With apologies to Robert Frost (Fire and Ice, 1920) I did not see either a primal desire to end in fire or an ice-cold hatred leading to destruction. Iceland is stunning and gave me more reason to be alive.

The glaciers cozying up to volcanoes, abstract landscape formations, the colors seen under a receding glacier, mystic Rhyolite mountains, all of this makes up the essence of Laugavegur Trail – one of the most beautiful trails in the world. 

The trail started at Landmannalaugar and ended at Skogar. 

Our friend, philosopher, and guide during the trek was, Brynjolfur Gislason (preferred to be called Bryn).

The first step of the trek (as like any other) was chop, slice, cook and eat. Bryn led the way, of course, and we helped. 

We roughed it out in mountain huts along the way, laughing and joking, forming new bonds, making new friends, and generally having a great time.

The sight of the Rhyolite Mountains at the start (see gallery) was beyond description. The riot of colors was hypnotic. We could have just stood there for hours watching the drama. But walk we must, to experience more.

We crawled into ice caves, crossed rushing streams holding onto each other for safety, saw receding glaciers giving us glimpses of the colors beneath, Storsola Peak (The Mistress) waiting to be awakened, glacial blankets covering sleeping giants – the drama was everywhere.

We trekked through a section, near the end, where the famous volcanoes Eyjafjallajökull and Katla were on either side of us. Still cannot say “Eyjafjallajökull†properly. When the volcano erupted in 2010, it caused major air travel disruption. Katla, one of the major volcanoes of Iceland, erupted last in 1918 and has been dormant ever since. We saw red earth here and while on a break sat down. The earth was remarkably warm. 

The weather kept changing continuously throughout the trek – cold biting wind, ice cold drizzles, blizzards on and off and the bright sun peeking now and again. We were prepared for anything.

We looked for directions, although there was no need, as Bryn led the way. Someone else must have thought about it too and was kind enough to have put up a sign. 

To follow it or not, was the trekkers choice. 

Disregarding the sign was a wise decision. We all came back, alive. 

Finally, how can such a wonderful trip not end with a photo op. So here we are –