4x4 Hekla Route
January 7th 2006
Going wheeling at this time of year in Iceland means you have to seize the day. Daylight is limited to a few hours and the weather is constantly changing.
Einar and me decide to do a daytrip to the region around Mt. Hekla.
About time to take the Sport Trac for some more serious wheeling. At first light we are already off the highway.
It has been raining for the past days. Friday it started to get a bit colder and last night it was snowing in the area. Conditions are therefore interesting with muddy water under a thin layer of snow in the track.
Gushing of water coming from speeding on the track makes for a refreshing experience.
Einar is on his Cherokee along with his brother �rni.
Scenery is pretty nice and we are the only trucks around for the whole trip.
As we get higher the snow hides the track but is still hard and we are able to keep on smooth sailing.
4x4 Off Roads!
First obstacle is this small almost completely hidden creek. As Einar is looking for a way to cross it the front wheel falls down and this does not seem to be the best place to cross.
At this spot the water in the creek is open and it is better to estimate the depth and find a good crossing.
Ice from the last flood looks like it is hovering over making this an amazing photo opportunity.
After crossing Einar stands on the ice shelf. It is vibrating a little bit - but holds up to his weight.
Depth of snow can be seen by the fact that this is a normal height way post. Without the big deflated tires this is totally impassable.
Our second obstacle is the river Markarflj�t. The river is partly under ice and partly open at this usual summer crossing spot. Einar takes a shovel and dips it in to estimate the depth. Shovel is totally engulfed by the deep river. Even though we find an ice bridge that probably will hold the risk is just too high.
A little bit down stream is this magnificent waterfall in its icy winter clothing.
Close by are these huts called "Dalakofinn"...
...looks a bit old and rustic on the outside but provides good shelter in harsh winter weather.
Close to the volcano Mt. Hekla are lava fields partly covered with snow. With the sun breaking through the clouds makes this fantastic scene.
Third and final obstacle is the scariest. The track from the northern part of Hekla lies diagonally down this slope. Three things combine to make this a sticky situation. First, the track is completely covered with snow and ice - Second, thin ice crust on the top makes it is so slippery that we are constantly falling on our butts - Third, at the bottom of the slope is the rough lava filled with sharp and hard rocks to greet the trucks if we were to loose control.
Already down a good deal of the slope we figure going back up again is not an option. After further investigation going up again and finding another way proves to be our chosen option.
We take a longer route back by Krakatindur through D�madalur.
As daylight is fading we still have a way to go to get back on the highway.
Overall a great day for 4 wheeling!
