Day 7: When Volcanoes Create Magic - Iceland's Final Adventure

Date: July 20, 2025 | Location: Siglufuldur to Reykjavik via Glymur Waterfall, Iceland

Writing this from 30,000 feet above the Atlantic, watching Iceland disappear beneath the clouds, I'm still processing what just happened on our final full day. Sometimes the most challenging conditions create the most magical photography opportunities—and Day 7 was living proof of that.

A Volcanic Morning

We woke up in Siglufuldur to a world touched by volcanic mist. The actively erupting volcano had created atmospheric conditions that gave the island an ethereal quality. The light was already fairly even across Iceland. Still, with this added mist, it became especially moody and dramatic, cool and mysterious in that way I've come to expect from this incredible island.

As a photographer, the mist presented a fascinating challenge. While it added incredible depth, character, and intrigue to every frame, it also limited the distance I and my camera could see. I had to adjust my approach, working with what the conditions gave me rather than fighting against them.

After cleaning up our accommodation and grabbing breakfast at the local café—including an interesting croissant sandwich and a pastry topped with cured fish and light sweet dressing—we headed out into this transformed landscape.

The Long Road to Glymur

The drive to Iceland's tallest waterfall was a 4.5-hour journey that took us along misty coastlines, through wide open plains, and past small towns all touched by this volcanic atmosphere. There's something surreal about driving through a landscape where familiar shapes emerge and fade in the shifting mist.

We made a memorable pit stop at an American diner-themed restaurant, complete with old music videos playing and that distinctly out-of-place feeling that somehow felt perfectly right for this adventure. Along the way, I couldn't resist pulling over for some up-close photography with the Icelandic horses, their wild manes and sturdy frames appearing through the mist like mythical creatures.

Into the Mist: Conquering Glymur

Arriving at Glymur Waterfall, the mist was creating atmospheric conditions that limited our visibility somewhat. We couldn't see the cliffs clearly or too far ahead, but we could definitely hear it: the thunderous roar of water cascading 198 meters (650 ft) down Iceland's tallest waterfall, calling to us through the misty air.

The hike up was no joke. Very steep cliffs that definitely aren't for the faint of heart, but my long experience hiking in Colorado's challenging terrain prepared me well for what others might find intimidating. Still, every step demanded respect for the environment we were navigating.

Photography in Impossible Conditions

Working in these conditions meant adapting my technique on the spot. The mist created incredible mood and intrigue, but adjusting my camera settings for such challenging visibility was definitely a learning experience I had to figure out in real time.

Despite the atmospheric conditions, there were incredible opportunities everywhere to set up my tripod. I found myself experimenting with compositions I never would have considered in clear conditions, using exposure bracketing to capture the subtle gradations in the mist. Firing into that misty environment was surreal, though I could still see my subjects clearly enough to compose my shots.

I managed to capture that perfect adventure pose for my brand photography, standing boldly with the waterfall roaring somewhere behind me in the mist.

The Summit Reward

When we finally reached the top of Iceland's tallest waterfall, the sense of achievement was incredible, even with the misty conditions around us. The real adventure came next: crossing over the top meant hiking back to a safe distance from the waterfall edge, then crossing the frigid glacial melt barefoot with our pants rolled up.

The water was shockingly cold, but what caught my photographer's eye were the orange rocks lining the stream—algae or iron deposits creating these beautiful color contrasts against the monochrome world around us.

When Time Becomes Meaningless

On our hike back, we encountered some of Iceland's famous residents: sheep! One black, two white, appearing through the atmospheric conditions like woolly spirits. I couldn't resist photographing them in these moody conditions.

We sat down to enjoy a rare break in the mist, and that's when I realized something that had been happening throughout the entire trip: I had completely lost track of time. It was somehow already 9 PM.

Iceland's endless sun creates this bizarre time distortion. The mornings feel normal, but as the day progresses, your sense of time begins to warp. One moment it feels like noon with half a day ahead of you, then suddenly it's 7 PM and you realize you haven't had dinner yet. Then in a flash, it's midnight, the sun is still blazing, and you have energy for more adventures.

The Final Night: RV Adventures

By the time we hiked back down—4.5 miles round trip—and drove toward Reykjavik, we were getting pretty hungry. We rolled into the city at 11 PM to find that only hot dog and pita stands were still open.

Not mad about it at all—I grabbed a lamb pita that was surprisingly delicious. Sometimes the best travel meals happen at the most unexpected moments.

Our final accommodation was perhaps the most memorable: an RV parked in someone's front lawn, easily the weirdest Airbnb stay to date. After getting in late and exhausted, we found ourselves crawling over each other in the cramped space, trying to pack for our morning flight and get what little rest we could before departure.

There was something beautifully absurd about ending this epic Iceland adventure squeezed into an RV, all of us too tired to care about the cramped quarters, just grateful to have a place to rest before our journey home.

Reflections at 30,000 Feet

As I write this, flying away from the land of fire and ice, I'm struck by how much I've learned in just seven days. This trip has taught me what I need to focus on moving forward with photography as a career:

I need to learn how to adapt to my surroundings more efficiently, travel smarter, and take more time to stay put in one place to dig deeper and find the hidden gems. I also need to plan out shooting locations more strategically in advance.

But I'm also incredibly proud of how I was able to adapt, learn, and grow so quickly throughout this journey. When conditions threw curveballs—like volcanic mist limiting visibility—I learned to lean into my experience and let it carry me through the challenges.

Iceland, you've been an incredible teacher, a breathtaking subject, and an unforgettable adventure. This photographer is heading home changed, inspired, and already planning the return trip.

Now: Back to Colorado reality, but with a camera full of memories and a heart full of inspiration. Thank you for following along on this incredible journey.

Equipment Used Today: Nikon Z7II with 24-70mm f/2.8, tripod for mist photography
Weather: Volcanic mist creating dramatic, moody conditions
Mood: Reflective and grateful as the adventure concludes
Final Hike Distance: 4.5 miles round trip to Iceland's tallest waterfall

What's been your most memorable final day of a big adventure? Share your stories in the comments below!