Posted by Monika Chace on September 28, 2014 at 9:57 PM
I know most of you are out taking pictures of the yellow, orange & red trees, but if you need a little variety, here's a link to my pictures from this summer's trip to the Highlands. I went with Daniel Bergmann, an Icelandic photographer and 6 other photographers (and my husband, who went to hike). We camped in order to be close to our destinations. Got a little rain, a lot of wind and a lot of spectacular scenery. I can hardly wait to go back! http://www.monikachacephotography.com/Landscapes/Iceland-Highlands
Posted by Howard Cihak on September 29, 2014 at 12:38 PM
Gosh, Monika, that is a gorgeous image. I do so wish I could make that trip someday.
Posted by Ken Henke on September 29, 2014 at 11:28 PM
Oh my, Monika, what a breathtaking set of images! Honestly, hadn't seen this part of Iceland all that much.
Posted by Anne K. Rusk on October 3, 2014 at 4:38 PM
That is a GREAT collection of images! Simply beautiful! We hope to go in the next couple of years. I'd love to hear more about your trip!
Posted by Monika Chace on October 3, 2014 at 10:01 PM
Howard, Ken & Anne,
Thanks for looking & commenting!
Anne,
I've gone with Daniel 2x now (he lived in Boulder about 20 years ago -- how's that for coincidence?). I considered doing the independent thing & renting a car, but: 1) it takes me a couple of visits (at least!) to a single location to figure out the where/when piece, so that extends the trip by a factor of 2-3 2) vehicle rental is really expensive if you get something that you can take on the 'F' roads (the roads into the Highlands) -- figure $3-500/day + extra insurance for ash/dust and another for dings. Nothing covers the undercarriage, which you are in danger of damaging with stream crossings (which I believe are mostly expressly not allowed in rentals and are numerous to get decently into the Highlands). We did see a number of rentals driving those roads & the drivers didn't seem to care when Daniel stopped to talk to them. But if they had a problem or damaged the vehicle, they would be completely liable for the costs. When using Atak car rental (the 1st tour I was on used them & we rented from them for 2 days @$300), they have been seen very small dings/scratches (I had to look hard & imagine them) and charged for ones that were damaged months earlier, but not documented in subsequent rentals (on my 1st tour -- the leader spent 45' going through previous rental documents to find the renter who damaged the the vehicle). Add to this the fact that you will probably be arriving after an overnight flight (and if it's winter, it'll still be dark) and may not get very good documentary photos of the rental vehicle as you pick it up, and it's more hassle factor. Then add in gas at @ $8/gal and the driving, then it seemed like it would take 3 people to just break even vs going on one of Daniel's tours, and that's without figuring it would take 2-3x as long as going with a guide. There are much more and less expensive guides available. Daniel used to be a Search & Rescue team member & is a great steward for the land, only 2 of the reasons I like going with him. Besides just liking him, I like his photography & was pretty sure the 1st time that we would be a good fit. He also did all the cooking & shopping & paid for any restaurant/cafe meals we had. Feel free to PM me for more info. Since we're both in the Metro area, we could just get together sometime, too.
What a diverse color palette on this posted image! And like the others said, your gallery was wonderful to view with some jaw droppers in there as well! Brought back good memories! The 4x4 pickup/camper I rented in 2011 was ~$500/day but it did give me ultimate flexibility to change my itinerary whenever I pleased. And the company I rented it from actually recommended one spot that required river crossings, and was disappointed I didn't go there or attempt any river crossings. There also was zero problems at turn-in time; they stopped at the campground near the airport where they suggested we stay on our last night to do a quick inspection and Q&A, then told me to just drive to the airport the next morning, leave the key in a hidden spot on the truck and they would pick it up at their convenience!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on October 11, 2014 at 1:09 PM
Great stuff Monica. I like the processing you did on the landscapes. With all the wonderful green, blue and black landscapes, my favorite is the B&W waterfall (go figure, huh?).
Discussion
9 replieshttp://www.monikachacephotography.com/Landscapes/Iceland-Highlands
Thanks for looking & commenting!
Anne,
I've gone with Daniel 2x now (he lived in Boulder about 20 years ago -- how's that for coincidence?). I considered doing the independent thing & renting a car, but: 1) it takes me a couple of visits (at least!) to a single location to figure out the where/when piece, so that extends the trip by a factor of 2-3 2) vehicle rental is really expensive if you get something that you can take on the 'F' roads (the roads into the Highlands) -- figure $3-500/day + extra insurance for ash/dust and another for dings. Nothing covers the undercarriage, which you are in danger of damaging with stream crossings (which I believe are mostly expressly not allowed in rentals and are numerous to get decently into the Highlands). We did see a number of rentals driving those roads & the drivers didn't seem to care when Daniel stopped to talk to them. But if they had a problem or damaged the vehicle, they would be completely liable for the costs. When using Atak car rental (the 1st tour I was on used them & we rented from them for 2 days @$300), they have been seen very small dings/scratches (I had to look hard & imagine them) and charged for ones that were damaged months earlier, but not documented in subsequent rentals (on my 1st tour -- the leader spent 45' going through previous rental documents to find the renter who damaged the the vehicle). Add to this the fact that you will probably be arriving after an overnight flight (and if it's winter, it'll still be dark) and may not get very good documentary photos of the rental vehicle as you pick it up, and it's more hassle factor. Then add in gas at @ $8/gal and the driving, then it seemed like it would take 3 people to just break even vs going on one of Daniel's tours, and that's without figuring it would take 2-3x as long as going with a guide. There are much more and less expensive guides available. Daniel used to be a Search & Rescue team member & is a great steward for the land, only 2 of the reasons I like going with him. Besides just liking him, I like his photography & was pretty sure the 1st time that we would be a good fit. He also did all the cooking & shopping & paid for any restaurant/cafe meals we had. Feel free to PM me for more info. Since we're both in the Metro area, we could just get together sometime, too.