February 2022 – Nanda van der Eijk | Adventure photographer

Adventurous love story in the frozen Icelandic highlands

On a cold november afternoon I got into my frozen car and drove one of the most icy and dangerous roads I’ve ever seen, to go on an adventure with these two. It might have been the coldest day in weeks, but seeing the sun slowly set behind the mountains was so worth it. What an experience to explore Iceland covered in snow with you, thank you dear Saga & Oddný!

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Solo traveling through Iceland 02: The Land of Fire & Ice
Iceland is a land of contrasts and extremes, where nature’s beauty and harsh conditions come together. For three weeks, I traveled through this stunning country, enjoying the moody weather and lots of rain. However, at some point, the weather changed, and the world was covered in a blanket of white snow. The landscape was transformed, and I found myself in a winter wonderland. It was as if I had stepped into a painting.
As I set out on the roads, I quickly realised that the snow brought with it some challenges. The roads were slippery and dangerous, some of the roads were even closed due to the weather conditions. One time I ended up in a snowstorm while on the road, which was a pretty scary experience, especially with being on my own.

Iceland’s rock formations are a result of its unique geological history. The country sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic boundary where two tectonic plates are moving apart, causing volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes. The volcanic eruptions have left behind vast lava fields, which over time have been sculpted by wind, water, and glaciers, creating the diverse rock formations seen today. The basalt columns found in places such as Reynisfjara beach and Svartifoss waterfall, for example, were formed when lava cooled rapidly, causing it to contract and crack into hexagonal columns.

The ice caves in Iceland are some of the most stunning natural formations I have ever seen. The walls are made of shimmering ice, and the floors are slippery and cold. It was an otherworldly experience that left me in awe. As I explored the cave, I couldn’t help but think about the incredible forces of nature that created such a unique and beautiful formation.

Iceland is home to many glaciers. They are massive, and they seem to stretch on forever. Glaciers form through a process of accumulation and compaction of snow and ice. The process of glacier formation can take thousands of years, and the result is a truly spectacular natural wonder. However, global warming is affecting the existence of these glaciers.
Sólheimajökull, one of the most popular glaciers in Iceland, has retreated by over 1 kilometer in the past decade alone and lost more than 20 meters of ice thickness due to global warming. The glacier’s retreat has been increasing, with an average rate of 100 meters per year. Other glaciers in Iceland, including Vatnajökull, have also been significantly affected, with an average retreat of 100-200 meters per year. The melting ice has also caused an increase in water flow, leading to flooding and erosion in some areas. If current trends continue, Iceland’s glaciers could disappear within the next few decades. These numbers serve as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of climate change and the urgent need for action to protect our planet.
Walking on glaciers can be extremely dangerous. Glaciers are constantly moving, making the ice unstable and unpredictable. Crevasses, which are deep cracks in the ice, can be hidden beneath the surface, making it difficult to detect them. In addition, the melting of glaciers due to global warming has made the ice more prone to collapse. It’s important to have the proper equipment and training when venturing onto glaciers and to always seek the guidance of experienced guides.

Iceland is a land of old, and the harsh conditions have shaped the land into what it is today. The rocks, mountains, and glaciers have been there for thousands of years. I felt privileged to be in the presence of such natural wonder.

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Solo traveling through Iceland 01: Moody skies & epic rock formations
I had always dreamed of exploring the untamed beauty of Iceland, and finally, I had the opportunity to fulfill that dream. I packed my bags and set off on a solo journey that would last three weeks. I encountered some of the most beautiful and serene landscapes I had ever seen. As I returned home, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. I had faced challenges and overcome them, and I had discovered the beauty of Iceland in a way that I never could have if I had traveled with others. It was a journey I would never forget and one that I would always cherish.
Iceland is known for its moody weather and breathtaking natural beauty. The island is home to epic rock formations and magnificent waterfalls that embody its rugged character. The ever-changing weather patterns create a sense of mystery and drama. Most of the days that I was in Iceland it was quite stormy, the landscapes were shrouded in mist and fog, creating a dramatic and moody atmosphere, which to be honest, I loved the most!

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Trekking in the Lake District: Breathtaking views & countless sheep
In May, I took a train to London, picked up a friend and we went on a four-day hiking adventure in the Lake District. Despite me feeling a little under the weather, we were determined to discover the incredible nature of the UK.
Each day, we faced the rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes head-on. I was so surprised by the breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings of this area. Sleeping in a tent, eating adventure meals and being surrounded by the sounds of nature (mostly sheep), was a welcome respite from the city and allowed us to fully embrace the beauty of this nature area.

The first day we traveled by train and bus from London and arrived in the afternoon in Buttermere. We decided to follow a trail next to a stream and hiked for about 8km.
Waking up in our tent the next morning was like a dream. The sun hit the hills and the horizon was dotted with majestic peaks. We fueled up with a bowl of oats and hit the trails. We hiked more than 20km south, came across the cute Grange in Borrowdale, but instead of staying in the village, we went into the hills again and made camp close to a river.

On day 3 I had to exchange my Fjällräven hiking pants for shorts. It was unexpectedly warm and sunny. We hiked 14km. From towering peaks to gentle valleys, every view was more breathtaking than the last. We crossed babbling brooks and marveled at crystal-clear lakes.
Most of the trails were really good, but at some point we came across a swampy area. Before I knew it, my whole leg disappeared in the mud and I became stuck. Fortunately my friend managed to pull me out. Although I was covered in mud and a bit shaken up, I was grateful to have made it out of the swamp unharmed. This sudden adventure taught us the importance of being prepared for the unexpected in the great outdoors.
We had a delicious meal in a pub in Grasmere and decided to stay in the village for the night, to dry our shoes and get some rest.

Despite the illness, which got worse on day 4, I was determined to push through and make the most of our adventure. We left the hills and swampy areas behind us and found our way through rocky terrain and around small lakes. After another 9 km of hiking we reached Ambleside and took a train back to London.
No matter how you may feel, the beauty of the great outdoors has a way of rejuvenating the soul. So if you’re feeling under the weather, don’t let it discourage you from going on an adventure.
After this trip, I can’t wait to see more of the UK. If you ever have the chance to explore the Lake District, prepare to be awed by the stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. For those who love the great outdoors, it is a must-visit destination!

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Intimate fall wedding in the Austrian Alps
Are you ready for a true fairytale wedding? It starts with an epic story: an American and an Austrian falling in love and starting their adventure together. C&M had such a wonderful day: this dreamy location on the edge of the Austrian Alps, a close group of family and friends from all over the world and the best wedding gift from mother nature: the autumn sun warming up the earth.

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Lifestyle/branding session in the dunes & woods of the Veluwe
Kayleigh is an awesome sustainable lifestyle blogger and despite the bad weather forecast we had such a great afternoon together! Just some relaxed exploration of the sand dunes and woods of the Veluwe and feeling that freedom nature always gives us.

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