![]() ![]() The hike to the ice cave is just as stunning as the cave itself. Passing cracks in the ice, side stepping vertical holes and gazing a the ice sculptures in the distance is mesmerising to say the least. As we ventured across the glacier, I would regularly pause to chat to the group about the effects of climate change.Įach step was another chance to get a great picture and travel further onto the glacier. The following winters were far better weather.Ī shared love of the outdoors, environmental science and a little adventure is what often bonds my customers on these trips. After all, Iceland’s weather can change in an instant so I’m always hopeful that the sun will come at any minute. But I was in my happy place despite the changing weather conditions. Wet feet, strong winds and blustering snow make glacier hiking more challenging on days like that. The weather can be turbulent at times but that winter was particularly wet and windy. That first winter, I worked almost every single day, taking groups across the glacier. I have mixed feelings when I remember that the ice cave where I first learned my craft has long gone. That means every winter season, when it gets cold enough to safely enter the ice caves, I am seeing them for the first time too. It’s rare that the same ice cave will last until the following year. Especially now that the temperature is rising year on year. One thing is true for all ice caves in Iceland though, they don’t last long. Some take on snake-like tunnel formations whereas others form building sized archways or have an enclosed spherical shape. The size and shape of each ice cave can be drastically different. Perhaps that makes it even more special, knowing that this experience was fleeting by its very nature.Īn ice cave is formed from the movement and the melting of the glacier throughout the year. Sadly, the place where I first fell in love with Iceland has disappeared completely. But what I can say with certainty is that each and every ice cave is unique and breathtaking. It would be impossible to put a number on the amount of ice caves I’ve ventured into during my time in Iceland. The child-like wonderment in my guests’ faces as they lift their heads for the first time to see the shimmering blue ice is something I take great pleasure in every single time. Hiking on top of glaciers is perfect for the adventurers among us, but going physically inside an ice cave for the first time is something that cannot be beat. Something I stumbled onto as I travelled and fell in love with. My profession, when not writing blog posts of course, is glacier guiding. I hope it inspires you to travel when the time is right. I’m planning to share more of my personal experiences over the coming months until we can get out of the house and back into adventure mode. So I’ve taken the time this month to simply put together one of my favourite memories while in Iceland. One thing is for sure, the pictures and stories detailed below will make you add Iceland to your post-quarantine list. Has that dream trip to Iceland eluded you until now? While you are based at home, are you now looking longingly at the map? I know I am. But now is also the time to take stock of your life and think about the future. ![]() Now is the time to protect your health and stay safe. ![]()
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