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Each time we have travelled to Iceland, we have planned to make an incursion into what I consider is the most interesting part of this country - the desolate interior highlands. Last year we made a return to route F35, The Kjölur Route, which goes right across the centre of Iceland between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers, from Gullfoss in the south to Blöndulón valley in the north. It is probably the most accessible of the highland routes but it still has its challenges. The scenery along the way is well worth the effort though.
We previously travelled this route from the north to Kerlingarfjöll mountain range and we also did the trip to Kerlingarfjöll from the south. Last year was the first time we did the entire route in one drive. It was very much weather dependent. If the forecast was not favourable we would have to drive the long way around via Route 1. We were lucky that weather cooperated with us and we were able to safely make it across. The only spot we missed out on was the previously mentioned mountain range, as it was covered entirely in clouds and there was also a very strong wind present in the upper regions.
We had the path to ourselves when we left early in the morning and as we were driving along, we were able to stop frequently to admire the scenery and soak up the views. With clouds moving fast around us, I was looking for photographic opportunities with some interesting light conditions. One spot that attracted my attention was the one in today's image. It was a very simple composition but I liked the way the light coming through the clouds highlighted the larger boulders and also shined on the spot where small highland shrubs were glowing with their orange autumn colours.
The clouds were broken up somewhat and this created wonderful patterns of light and shadow on the flat terrain surrounding the route. You can see the light shining on the rocks, then dark shadow behind them, then light again in the far distance. I loved the way the conditions helped to create a dramatic background which completed the scene for me and added a bit of extra context to the landscape.
I am continuously fascinated by the landscapes of Iceland and especially by the rugged highlands shaped by volcanoes and glaciers. It seems like another Earth altogether, different almost alien landscape that was born from the fury of the elements impacting upon each other. I hope was able to convey its beauty and nature in this photo.
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