing expert, and teacher. I marveled at the incredible multitasking skills required to accommodate all these roles within the driver's seat!
White Horsetail
Our next stop was Háifoss waterfall, one of the country's tallest. It's located in Fossárdalur valley, a dead-end branch of Þjórsárdalur valley. Much like Hjálparfoss, it lies in Fossá river, making it a relative, so to speak.
Once we stepped out of the vehicle, we made our way toward Háifoss. The cascade plunges 128 meters (420 feet) into a deep gorge, offering a majestic view from its summit. As we descended a narrow trail, the breathtaking sight of Háifoss unfolded before us. A splash of rainbow graced the waterfall, making it appear like a snowy horsetail whipped by the wind.
Fairy Tale Land
Next, we ventured to the magical landscape of Gjáin rift in Þjórsárdalur valley. As we strolled along the winding gravel road, we stopped for a stunning view of the rift. On this sunny day, it seemed like a scene straight out of a fairy tale, bursting with numerous creeks, waterfalls, and lava formations, all nestled together in a small area and adorned with every shade of green. No wonder it became a location for filming an episode of Game of Thrones.
The Hidden Side
As we approached Gullfoss, our most celebrated waterfall, we switched gears and drove along a road designed exclusively for powerful 4x4s. Reaching our destination, we embarked on a 25-minute walk along a narrow path to see Gullfoss from a never-before-seen perspective.
The picturesque waterfall tumbles down two different drops, the first measuring 11 meters (36 feet), and the second 21 meters (69 feet). From this vantage point, the upper part of the falls appeared larger and broader than its counterpart on the more frequented side. The lower section remained somewhat hidden, but what intrigued me most was the endless procession of tourists dressed in their vibrant windbreakers, dotted along the river like a colorful game of Ludo. They must have wondered how on earth we managed to reach the "hidden" side.
Secret Family Ties
As our journey wound down, I sat back and relaxed in the rear seat, while the others reminisced about their travels across the land. As we drove past Ingólfsfjall mountain, Regína pointed to a farm on the right and said, "My grandpa Kjartan owned this land." Caught off guard once again, Kjartan responded, "Was he your grandfather?" His broad smile spread to mine, and after a moment of silence, he added, "Well, then we're third cousins!"
Regína beamed with delight, and a lengthy discussion ensued about family ties long lost but now rediscovered. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in our newfound connection and the endless links that bind us.
In conclusion, my daytrip through the enigmatic landscapes of Iceland's south revealed unforeseen connections, fresh perspectives, and the magical bond that links us all together. During ourUnderground Network adventure, we stumbled upon long-lost relatives, wandered through picturesque landscapes like a fairy tale, and marveled at the splendor of secrets only revealed to the chosen few.
- As we delved deeper into Iceland's terrain, we found that our travel was not just a journey through landscapes, but also a quest for relationships, connecting with fellow Icelanders and rediscovering long-lost family ties.
- In the heart of Iceland's south, the volcanic forces that shaped the land seemed to echo in the relationships we formed, as unexpected encounters with old friends and family members enriched our travel experience.
- Our day in Iceland was a unique blend of sightseeing and lifestyle, showcasing the country's breathtaking landscapes, while simultaneously revealing the hidden bonds that connect its people, reminding us that travel is not just about discovering new places, but also about deepening our connections to one another.
