Hidden Association and Undisclosed Links Uncovered
In the southern reaches of Iceland, a day trip unfolded as an unwitting exploration of familial connections. A private tour, dubbed the 'Secret Circle', offered by Glacial Experience, brought together a travel blogger, a resourceful guide, and a long-lost childhood friend, revealing the intricate web of family ties among Icelanders.
Embarking on this adventure, the group was picked up early morning by Kjartan Valgarðsson, the owner of Glacial Experience, in a black Land Cruiser. A series of coincidental acquaintances swiftly emerged, as it turned out that among the three strangers, all were connected by absent yet familiar bloodlines – reaffirming the Icelandic penchant for tracing distant relatives.
The day commenced at the blogger's home in the east, where the trio was greeted by Regína Hroň Ragnarsdóttir. A scenic drive over Hellisheiði mountain led them to an enchanting vista: the volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, and the necklace of Vestmannaeyjar islands, shimmering in the distance.
At Árnes, a gas station, the unusual happened. A local tour guide inadvertently called out the name of a person who had long departed from the land – the blogger's childhood friend residing in Germany. As it turned out, the guide and the friend were former flatmates during their student days.
Elated at the reunion, the group continued their journey, reaching the magnificent Hjálparfoss waterfall – a symbol of respite for travelers during long treks through the highlands. The dual-stream waterfall, standing against the stark backdrop of black lava rocks, resembled the veils of brides, with countless forms and faces appearing amidst the surrounding lava formations.
Further along the rugged, 4x4-worthy roads, the group caught sight of Háifoss waterfall – one of the country's highest. A demanding hike down a narrow trail revealed the full splendor of the snow-white cascade, framed by vivid basalt cliffs, tinged with greens and hints of red.
The final destination was the enchanting Gjáin rift, a mesmerizing assemblage of waterfalls, creeks, and lava formations. Seemingly plucked from a fairy tale, Gjáin is famed for hosting scenes from the TV series 'Game of Thrones'.
The journey concluded with an unexpected twist, as the group approached Gullfoss from the east bank of Hvítá river. A challenging off-road trek led to a unique vantage point, offering a different perspective of the popular waterfall. Despite its grandeur, the majority of visitors remained on the more accessible west bank, their vibrant apparel forming a colorful array against the landscape.
As the sun dipped low, the group headed back home, their horizons expanded by the stunning sights and the rediscovered kinship. The trip served as a testament to Iceland's interwoven community life, where family and neighborly bonds are not confined to immediate relatives but extend to those with shared bloodlines.
In this journey, friendships were rekindled, connections unearthed, and the spirit of Icelandic camaraderie highlighted – making this more than just an exploration of a country's wonders, but a heartwarming adventure into family and friendship.
The unexpected encounter at Árnes gas station revealed that the long-lost childhood friend of the travel blogger was once a flatmate of the local guide.
The group's adventure led them to Gjáin rift, a mesmerizing assemblage of waterfalls, creeks, and lava formations, famed for hosting scenes from 'Game of Thrones.'
Despite the breathtaking sights, a different perspective of Gullfoss waterfall was found after an challenging off-road trek from the east bank of Hvítá river, showcasing the uniqueness of Icelandic travel lifestyle.
