Reykjavík Grapevine - 05.02.2016, Side 52

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT OR
DAY TOUR AT AIRICELAND.IS
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
ICELAND’S WESTFJORDS
ARE ONLY 40 MINUTES AWAY
Let’s fly
ÞÓRSHÖFN
VOPNAFJÖRÐUR
GRÍMSEY
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
AKUREYRI
EGILSSTAÐIR
REYKJAVÍK
is
le
ns
ka
/s
ia
.is
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In the land of Iceland, in the heart of
101, I meet my fellowship companion
Art Bicnick—the photographer—
outside Grapevine HQ at 9:45am on
a brisk Saturday morning. I am bur-
dened with one small hangover, and
one large quest: to travel to Langjökull
to meet the snowmobilers down yon-
der. To prepare for this journey, I have
laced up my Timberlands, which are
heavy and clunky, weighing down my
body and soul much like that One
Ring of Power.
I imagine this is what Frodo felt like
as he set off from Rivendell: anxious,
filled with regret at that decision to go
to Paloma last night, filled with long-
ing for a boy named Samwise. We set
off, unfortunately not in slow motion to
the inspiring soundtracking of Howard
Shore. No, in this car, we listen to Feist.
As Art and I land outside the city,
we are immediately struck by a vast
white wasteland surrounding us.
There are few trees in Iceland, and the
sharp, jagged mountains come out of
nowhere, capturing us in a harsh vista
that’s beautifully photogenic. We stop
the car and gaze at the desolate wil-
derness—the icy lakes and small
cabins in the distance.
As I contemplate my destiny, I look
to the surrounding mountains and see
a line of big bonfires on them. Holy
shit, the beacons are lit. The beacons
are literally fucking lit. Someone is
calling for aid. I know now that I am
here for a reason.
Many Meetings
We stop at Geysir, land of the geysers.
I’ve been to this kingdom many times
in the summer, but I must say the snow
20 The Reykjavík GrapevineIssue 2 — 2016TRAVEL
Frodo ain’t got nothing on me
Words Hannah Jane Cohen Photos Art Bicnick
Glaciers & Adrenaline