From July 29 to August 4, Trisha and I went on a hut-to-hut hiking tour of Iceland’s Ancient Trails. We booked a 6-day tour with Norse Adventures. Our guide was Jonas Valdimarsson.

The Kjalvegur road crosses the Icelandic central highlands and was essential for connecting the north and the south through its long history. It was used by Viking armies, traders, shepherds and explorers despite the harsh conditions. We hiked about 50 miles from hut to hut over five days.

There were ten in our group, eight women and two men. Eight Americans and two English ladies. I was the second oldest. The oldest was a 75-year-old woman from Spokane.

Here we all are. Coincidentally, Trisha and I happen to be the two in the front and center. Yes, it’s the middle of high summer in Iceland. The temperature ranged from the 30ies in the morning to about 60 as a high during the day, when there was no wind. However, the wind often was fierce, with gusts of over 40 miles per hour along some high spots and exposed ridges.

We needed all our layers, gloves, hats, long underwear and rainproof outer shells just to be comfortable.

A support vehicle carried our gear between the huts, while we and our guide hiked. You can see me leaning on the tire for scale.

Notice the “snorkel” on the left side of the windshield. This is the air intake. Some river crossings have water come up to the windshield of the vehicle.

I will post a series of topical updates in the next few days for further reading.