Included among the many memorable trips taken by the Intrepid Travelers’ Club of ICL, was a 2019 trip to Iceland and Greenland. Our first stop was the capital city of Reykjavik, which provides a cosmopolitan feel, but features a quaint old town center with colorful timber houses clad in corrugated metal sheets. Settled by Viking farmers in the 9th Century, it continued to be farmland until 1750. Two-thirds of the nation’s population lives here.
A geologically dazzling land of geysers, fjords, volcanoes and waterfalls was waiting for us and did not disappoint. The country is practically treeless. We were enchanted by the moss carpets growing everywhere on the lava fields and were careful to avoid stepping on it.
11% of Iceland is covered by glaciers, which contribute to its beauty and economy. Recent loss of ice due to climate change is a growing concern to the Icelandic society and culture. We connected with our inner Viking as we explored an ice cave, overcame rocky lava terrain via ATVs, hiked a mountain, and swam in the famous Blue Lagoon.
The country is beautiful with colorful mountain cliffs, fertile valleys dotted with grazing horses, fishing villages and coastal cliffs, which are home to sixty percent of the global Puffin population.
We met the locals as well. Our surf and turf activities led us to meet with shark farmers and a visit to a nearby horse farm. We boarded a whaling boat and fished for cod, haddock and halibut with the locals. We also met with a search and rescue team that covers emergencies on both land and sea. Citing weather and its ever-changing patterns as the biggest threat, they described sea rescues as well as exposure and fallen hiker rescues.
We then flew to Kulusuk in East Greenland and boarded a helicopter bound for Ammassalik. From Tassilaq, we were excited to see the stunning blue and green striped icebergs that flow from the Arctic Ocean and walked in the Valley of the Flowers. A mountain jeep tour provided incredible panoramic views of the glaciers and the ice-filled sea below.
Learning about the Inuit culture was fascinating but sad. Faced with a hostile climate, prolonged isolation prevents receipt of basic supplies. The ice no longer holds their ice sleds and, as a result, their way of life is changing from hunting to fishing. We saw first hand evidence of warming oceans and glacier melt.
Culturally, historically and scientifically, this was a learning experience for all of us and the picturesque beauty of the two islands is etched in our minds and hearts.
Arlene Kallwitz
ICL Member since 2010