Monday July 15th-Entering the volcanic Landscapes of the Highlands

Ok so, back home I suffer from alot of insomnia or restless sleep patterns. There was no problem with sleep on this trip.  At the airport in Toronto, I spoke with my seatmate Sheilah while we taxied to the runway....I don't recall taking off but woke 20 minutes before landing and that was a 5 1/2 hr flight.  We got to the hotel and I slept again.  I slept well after the dinner but because it was still daylight, my brain thought I should be awake and not asleep.  Anyway enough of that fast forward to Monday morning.

The plan for today is breakfast then load up and off to the Lanscapes of the Highlands but plans change. There was a breakfast of cured meats, a variety of breads, eggs, mini sausage, potatoes, skyr, jams 'n jellys, granola and many more items.  Of course I am not going to turn down the cured meat, cheese and buns.  I try the skyr but am not as impressed as my group. 

Back of the bus and this isn't all of it !
(photo curtesy of Jeff Salvage)

Two individuals in our group have not yet recieved their luggage.  So the plan is now for us to stop at a local gear shop and pick up some items for them.  Luckily the outfitters have boots, sleeping bags, mats and poles they can rent.  We finally leave the hotel by late morning and head to the store.  I pick up another carbiner and others look for last minute items they may have missed.  Kat ends up spending around $2000.00 Canadian for a couple of items.  Walking Poles, Jacket, 2 Tops and 2 leggings.  I am so glad my luggage followed me...I only had $500, but I also made sure I had extra clothing and some required items in my carry on.  I learned to do this early on with my first trip to Germany.  A smart move or just well planned?  Anyway I felt terrible for the ladies, Especially for Kat, with whom I developed a great friendship. :)

We finally get on our way and I am alseep in seconds waking only to check out where we are.  The scenery is intersting with rolling hills and mountain peaks with acres and acres of flat land where sheep and horses roam.

Disembarking the Bus, notice the size of it? Its a big bus.

I am fast asleep but the feel of the bus rolling and bouncing wakes me.  I look about and see we are in a sea of black sand following nothing more than a dirt road in the middle of  no where.  The bus lurches to a stop and the excited chatter of everyone on the bus becomes more like a  low grade hum. 

Waiting for instructions

We've reached our destination the Rauðaskál Crater which is also known as the Red Bowl.  Everyone disembarks from the bus, I am one of the last ones because I took my boots off and now have to put them back on and lace them tightly.





Looking Up



I get off the bus and adjust my pack, I look up at the "hill" and start to have feelings of self doubt. can I really do this?  Before I left Canada I had injections into my toes todate the inflamation and flexibillity of my ankles has been held at bay.  How they would handle the upward motion I am yet see.

We started off and I firmed up my position at the back of the group.  Everyone took off as if the climb was meant to be tackled and not enjoyed.  I was in no hurry, I wanted to enjoy the experience...that changed mid-way up and I began an internal monologue which went something like this:  "Dear Lord, what the hell am I doing?"  "Why on earth would I think I could do this?"  but I kept on trudging and finally reached the top.

At the top I took in the amazing view, well worth the climb.  This climb was to be our "test" climb so our guides and trainer could get a rough idea of how well we would do on the trek.  Unfortunately one individual did not make the entire climb because she had twisted her knee at the treacherous gully....one section I was very worried about since I did not bring poles like many of the other participants.  I like to call these pictures "the view from the top"









Jeff our trainer got a pretty nice shot of me going around the rim of Rauðaskál Crater, this picture really shows how big this crater is.  I am just about the point where the wind really began to pick up and I had to ensure my feet were firmly planted because I was worried I would be blown from the top and over the side.  I considered crawling but thought better of it and just kept on walking. :)

There are no toilets out in the wilds of Iceland, and you make due with what you can.  Many took advantage of the large lava formations by the bus.  I didn't but lucky for me there were two large ones near the top of the crater.  I urged the guide, Jeff and two other trekkers on and quickly made use of the "facilities". The guides often said that soon enough we weren't going to be walking 250 metres off the trail we would just stop and go right there, all modesty would quickly be forgotten.

Here's another picture to give you a better understanding of the climb we did.  That little white dot just to the right of centre is our bus.  Once we returned to the bus I found out Kat had twisted her knee, it didn't sound good.  We all loaded back onto the bus and a short time later we came to this beautiful campsite at Hellisfjall.

The camp was beautiful, the ground soft and spongy which made it easy for us to pitch our tents after a brief introduction on how to do it.  Unbeknownst to me because I had paid for single occupancy accomodations that meant I had a tent of my own.  Camp was set up quickly mainly because once one tent was up others would go and help someone else.  Others assisted in the pitching of the kitchen and dining tents as well.

This area was so beautiful, there were showers for 5K, a meandering river with sheep being kept out by a small fence, a paddock with the Icelandic Pony

Evening came quick even though you couldn't tell by the sunlight.  Supper was made and we all ate a hardy meal of ocean catfish, rice, salad and sauce.  For dessert we ate skyr and fruit.  It got cold quickly and we all donned our touques, mitts and outer jackets, I was shivering and a bit concerned I would be cold throughout the night.  As it turns out I had nothing to worry about, I am not sure how long it was into the night before I had to unzip my sleeping bag because I was actually sweating to the point where I thought I would actually have a wet sleeping bag.  I cooled off and drifted off to sleep the sound of snoring and the baaing of nearby sheep.

Welcome Dinner

After my much needed sleep and two glasses of pinot noir I met with the group to head out for our welcome dinner at Nautholl.  The walk was nice.  I noticed many of the plants and flowers were simular to what we have in Canada although the daisys have much shorter stems.  It was kind of funny, the entire group was walking along the right side of the road where there was no sidewalk so there was a large plume of dust behind each walker.  A few of us noticed a sidewalk on the other side of the road and quickly crossed.  I guess this was my first introduction to the dusty conditions I would be encountering on the trail. 

 

As we walked we came upon a large glass and silver building which I soon found out was the Icelandic University.  I believe it is the only university in Iceland. 

The further we went I thought we were going into the middle of nowhere, suddenly around the corner there was a low building with large panels of glass.  The glass was open and we were treated to the view of a beautiful dining room.  Two months earlier we were asked to make choices for our dinner meals.  None of my dinner mates could remember what they ordered or what was being served.  Neither could I.  All I remembered was there was fish, chicken and lamb, which restaurant I was not sure.  Our salads were brought to us.  Mine was very thin paper like slices of meat with a sauce drizzled on it.  It was delish.  I guess I should have asked what it was and taken a picture but I was ravenous and gobbled it up like the beast in Beauty and the Beast. 



I guess I ordered the Salmon



Dessert: Creme Brule, Vanilla Ice cream and grilled pinapple

  

During our meal individuals at my table introduced themselves and shared a bit about themselves and their experiences with the JIM.  I was astonished to hear that two members at our table were alumni with 4 or more events under their belts. (amazing)



Jennifer and Jeff Salvage



Cynthia our fearless leader got up to start the welcome.  She introduced our trainer Jeff Salvage and his wife Jennifer, then she asked each of us to introduce ourselves, tell everyone where we were from and why we made the decision to join JIM. 

I was brought to tears several times as I listened to the introductions.  Especially Wendy's introduction and her story about her husband Eric.  A year ago Eric was walking with a cane, Wendy would have to do up the buttons on his shirt.  Her love for him shone through as she described how hard it was to see her husband suffer from RA.  With the training and some changes to medication Eric and now walking without a cane and doing so much better.  He nolonger requires help with his buttons and has joined Wendy on this adventure.  I had to wipe my tears and prevent myself from having an all out bawl with hiccups and sniffling because I know what it is like to have to ask someone to help you dress, it a very humbling experience.  



After the introductions we were introduced to our guest speaker Evan. Evan shared his story, and is another alumni with JIM.  He shared how he started and why he started.  More tears formed in eyes as I listened to this amazing mans story.  There are so many people out there who do not suffer from Arhritis but are out there doing things to help those who they love battle this formidable disease.

Picture Courtesy of Jeff Salvage

Our group of 31 individuals, 6 of us who suffer from one form of Arthritis or another raised a total of $220 000.00 for the research and support.  The four or five individuals who have been participating in JIM for 10 years or more have raised an astounding 1.5 million dollars.  It just astounds me the dedication of these individuals.  I am truly surrounded by some amazing people.

After the picture above everyone returned to the hotel, I chose to wander along the shore and get a picture of my feet in the ocean.  Here they are.  So far I have dipped my feet in the Pacific Ocean on the shores of the Queen Charlotte Islands, Stanley Park in Vancouver,the Atlantic Ocean in Halifax and now the North Atlantic in Iceland.  Mind you it didn't take four hours for my feet to warm up in any of the other locations.

Oh yes, I was told Iceland didn't have any rabbits, but look what I found while wandering back to the hotel.  Them's look like wabbits to me!

These Boots are made for walking....

I left late today, last minute details that always seem to pop up. Perhaps I dragged a little slower because Gus was being buried today....Gus was adopted by my grandma Clara, long story.  Anyway before I left I had to say see my mother and father.  I was a bit frustrated that I was leaving late but that all dissipated once I saw my mom and dad.  Seeing them before I leave is always a must.  I hugged my mother a little longer than usual, trying to absorb some of her never ending strength.  Before I give my Dad a hug he asks if I need money, thankfully I don't.  As I prepare to leave they both reach for their cameras....something I remember from our early elementary school days, pictures before we leave.  I am a little sad as I stop by at my sisters home, I knock on the door knowing she is probably fast asleep.  I am happy she answers the door.  She is looking amazing even though she has been ill this past week and I've woken her up.  Quick hugs and I am off to Paula's, her truck is not there and I am surprised as she must be off on some exciting adventure...at the casino!

As I leave M'chigeeng I am mentally reviewing the list in my head, I can't remember if I packed my passport, I pull over and check my bags.  Its there.  Soon I am on the road again, I realize nearly an hour later I have forgotten my moccasins and swimsuit bottom on the couch...along with my towel.  I still need to pick up my socks and return the jacket that I won't need.  Before that however, I am going to have breakfast with my grand babies.  Breakfast is over way to soon and I am back on the road again.  I am making good time and am in and out of MEC in no time flat. Miraculous actually since as my daughter can attest, I can spend hours in that store.  I'm running low on time and have to make the decision as to the quickest way to the airport.  I opt for the 400/401 soon I am racing down the highway.

Once I get to the airport, I pull into an empty parking lot.  I pull out my bags and redistribute my belongings.  20 minutes later I am pulling up to the valet parking and on the shuttle to terminal 3.  It isn't long before I see Shelagh and more of the JIM team.  Its brutally hot and I am sweating like there is no tomorrow.  I take some time to clean up a bit, get some supper than its off through security.  Soon I am standing with the remaining JIM team members from across Canada.  28 in total, 3 are already on their way or in Iceland waiting for us.  I turn toward the window and watch as I see my bag being loaded onto the plane our boarding call is made and we line up.  I find my seat the reality that this is really happening is beginning to sink in.  I make small talk with Shelagh for a bit and am out before we take off.

I wake occasionally throughout the flight checking our progress on the screen before falling back to sleep.  I wake 20 minutes before landing, raise the window blind and am treated to a bright red/pink sunrise.  Soon I see the shore line it looks like muskeg...then rock.  We land with a slight bump, there is nothing surrounding the airport...its the middle of  no where.  We disembark only to have to go through security once again.  I take my boots off, open my purse and spill my water out of the jug.  It isn't long before I am changing my Canadian dollars to the Icelandic Korons.  I feel rich as I hold 17 5000 korona bills in my hands...little do I know how quickly these money will disappear.

The group is led to a chartered coach which takes us through the countryside to our hotel in Reykjavik.  We are all left to our own devices until the first meeting then the welcome dinner....I opt to SLEEP!

The Plan

Tomorrow is the day! Actually I can't really believe this day has come....quick someone pinch me!  The excitment is slowly building...it will hit me full force once I pass through security and the guards tell me to drink my bottle of water or spill it.

The plan for tomorrow is wake at 6am have a quick visit with my mama and papa at 7am...and off to Sudbury where I will have breakfast with the two greatest grandkids in the world.  Dylan and Zaagaasge.  Then off to Toronto...my flight leaves Pearson at 9:15 or there abouts, this means I have to be at the airport 3hrs before hand to meet with the rest of Team Ontario.  My flight will arrive in Reykjavik Sunday morning at around 6:25am.  We will be met at the airport by a driver and taken to the hotel where we will check in upon arrival.  There is an information session at 5pm with the mountain guides then a welcome dinner at the Nauthoil Restaurant.  This means I will have an entire day to walk along the ocean shore and check out the seaside lagoon.

Take those people out of the pic and put me in there, that may be me on Sunday :) before the big hike.  So Monday morning will be the last you will hear from me for 5 days.  This is what our itinerary looks like:

Monday July 15th-Entering the volcanic Landscapes of the Highlands
Tuesday July 17th-Hiking into the Colourful Rhytolite Mountains of Landmannalaugar
Wednesday July 18th-Access the Hrafntinnusker Plateau
Thursday July 19th-Crossing the inland Dessert of Maelifellssandur
Friday July 20th-Hike into the Lush Porsmork Valley
Saturday July 21st-break camp at Langidalur and return to hotel.
Sunday July 22nd- Awards Dinner @ Fjorukrain
Monday July 23rd- Depart Reykjavik 3pm arrive in Toronto @6:55pm

I'm sure I will enjoy me hotel after the trek, showers are $5 US for 5 minutes on the trail...I'm cheap :)  Check me out tomorrow night when I will have pictures of Team Ontario departing Pearson.

Did you know there are 20hrs of daylight in Reykjavik right now?  I'm taking my sleeping mask...think I'm gonna need it  :)

Packing for Iceland :)

48 hrs till take off.  I am feeling the pressure of having everything test packed and weighed.  18kg is what I am allowed in my duffle bag...NO SUITCASES....duffle bags are highly recommended.  I told you about the duffle bag I was thinking of getting, well I purchased it, its in the black bag.

Here are the items to go into the bag: Sleeping Bag

and now the sleeping mat and pillow.  The sleeping pad is supposed to measure from my head to my bottom...but because I am short, it nearly fits!!



Deflated Size





Full Sized



So now I have my sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping mat in the duffle...still room for clothes, these are my neoprene socks for the glacial river crossing we will be doing.

Clothes: 3 under garmets, 1 under armour shorts, 1 under armour tshirt, 1 pair quick dry pants.

Long johns!!!

Swimsuit-for healing lagoons

the bag...still missing: towel, 3 pairs of wool socks, toilet paper and duct tape......I ran out of money for my socks. :(  Now for the daypack.

and....everything that is going to fill it...still need water bottles and water shoes.  Plus I am missing 1 mitten :(  thank you mama mafia for the rain suit....it smells like you :) that will comfort me when I am crying in pain and yelling at everyone to wait up! LOL

Rain suit, World Youth Day Bandana, Wet Wipes, Batteries, Hat, Mitt, Passport, Sunscreen, Power Bar, Safety Kit, Medications, Toiletries and Oh and the camera.  Test pack is done...now I have to weigh it all!

It's a GO!

The final roadblock to my going on the Iceland Trek has been lifted.  I thought I would be overjoyed and ecstatic but that wasn’t the feeling I had, it was more like a feeling of ok, I got myself into this and there is no turning back now…I guess my biggest fear is that I am  not going to be able to keep up.  Partly because everyone at the Ontario training team meet was so fit and skinny! Then there is me, round and well, not as fit as they are.  Even though I have traveled overseas before and completed 20km days walking through the cities of Madrid, Koln, Bonn, Brussels and London often in heat that would kill you....….well it’s different.  I’ve never doubted myself or my abilities as much as I have now.  I knew I could raise the money and somewhere in the back of my brain I know I could complete the trek.  What I can’t really count on 100% is my body holding up.  I’ve been ill so much lately and it’s not just the arthritis.  I guess this is where they would say mind over matter.  I have to make up my mind and just do it.

Today I saw my Rheumatologist, at my last appointment I had 11 out of 18 joints in full flare up.  Today I had two (hip hip hooray!) but the two joints are in my feet, specifically the 2^nd and 3^rd toe joints thus the injections.  I have been given strict orders to stay off my feet for 24hrs absolutely NO walking but I had to do some so I very carefully walked on my heel and when standing stood like a flamingo, plus I sat as often as I could.  I HAD to walk, because I still had to purchase gear for the trek. 

My daughter and I drove to Barrie and went to Mountain Equipment Co op (MEC) where I was able to purchase my hiking boots, daypack, shirt and pants and pillow (a real necessity if you ask me) all for a measly $486.00…(remember everything is supposed to last a life time J ) Truthfully, I almost fainted at the price of everything…especially the $140.00 dollar jacket that is supposed to be wind proof….I think that one is going back, even though the colour is fabulous and it fits like a dream.  At Sport Chek I was able to get a pair of under armour shorts, no luck on the sports bra’s….Kat says go commando.  I am still waffling on getting the North Face duffle/backpack at Romakos.  It’s got a 42L capacity is water proof and in my favourite colour of late-neon green.  The downside…its $99.00 plus tax but…it supposed to last a lifetime right?  If I buy it I will pass it on to my granddaughter Zaagaasge, who seems to be a real risk taker and may have inherited my adventurous spirit  J I still haven’t decided but I did buy a beautiful puma duffle bag in baby blue…which I think will clash with my neon green daypack….Kat say think practicality not fashionality…teehee, I just want to match a little bit!

Ok so you all remember the list I posted before, here it is again this time the bolded words are the items I have…um two days before takeoff and I still don’t have everything.  This list has two purposes; one to show you how little I am taking and two to show me how far behind I am on packing J 72hrs till take off! 

• Hiking boots
• Underware 
• Wicking T-shirt
• Long sleeved shirt
• Long Johns
• Light wool sweater or fleece-
• Trousers -have to get these hemmed.  Mom??????
• Rain jacket with hood Thanks MOM!!
• Rain Pants Thanks MOM!
• Mittens
• Hat or Balaclava
• Daypack
• Sleeping Mat
• Sleeping Bag
• Towel
• Toothbrush/paste
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• 2 pairs of neoprene socks
• Liner Gloves
• Socks-
• Rivercrossing shoes
• Travel sack-
• Water bottle-two collapsable water bottles-may get another one...hmmmm.
• Sun/rain -I gots my Tilly!
• Camera-need batteries and memory cards have to remember to pick up

So according to the list I am not doing bad...maybe.  Stay tuned and watch me pack tomorrow!

The Time Draws Near

With all the drama of the missing money and missing forms plus my health issues there has been a real question as to whether I am going to make the Iceland Trek or not.  Well, the missing money was found.  The mystery of why the JIM Manager was not responding to my emails was all cleared up. **note-she was not on vacation or away ill....for some strange reason some of my messages were sent to her junk mailbox.  I think there is a lesson in this, always check your junk box and if your emails aren't being recieved call them. :) and instead of tracking down the forms I just called and left my credit card info.  So now it looks like all the barriers have been cleared.  With the exception of my medical clearance...which even though its been a rough couple of months I am still on the clear for take off list.  Final decision is Wednesday.

I was at a loss as to why some trekkers had already had their bags packed and I had yet to recieve my packing list...turns out it was in a newsletter I did not recieve but Jeff our fearless trek leader was quick to respond to my paniced call.

The packing list:

Hiking boot- I'm going to wear these on the plane cause if my luggage gets lost at least I have my boots!
Long sleeved shirt-thermal underware (hmmm thought it was supposed to be nice there)
Long Johns-again....getting scared its gonna be a cold one out there.
Light wool sweater or fleece-the fleece I have.
Trousers (2nd layer---I was going to bring my clam diggers, guess thats out of the question!!) Strong, light material that dries quickly, wind resistant and water repellent---do they make these kinds of pants in my size???
Rain jacket with hood-ummm, how many pound is this gonna be? Will a garbage bag do? LOL
Rain Pants-arrrg do they not realize I am not a small petite qwe?
Liner Gloves-umm getting worried again.
Mittens-really worried
Socks-got these-need one more pair- BUT 3 pair for 8 days????
Hat or Balaclava-guess its gonna be cold out there!

Other Gear

Day pack-to carry rain gear and food. 30-50 litres-approximate cost $129.00CA
Rivercrossing shoes- while I was away meeting the team a dog ran off with one of the shoes I was drying off.
Sleeping mattress-got it, cost $95.00 gonna last the rest of my life apparently.
Sleeping Bag-got it, cost $189.00 its down and it better be damn warm another thing that is going to last me the rest of my life..or so they say.
Travel sack-which is not a suitcase but a waterproof duffle bag that is less than 18kg when filled. $99 plus tax-still have to buy this (insert sheepish grin)
Towel-am not purchasing a teenie tiny towel for 40 dollars, just taking one of my old, old, old beach towels that is light but still absorbant and dries quickly.
Toothbrush-I remember buying these chewable toothbrush balls in the UK-I wonder where those are.
Sunglasses-got em.
sun protection-got it-thank you Lawerence/Marie Memorial Golf tournament
Water bottle-two collapsable water bottles-may get another one...hmmmm.

Other Optional Gear

Walking poles-nope not gonna get or take these-my wrists won't allow it.
Neoprene Socks-got em have to keep my feet and ankles warm or I am done for.
Gaiters-needed for snow-God Please don't let it snow while I am on the trek...Thank you.
Pen knife-no knives for me...I am sure someone will have one :) I'll just make friends and borrow.
Sun/rain hat or Cap-I gots my Tilly!
Camera-need batteries and memory cards have to remember to pick up

Hmmm, notice there is no soap, shampoo, toilet paper, wet wipes, personal medications (which will end up costing me about 2lbs!) and no mention of underware? What kind of trek is this? Oh yes....showers at base camp cost $5 US...when we were in Germany, we went three days without a shower...wet wipes were our friends...ok gross I know.

Keep looking back as I prepare and pack for this wonderful adventure!  I will also be carrying with me a beautiful notebook which I recieved from my daughter on mothers day.  I will be blogging up to the 15th of July after that I will not have access to the internet as I will be out in the wilderness of Iceland.  I will journal each morning before the day's trek and again each night before I go to sleep reflecting on the days activities.  When I return to the hotel on the 21st I will begin to transcribe my journal into this blog with the pictures I took along the way.

Clara