TONY LEECH

I became a member of Wolverhampton Photographic Society in 2012 at about the same time as Rob Cowell. We both had in interest in Landscape Photography and our friendship grew from this. In November 2015 Rob went to Iceland for four days and he was very impressed with the unique landscape there. He came away with some great photos and was keen to return for a more extensive trip. Rob and I planned to drive the Ring Road practically around the whole of the island. It soon became clear we would need 17 days to complete the journey. (We actually drove 2,500 miles). In late October last year we flew from Birmingham to Kefkavik airport, collected our 4x4 hire car and drove to a supermarket for provisions, as we were to mostly self cater. It was raining! Indeed the weather was to play a large part in our adventure around Iceland. Rain, wind and occasionally sleet and snow were our constant companions. After a good night’s sleep we set out for Kerid Crater. Our biggest problem was to keep the lenses clear of rain spots. Rob and I were pleased that our cameras remained waterproof and the batteries held out very well. One of the highlights of our trip was the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach (Ice Beach). Ice from the Glacier gathers in the Lagoon then floats down a channel into the sea. Some of this ice is then washed back onto the volcanic black sand beach. Stunning! We spent two days here photographing and we could have done two more. Egilsstadir in the East was our next destination. The Eastern Fjords with high, snow-capped mountains were very picturesque. Next it was on to Northern Iceland via The Highlands. This is wild, sparsely populated country with lots of geothermal sites. A short distance North West are several large waterfalls in a huge canyon. All provided great photo opportunities! Next, west to Saudarkrokur stopping on the way to photograph another waterfall, Godafoss. The light was good and we both took some lovely shots. Another day on the road to reach Stykkisholmur on the Snafellsnes Peninsula. Mount Kirkjufell was obscured because of the rain but we took some pictures anyway. Amazingly they were O.K. The noise from the waterfalls was deafening. We had a few days on the Peninsula but the weather was relentlessly horrific. We returned to Reykjavik for a couple of days being tourists. Yes, you guessed it, still raining! Despite the awful weather we had a great photographic adventure in Iceland and are planning to return in the Winter. We are gluttons for punishment!