Landscape Photography and a Solar Eclipse

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Thursday, 6 August 2026 - Sunrise at the Valley of Tears, where the small stream was replaced by a torrent of brown glacial water. After a much-needed nap, we explored the misty Fjallabak Nature Reserve, stopping at Hnausapollur volcanic lake and hiking into a spectacular lava field surrounded by colorful mountains.

It was so hard to get up at 0330 after only 3 hours of sleep. A few of the group decided to sleep in.

iceland2026 — Sigöldugljúfur or the ´Valley of Tears´ was our destination. Unfortunately, the power company was sending huge amounts of water through the canyon. The small beautiful stream was replaced by a torrent of brown glacial water.

Exausted we returned to the hotel where breakfast was still an hour away. After breakfast, I took a nap.

iceland2026 — In the afternoon we drove over bumpy roads into the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.

Hnausapollur is our first stop. It is a rainy day with low clouds.

iceland2026 — Hnausapollur was created during a volcanic eruption in 871 AD when hot lava mixed with groundwater to form a volcanic crater called a maar.

iceland2026 — We then stopped at the overlook of Frostastadavatn Lake.

iceland2026 — Facing away from the lake was a landscape of volcano-twisted landscape.

iceland2026 — The forces which folded the rocks and earth must have been terrific.

iceland2026 — A small volcano at the same level as the overlook.

iceland2026 — Fissures and cracks in the hills.

iceland2026 — The volcanic landscape.

iceland2026 — We continued into the park reaching the campground facilities at the end of the road.

We were surrounded by majestic mountains (volcanoes).

iceland2026 — The mist is still coming down off and on. The mood made the mountains mystical.

iceland2026 — Pillowy hills stacked on top of each other.

iceland2026 — A wall of lava stopped right at the campground border.

iceland2026 — A home built in the old way where the walls are rocks on the lava edge.

iceland2026 — A small stream along the lava cliff - a hot spring bubbles up near the lava field and begins a journey through the park, we had been following the stream on our way to the campground.

iceland2026 — We hiked for a couple of miles up into the lava field. The surrounding mountains were so colorful.

iceland2026 — In the foreground is the lava field we are walking on and the mountains rising behind.

iceland2026 — Huge folds in the lava field.

iceland2026 — Very pretty mountain colors.

iceland2026 — We reach the edge of the lava field and view a waterfall in the distance. The hiking trail continues on for several miles going past the waterfall.

iceland2026 — Lava covered in moss leading to the far mountains.

iceland2026 — The river valley beyond the campground.

iceland2026 — Coming back from the hike, there are a couple of sheep at the small hot spring.

iceland2026 — Cotton grass near the hot spring.

iceland2026 — An alluvial plain from the glaciers.

iceland2026 — There is a small heard of Icelandic horses near the campground. It looks like they were there for rides. They are small - only 6 feet to their heads.

iceland2026 — Icelandic horses are a small, sturdy breed known for their thick winter coats, friendly personalities, and ability to handle harsh climate. Iceland does not allow any other horse breeds on the island.

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