Summer Dreams
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Our dog Scout's first trip to the beach.
Cades Cove, Tennessee
We took our niece Ebba on her first camping trip. We made breakfast in a million dollar view parking spot.
Lake House, Kuttawa, Kentucky
Some of these images were taken last February, others this summer. These lake house memories had no firsts. We crave those good old things and the familiar. This lake house has been in Corey's family since the 1960's and has hardly changed.
Iceland Pt. 2
Day 6 - Corey’s Entry - September 30 - 5:30pm - Westfjords, Iceland
Listening to “One Day” by Matisyahu. Emily is driving. I thought on this long epic drive about the state of the world. Here in Iceland, sheep herders gather their lost flock who have wondered terribly far. Mist and clouds wrap around mountains. Waterfalls shape the landscape and locals peacefully sit in hot springs enjoying the silence. Back in Chattanooga, people are building, growing together, and peaceful (for the most part). I think of the rest of the world plagued by so many terror incidents. It weighs on my mind sometimes. I feel for those in peril and harbor anger for those harming others senselessly. One day, I hope we can find peace or a balance. I would love if the world could stop fighting, simply let people live their lives, and enjoy this awesome Earth together. I feel like humanity at times has lost its sense of direction.
Side Notes:
Creativity needs sleep too.
Get the Fjord out there and start exploring! Emily has more jokes.
Day 6 - Corey’s Entry - September 30 - 10:25pm - Drangsnes, Iceland
There is nothing more satisfying than soaking in a hot spring at a local spot after a long day. These hot springs warm you to your soul like in Zelda when you drink pumpkin soup. It fills all my hearts. It may be 8˚C outside, but after a soak, it’s not that chilly.
Driving the Fjords was absolutely amazing. Clouds filled the canyons. At times, as we ascended higher, it got really eerie like after an epic battle scene.
We saw the largest waterfall I’ve ever seen today. A King Kong size waterfall that made me feel so small. We drove through an one way, miles long tunnel! Oncoming traffic had to pull over into nooks as we drove past. The walls were rough and raw like they just blasted through and paved a road. I could feel the pressure of the mountain above.
I lost my voice now as I continue to grow more sick. I’m pretty sure I need a Z-pack of antibiotics. I realized today when I ran up Skogafoss and stood at the cliff edge as the wind and beauty of the landscape hit me I thought I would have an epic revelation about life. I thought I would suddenly realize my life’s purpose, but I heard and felt nothing like that. I almost teared up at the beauty, but no call to action. Now I realize I’ve already found my life’s purpose. I have my faith, my soul mate, the best dog, a wonderful home, loving family, and amazing friends in the best town, Chattanooga. I have so much to be thankful for. I’m not saying these things make my life’s purpose, I’m saying my choices, dedication to what I wanted, and a bit of luck led to these things falling into my life. Knowing your purpose isn’t listing what you have, it’s a feeling of accomplishment. I don’t need to search for life’s purpose. All I have to do is enjoy life and keep challenging myself. Life doesn’t have to be all about finding and searching. Perhaps you don’t realize, you’ve already found it or it’s just around the corner and you’re so close. Maybe I don’t have it all figured out and this is nonsense, but I know that I’m happy doing what I love and I hope to help others find what they love, what makes them happy.
On photoshoots, Emily and I work a certain way. I’ll shoot wide and she’ll shoot tights. Today, she told me I see the bigger picture and she the details. We see life the same way we photograph.
Day 6 - Emily’s Entry - September 30 - 10:30pm - Drangsnes, Iceland
This is my favorite campsite. It doesn’t have fancy showers or an incredible waterfall, but the host came up immediately, only one other camper is here, and things are tidy. Oh, and the hot springs. Why has it taken us 4 days to dip into a free, local hot spring?! When we arrived here in the dark, we weren’t sure this was a campsite. This is basically a parking lot next to a small community center. I felt tired and grumpy.
Corey really wanted to visit the hot springs the host told us about. Before getting in hot springs, they are serious about the fact you have to shower naked. It's also like 40 F outside. Wet, 40 F Emily in a bathing suit is not a very cheery person. I had a serious inner-struggle but ended up going. The natural hot tub on the ocean felt amazing. I altered between hot in the tub then cool in the cold Icelandic air. I feel warm and happy like I’m at home. The springs are amazing for aches and sorrows after sleeping in a van for 4 nights.
Today we drove around the incredible Fjords. Fjord jokes:
- Praise the Fjord.
- Fjordy, Fjordy, look who’s Fjorty.
- Fjord yes!
- Can you Fjord me that e-mail?
Tall mountains overlook long, peaceful inlets. I saw a seal with a fish in its mouth! Sleepy towns of shepherds and fishermen dot the coasts with their simple existences. Sheep lazily chew on grass and run away from shepherds.
Someday, I’ll find myself in a trance far away and visit these same quiet Fjord roads.
Day 8 - Corey’s Entry - October 2 - 1:38pm - N1 Gas Station, Blönduós, Iceland
I left my tripod at Skógafoss and lost my thermal henley at a hot spring in Grettislaug. We got a taste of the hot spring life in Drangsnes and needed to get our fix again. Emily found one 20km from our spontaneous campsite in Sauðárkrókur. We arrived at the campsite Tjaldsvæði in the fog and mist thankful it indeed existed. We trekked out to the hot spring. That was a very long, bumpy, misty road. Many pairs of green lamb eyes stared us down as we made our way.
I jumped out of the van and found an old man with an epic fisherman’s beard. This guy was awesome, like he stepped out of the novel Moby Dick. “Yaw!” he hollered to me with an Icelandic/Dutch accent. With his lamp he showed us the way to this small hot spring. The path was dark and frigid. I tore off my shirt and soaked in. A group of Icelanders loudly joined us. I didn’t know how to introduce ourselves, but one of the Icelanders, the birthday girl, recognized our heavy southern accents we turned on to have our own secret language. English is like galactic basic. Almost everyone recognizes it and/or speaks a bit of it. She asked where we were from and we told her, “Tennessee, ya know Jack Daniels.” Then everyone agreed, “Oh yea! Whiskey!” We spent the rest of that night hanging and laughing with them. They were students from a horse school north of the springs. We tried to pronounce Icelandic words and they asked me to say cliche country phrases like “Yee Haw!” and “Howdy Partner.” I really enjoyed that night.
We left in such a hurry because of the cold air that I forgot my shirt and decided to return in the morning for it. I really loved that shirt. The old man remembered me and helped me look as he cleaned up after morning spring goers. Nothing. Oh well, it’s just a shirt. He said maybe they picked it up accidentally, and I told him it was alright. He said, “Maybe those girls kept it as a souvenir to remember you by.” He laughed to himself and returned inside his cabin. Emily told me she hopes they do have it, and when they’re riding Icelandic horses she hopes they wear it and feel like a country cowboy from Tennessee, America. I like the thought of that.
Day 8 - Emily’s Entry - October 2 - 1:44pm - N1 Gas Station, Blönduós, Iceland
Yesterday morning after coffee, we walked around the sleepy town of Drangsnes. It’s a quaint fishing village with functional houses. Every town it seems in Iceland has a N1 gas station, small stone church in the center, and calm-demeanored, lovely blonde people.
We visited a witchcraft and sorcery museum. We were given detailed spells on how to gain wealth, cause storms, and control our sheep. Some of these spells were super strange. It made me think about how poor it must have been to live in a stone hovel covered in grass with a dozen feet of snow piled outside. These times of sorcery, people had no electricity or money for the little fuel available. Life was dark, cold, hungry, and miserable for so many years in the dark ages. I guess dire times can call for drastic attempts at a better life.
We’ve seen so many sheep. Holy crap! I love sheep, and even I’ve had my fill of sheep here.
I love seeing horses on the side of the road. Some are friendly, yet most are timid of people. There are many foals in the herds. When we walk up, the older horses hide the foals. They gruff or run the pack away. It’s an amazing display of community.
We visited an emerging rock on the coast yesterday. I brought Corey a jellyfish on the black beach. We played in the rock formation like a fort. I love him so much. What an amazing thing to adventure with the love of your life. He completes me.
We visited a site looking for seals. We found a story of love, passion, jealousy, and MURDER! Oh, Natan!!! We read the story of Natan Ketilsson on a plaque. He was an herbalist and lover living on the sea. He had liaisons with several women. One of which was a married woman who he had a love child with. The jealous husband came and stabbed Natan in his bed and burned the estate in a jealous rage! You would think such a place would have a dreadful feeling, but all we felt was the cool North Atlantic breeze, soft grass, the setting northern sun gently on our skin. We like to think Natan’s married lover was forced into an evil marriage at a young age and what they had was beautiful. His arms, her warmth in a cold world. His land by the sea had small inlets. We saw a few sheep on a little island walk across the water to land in a single file line. They reflected in the clear water.
Last night, we drove through the dark on a dirt pothole-ridden road past the green, reflective eyes of 10,000 sheep, “Making Whoopee” in the CD player, to a questionable cottage in the dark. We met an older man with a long, grey beard. He was cheery and led us through the dark, windy, ice cold night to a hot spring. I had trouble getting into the hot water from the freezing air. It was a beautiful bath by the sea. We sat with Germans and a drink until we were joined by 8 Icelandic, Swedish, Danish, and Nordic 20-something horse trainers. Corey and I attempted to talk in our own secret dialect of redneck and ebonics. They asked where we were from. It was a surprising adventure to join an Icelandic girl’s birthday party at 10pm in a thermal pool by the sea down a dark, dirt road. I have to never forget to follow the adventure even if it’s impossible to see your way until you’re right there in the 104 degree water. The most fun thing about an adventure is not knowing what will come.
This morning, I found I had an unidentified, throbbing splinter in the top of my big toe. I hope it doesn’t get infected! We’ll see!
We journeyed to see some basalt rocks! We only got a little lost on our way. We saw some seals laying on a rock. I hear seals like being entertained so I danced and sang for them. I think they liked it! We saw them stretch and turn toward us. We followed the sheep trails through the grass to the coast where we saw the basalt rocks. They are wild!
On our way here, we watched a loose pack of horses run on the road. I could feel the hooves run past me.
Day 9 - Corey’s Entry - October 3 - 11:50am - Golden Circle Road, Iceland
On a hike to Glymur Falls, we asked a few hikers on the way in how far to the falls. A scandinavian girl told us far and that there was a river crossing to a hard hike. She looked Emily up and down and said she couldn’t do it in her boots… Then another European told us we couldn’t cross the river. I said, “Yea thanks, I can do it.” We got fired up. Why tell people they can’t do something? Leave it up to them or encourage them. Don’t discourage unless it’s for sure danger, such as, “Hey, don’t cross the river because there is a savage bear mauling people.” I would say, “Thanks. I won’t go that way.”
When they say, “You can’t do that,” we say, “Hold my beer.”
Day 9 - Emily’s Entry - October 3 - 9:15pm - Reykjavik Campsite, Reykjavik, Iceland
We went to the Blue Lagoon today. It was surreal. White smoke lazily rose over the teal, hot water. Corey and I decided to get tattoos while in France. Adventures, right? Here’s some of my preliminary ideas: I want a moon and arrow with feathers for each love in my life.
Day 10 - Emily’s Entry - October 4 - 3:03pm - WOW Airplane, Keflavik International Airport, Keflavik, Iceland
I am straight up giddy. We are headed to Paris and I’ve always wanted to visit France. J’aime French music, movies, culture, language, cooking, and the way they think. Let’s finish my story in Iceland before we move onto this second chapter of this adventure.
After visiting the basalt rocks, we spent the night in Reykjavik. We went to Apotek downtown for dinner. Corey ordered minke whale. Yeah, whale. I tried some because hell, why not?! When in Iceland. It was similar to ahi tuna, steak tartare, and good. It had a delicious flavor. They served it was crispy shallot and creamy artichoke white sauce. Then we went to the Big Lebowski bar.
Yesterday, we hiked to a cave that lore says a fairy used to live in until a man betrayed the fairy. The fairy turned the man into a whale and placed him in the harbor near town. The whale/man terrorized the harbor for years until the fairy led the whale/man down the river to a lake where the man/whale exploded from exhaustion.
It was sentimental driving that damn van to the airport. I broke the tire rim driving over a pothole or something at some point. I think I’ll have to pay for it. Oh, well, I’m going to France and Spain now so that’s exciting!
I’m pumped to see and experience the rest of this adventure. I think I even need to calm down. I’ve been practicing French since we started booking this trip months ago. I’m nervous that I’m going to speak gibberish to everyone I meet. Everyone is nervous about the current political climate and general terrorism. Honestly though, the rest of the world thinks the same thing about the USA. That there are shootings, bombings, guns, and terror that run rampant in all the streets constantly. We need to stay conscious but free. I’ll next see you in France!
Day 10 - Corey’s Entry - October 4 - 3:05pm - WOW Airplane, Keflavik International Airport, Keflavik, Iceland
We ended our adventure at the Blue Lagoon. A huge hot spring that draws large crowds. After the intense locker room scene with SO many confused, naked men, you step into the 40˚c warm, milky, blue water and the steam carries your woes away. We met a woman working in the water as a mud mask girl named Fanney (pronounced Fay-Nay). She had this adorable swimming cap on and looked like part of a synchronized swimming team. She gave us some white mud and after a quick chat about the countryside of the Westfjords, we floated around for most of the afternoon.
Soaking in the waters of the Blue Lagoon really affects your brain. It was the most relaxed I’ve felt in a long time. We talked about tattoos and decided we would finally get the ones we wanted together. That night, sitting in our Kuku van we drew up designs and shared the last of our Kuku Drinks. Emily fell asleep on me. The moon was full. I was very happy.
This adventure around Iceland was certainly an accomplishment. I survived an illness, endured colder and colder temps, navigated unknown terrain and captured incredible landscapes. I was really impressed with Emily too. She was so strong and was such a positive energy to have along.
One of my goals was to learn about other cultures, and I feel I have a better understanding of the Icelandic people. I also learned that Icelanders don’t dislike tourists as the news says. They, like me, dislike rude people coming to their country and expecting everything to be like their home. Well, it’s not Iowa, it’s Iceland. Don’t come to another country and get mad that they don’t do things the same way. Why would they?
Now that we’ve traveled Iceland, here's what I know. The sun is never directly above you. The wind bites. Lava rock fields as far as you can see, blanketed by green-yellow, spongy moss. Mountains surround you like they just sprung up suddenly and leak waterfalls.
Sometimes, the sky disappears and you arrive in an eerie, foggy landscape with empty fields, save for an old hovel. Stone cairns help guide the lost. Every now and then, there are small forests of birch and bright evergreens. The mountains melt colors of green, red, orange, and yellows. I’ll always remember the long talks with Emily as we drove, cooking dinner inside the van, Oh Natan!, night time hot spring searches, watching the auroras in our sleeping bags at Skogafoss, driving the Westfjords, seeing Taylor, and Emily stroking my hair and singing me to sleep when I felt my worst.
Iceland was svooooogott!!
This was part of a 23 day journey through Iceland, France, and Spain. Didn't catch the rest? Click below to explore with us!
Iceland Pt. 1
Day 1 - Corey’s Entry - September 25 - 10:08am - Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Emily told me, “There there will be no “Oh, F*****” on this trip. Only, “Oh, yeas.” Just go with the flow. “ I have to say, I was a little nervous about Europe with the incidents of terror and the rain forecast in Iceland. But again we embark on an epic journey and with her by my side, everything will be ok. I am hoping to broaden my spectrum of culture and find new inspiration that sparks creativity.
Day 1 - Emily’s Entry - September 25 - 5:48pm - Boston International Airport, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
We’re sitting in the Boston International Airport waiting for our flight. I’m excited to see how this journey goes. We have very loose plans, but every night we have somewhere to sleep and we know how we’re going to get places. I think Iceland is going to be a beautiful, wild journey of freedom. I look forward to the history and culture of France and Spain.
I told Corey today this will be a no “F***!” trip. When we run into problems, we will respond with, “Ok. What now?”
Day 2 - Emily’s Entry - September 26 - 8:11am - Joe and the Juice, Keflavík International Airport, Keflavík, Iceland
I’m pretty tired. It’s 4am east coast time. We’re going to power through until tonight. We haven't stepped outside yet. We’re waiting on Kuku Camper vans to pick us up.
Funniest thing! We saw Taylor Vice, one of Corey’s oldest friends from high school and his wife Stephanie in baggage claim a few minutes ago! They are taking their own 12 day trip around Iceland’s Golden Circle, the main road that leads all around Iceland. We’re meeting for dinner tonight at Slippbarinn.
Day 2 - Emily’s Entry - September 26 - 3:35pm - Kuku Camper Van, Reykjavik, Iceland
I realized this morning every great adventure I’ve been on began with me thinking, “What the f*** am I doing? This is crazy. I want the comforts of my routine. What have I gotten myself into? This might be disastrous.”
I bought a small wool sweater for $20 from a thrift shop. It’s baby blue with white, green, and pink patterns. I look like a stunna, baby! I really wanted a wool sweater from Iceland! I also bought a $2 CD called “Making Whoopee Favorites of State and Screen.”
Day 3 - Emily’s Entry - September 27 - 3:56pm - Waterfall, Iceland
I’m sitting with Corey by a majestic waterfall. The water must be so cold! Freezing if it weren’t moving. The abundant water coming down appears aqua. This is supposed to be some of the purest water in the world.
We’ve encountered so many people from around the world. We’ve heard French, German, Icelandic, Chinese, Japanese, Austrian, and many others I couldn’t begin to place. As people pass by I try to determine if they’re American or otherwise. It’s usually impossible to tell between people by looking at them.
We walked into this national park along a trail created by tectonic plates separating. We came across a beautiful pool next to a small waterfall. We read how they used to drown women in the pool for crimes around the 16th and 17th centuries. Suddenly, the pool felt somber and the dark rocks more sinister. There were many coins in the natural pool. I imagine there’s a story about the coins for the women who died there. Maybe the coins are to pay the way for the women to get into heaven or maybe it’s to appease the spirits.
I’ve been fascinated by the cultural shift. The Icelandic people are very nice. I’ve never been to such a culture completely concerned with the sake of humanity and the planet. Good for them!
Yesterday, we wandered around Reykjavik. We talked about creativity and inspiration as we drank too much coffee. At one point, I turned around and saw that we walked past a colorful mural donning the entire side of a house. We need to think more about shifting our perspective.
We met up with Taylor and Stephanie for dinner then to their AirBNB for the hot tub. They are my new best friends! We’ll park our van in front of their house tonight. We’re going to throw down!
Driving through the landscape is awesome. Mysterious mountains covered by clouds of fog and light rain reveal themselves intermittently.
The landscape feels ancient like an old man built into the rock. He’s forgotten much of what he once knew, but he knows, like the water rushing down a waterfall, that nothing is forever. The things we think are important are not, and the things we take for granted are the only real things.
I love Corey. I try to tell him constantly.
Day 3 - Corey’s Entry - September 27 - 4:08pm - Öxarárfoss, Þingvellir National Park, Iceland
Unbelievable! We were picking our bags up at the Iceland airport when I hear my name shouted. My old friend from high school Taylor Vice and his wife Stephanie are in Iceland at the same time we are! I haven’t seen him in a long time and really miss hanging with him. We ended up in their AirBNB hot tub that night. We’ll see them again later today.
I was nervous about all the rainy weather predicted for Iceland. The weather is erratic yet amazing. Cloudy to bright sun to a bit of rain and then sun again. All in less than half an hour.
We had an incredible time exploring Reykjavik together. I am so in love with Emily. She’s my best friend, my lover, travel buddy; she's my everything. We both have such adventurous souls that beg to travel and explore.
We’re sitting in front of this breathtaking waterfall. I realized as I was photographing that taking pictures is more than my job. I sincerely love figuring out which lens to use, the best settings, and the filter that will perform the best. I love capturing this incredible world and sharing the photos.
Finally, the world of work and busy life dealing with crisis after crisis is put on pause. I’m in Iceland! Never have I seen a place quite like the Land of Fire & Ice as they call it. We walked between shifting tectonic plates today. The earth literally tearing apart. Humans are born with the need to explore. The urge to see what’s beyond the next hill. Then the one after that. I think I was an explorer in a past life perhaps. It’s tough sometimes and uncomfortable, but I do love it. I want to see and experience as much as I can.
Day 5 - Emily’s Entry - September 29 - 9:26pm - Campsite Dalakot, Búðardalur, Iceland
Current Update: We are waiting for our laundry to get here. I bought a washer/dryer pass at this campsite. The dryer shuts down all the power in the showers, bathrooms, and the entire camp. The camp host took our sopping wet clothes to her house to dry them. How fun for her.
Here’s what’s happened up until now:
Two nights ago, night we tried to meet up with Taylor and Stephanie again. We were lost for 2 hours trying to find their AirBNB, I wandered into what seemed like an empty Eco-Commune mess hall and finally found the wifi I needed to find their place. Corey’s the only one with shoddy phone service. We found them but decided to go to a campsite with more room for the van. It’s cool. We saw our first Aurora Borealis that night.
Yesterday morning, we awoke to a beautiful campsite, made French press coffee, and began our day. Corey woke up that morning thinking he’d have to go to the hospital. He had a severe sore throat. We found an Icelandic Apothecary who gave him foreign meds. What else are you going to do?
We journeyed along the Golden Circle heading east on the southern shore. We came across a gorgeous waterfall, Skogafoss. We frolicked up to it. There's a tale that someone left his huge chest of gold under the mighty falls over 1000 years ago. Corey and I got soaked as we went as far as we could to see behind the falls to the secret pool. We never recovered the chest of gold, but I know it’s there.
Driving here is breathtaking. I LOVE all the sheep everywhere. They are so fat with thick wool. Their tiny legs are toothpicks in comparison to their pillowy bodies and bouncy butts. I LOVE sheep.
Yesterday afternoon, we took our van-made PB&J’s to the black sand beaches on the Southern coast. Rocks rise from the shorelines and caves look like a rectangular, man-made entrance to Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. The black sand is heavier than sand I know. All of the black rock has to do with lava. It seems this entire island country has been recovered with lava.
One stretch of land we passed was covered in cairns. Around 800 AD, a farmer’s land was covered in lava from a nearby volcano. People for 1200+ years have built cairns on the lava field as they pass through for good luck. The lava fields create uneven boulders. A green, thick, spongy, moist moss covers these porous lava boulders. It creates a magical stage to play on. I feel epic watching the low sun as I mount the soft, mossy boulders.
Late yesterday afternoon, we pulled into a gas station to learn a section of the road ahead was closed due to flooding and damages. Iceland has few roads and there are no detours where we were on the Golden Circle. We’re currently backtracking to cool, new, exciting sites. Even with the same drive for hours, the landscape looks completely different with the light. The theme on this leg of the trip is learning to view things from a new perspective.
Last night, we camped at Skogafoss. After dark, we got our drinks and cozied up in our sleeping bags sitting in our camp chairs outside as we watched the incredible Aurora Borealis Northern Lights. The show blew my mind. I sat mouth agape as we watched nature’s best light show. I polished off some shoestring Piknik potato sticks.
This morning, we took a hike to the top of the falls. Today was a sleepy, rainy, slow day full of sheep and waterfalls. We traveled for hours, which oddly turned out perfect.
We drove through the mountains. At the top of one black lava-made mountain, glacier streams gushed by. Mist in every direction created a spooky allure. Large, mysterious carins, some over 6 feet tall, waited in the distance covered by slow creeping moss taking over their porous solitude.
Day 5 - Corey's Entry - September 29 - 9:30pm - Campsite Dalakot, Búðardalur, Iceland
I’m drinking a bittersweet scotch lemon tea out of my Ikea thermos right now thinking about the crazy twists and turns that got us here tonight. We are not where we planned to be. A situation that would have thrown me into a mental whirlwind a few years ago, but now I’ve grown accustomed to swiftly changing plans. According to the loose schedule we had, we are supposed to be in southeast Iceland. We are northwest, because of dramatic road closures.
We pulled off at an N1 gas station and while trying to figure out the pump, another local driver and I were talking. He asked about our next destination on the ring road and I told him about our campsite in Hof. He replied, “You’re not going to Hof.” I looked at him curiously like was he going to stop me or what? He continued to say that the road was completely flooded and closed till next week sometime. The only highway around the Island, closed. We had to rewrite our whole trip. Thank God we only made one reservation. The Kuku Van. And since #WeLiveInAVan we had the freedom to go anywhere.
The night we were supposed to meet up with Taylor we had trouble. Emily’s phone photo of their itinerary was a bit fuzzy, my phone lost service, and it was getting dark. We’ve been in this situation before. Classic us. We knew we were in the right area, but no cabin seemed to fit our vague descriptions. We kept it together, and I’m damn proud of us for that. Emily and I finally pulled into this eco village we passed several times. While trying find help, she entered an empty meeting hall that just so happened to have free wifi. Seemed like a miracle. She typed in the GPS coordinates and found the security gate leading to their place. We were so excited when we got into the area, but found that there 100 identical cabins in the setting sun. We had no idea which one they were in. We somehow managed to get Facebook phone calling to work and found our way to them. Victory!
This whole trip has been one exciting event after another. I’m sick with some dumb virus. This cold weather isn’t helping, but I’m not letting it bring me down. We hit up a few apoteks (pharmacies). All of the medicine is behind the counter, save the natural organic meds. I asked for cough syrup - one kind. Boom. They ring it up immediately. I tried it, but it was very weak compared to Nyquil.
This morning, I ran (halfway, this cough wouldn’t let me run any further) then walked up the steep steps to the top of Skogafoss listening to Apex then Griz Folks’ “Waking up the Giants.” I finally came to the peak, passing sheep grazing on the sunlit hill. I stood at the edge and witnessed the powerful river leading to the waterfall. It was so beautiful, I could have cried. The wind hit me hard. I put my arms out and leaned forward as it held me up. I ran down to get Emily and had to show her.
For the first time, I finally got to witness and capture the Aurora Borealis! Particles from the sun become electronically charged in our atmosphere and create this bright green and purple light. The lights effortlessly flow across the sky like rivers. It’s truly magical. That night, Emily and I stayed by the van drinking Reyka and talking about what our lives might be like if we lost everything. I think we’d use our bottom dollar to move to South America and teach English. Then bring that money back to the states and rebuild. I’d probably landscape too. That could also be the Reyka vodka talking. Bottom line is that we could figure anything out together.
Today was a travel day. I’m glad it rained so much. We saw incredible views. Fields of lava rock blanketed in green plush moss. Random cairns of stones everywhere, some large, some small. We think they are farmers’ property markers. Some seem to be more ritualistic. Waterfalls and sheep are everywhere. Lots of sheep, like all over the place. I love how much Emily loves sheep. They really are simple creatures.
I feel very blessed on this trip, save the sickness. It seems that everything has happened for a good reason. The wifi in the Eco Lodge, dude at the N1 gas station, ending up at Skógar to witness what the camp host said were the most beautiful auroras she's ever seen. We are putting positive energy out into the universe, and I believe it’s responding.
We ended today with a hot shower and tea. I absolutely love Iceland with my van and my beautiful girl.
Side Notes:
How to make our signature Kuku drinks - Reyka Vodka, kind of cold Happy Day cranberry juice, slightly flat Toppur sparkling water served in an old plastic cup.
The camp hosts at Dalakot currently have our laundry. The dryer at the campsite blew the power. For everyone.
Elk sausage is soooooo good.
Camping in Iceland is neat because at some campsites they have shared kitchens. Stoves and sinks for everyone to use. It’s very communal. They also have a shelf of free stuff. Anything you don’t want or can’t take any longer, you can leave for others like butane tanks, olive oil, water, spices, shoes, etc. Not sure you can do this in America though. We have bears, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, possums, all kinds of critters and crazies.
We got some insect bandaids. We had them everywhere.
This was part of a 23 day journey through Iceland, France, and Spain. Didn't catch the rest? Click below to explore with us!
Lobsters at the Lake House
For Corey's sister's birthday, we took a trip to the lake house. It seems in Tennessee, you can talk to any group of people and mention "the lake house" as a common place. Everyone seems to know someone with a lake house. Ours originally belonged to Corey's grandparents. It's a 3-bedroom, A-frame brown cabin with blue trim on Lake Barkley in Kuttawa, Kentucky. The cabin is next to a large dock and has a long back porch fit for late night board game marathons, grilling competitions, and low country boils.
The boys put on an incredible low country lobster boil with lobster, shrimp, potatoes, mushrooms, and corn on the cob. It was all cooked in an old Anheuser-Busch keg somebody got from their neighbor. Dogs ran around. A breeze blew in from off of the lake. We ate with our hands as the sun slowly sank below the horizon.
Man, I love a good weekend at the lake house.
Subaru Owner Stories – Episode Three: Meet the Critsers
In February, Subaru flew a crew out to Chattanooga to shoot a short piece on our 100-day road trip around America. Check it out and share with your friends. Prints from the trip are for sale on our site and on our Etsy page!
Kissing Colorado
On our first day in Colorado, we went to Mission: Wolf overlooking the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The village of Mission: Wolf is made of huge runs for the wolves, teepees, greenhouses, and ongoing log cabins. Legally, the wolves own the land, and it seems like they know it.
We saw many of the 35+ wolves. They paced due to the upcoming feed. We were allowed in with 3 ambassador wolves, which are domestic enough to be around humans as long as we keep the correct manners and body language.
The rules include:
If a wolf licks in your mouth, you let him. Otherwise, you'll offend the social creature and he may fall into a depression.
Don't turn your back to a wolf or sit alone. Do I need to explain that?
Keep your body language confident: head high, sit up straight, and make direct eye contact. We are all Apex predators, so act like it.
We stayed in the cutest cottage in town of Hillside, Colorado. Population: 91. We made award winning Korean short ribs we bought from the small town of Westcliffe, on our way back from Mission: Wolf.
I loved the long drives along the still mountains and exploring off-road to strange places. After a few days of incredible escape, we headed for Colorado Springs.
We spent a day getting lost in the Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Getting caught in the rain isn't always a bad thing. The ducks and geese didn't seem to mind. I love the colors nature reveals immediately after rainfall. Mint greens turn into emeralds and saffrons becomes the color of a low fire.
From siphoned coffee brews to lager brews and all the nature in between, we fell more in love, explored the world, and kissed wolves (tongue not excluded).
Until next time, Colorado.
Study of Dankind
Dan is an archeologist living in a place he'd rather not tell everyone about. It makes sense when you find your sanctuary to want to keep it sacred. In a place remote and untouched, we find it easy to forget about the world.
We started our adventure with Dan walking the grounds and canoeing along.
A place of importance does not need flags and banners. The things we love and memories we share give a place meaning. When we walk in a place of true importance, we feel a sense of history and purpose as if stepping back in time to someone else's memories.
Adventures of Scout
If you like cute puppy pictures, this blog is for you!
Three weeks ago a 12 week old puppy showed up as a surprise at our door. He quickly opened the door into our hearts. We named him Scout Yosemite Critser. His ancestry includes King Charles Cavaliers Spaniel and Bichon Frise. This little thing loves playing, singing, meeting new friends, the ladies, and updating his Instagram @ScoutTheCavachon
Sea at Sunrise
Many people think of the beach as an always warm, sunny place, but in January, the sea can be cold and forbidding. Surfers who dare to venture out face icy winds and frigid waters, which do not waver their desire to catch the perfect sunrise wave.
