Fresh from Australia, a call from my photographer friends, Andrew Ling and Connor Surdi. ignited our next adventure—Iceland. They planned a European vacation, and I was on board. With Ice Rovers arranging a rugged Defender 110 for us, we set off in mid-February, Iceland's notorious off-season.
Landing in Keflavik at dawn, we were greeted by Ice Rovers’ owner, Agust, who cautioned us about two impending storms. But as seasoned travelers from the Northeast and Pacific Northwest, we thought, "How bad could it be?"
Iceland, with its vast, untouched wilderness, felt like stepping into a land of myths. With only nine people per square mile, the country offered serene isolation. Its proud, resourceful inhabitants echoed the land's raw beauty and resilience.
After stocking up in Reykjavik, we aimed for Kirkjufell, a scenic two-hour drive. However, a fierce snowstorm trapped us, forcing us to rely on road.is for updates. Every road was closed—an ominous start to our journey.
Equipped with a 2.4 TDCI Land Rover Defender 110 on 37-inch Interco snow tires, we pressed on. The Defender’s prowess was put to the test as visibility dropped to ten feet, and the wind howled around us. Navigating by GPS alone, we skidded into a massive snowdrift. It was pitch black, and we were stuck.
Employing the "Icelandic Rock" technique—creeping forward, rolling back, and inching forward again—we slowly freed ourselves. This method, along with keeping RPMs low and maintaining a steady speed, was crucial in the deep snow. Aggressive tire spinning was futile; patience and finesse were key.
Buried several more times, we used the same technique to free the Defender, each time learning the importance of staying calm and methodical. Exhausted, we finally pulled over for a rest, leaving the Defender running to keep warm. We woke to a serene, sunlit landscape—the storm had passed, and we were safe.
Iceland’s landscapes, from stark whiteouts to vibrant, rugged terrain, left us in awe. But as we headed back to Reykjavik, news of a larger storm with 125-mph winds reached us. The adventure had only just begun, promising more stories for another day.
Iceland surpassed every expectation. Its beauty, the thrill of driving through its untamed wilderness, and the challenges we faced made it an unforgettable journey. If you ever get the chance, embrace the adventure and visit Iceland.
