The Hraunfossar Falls in Iceland stretch for a kilometer — where glacier melt penetrates through layers of lava and flows into the Hvita River. I was captivated by the clarity of the flowing water against the black lava and the vibrant blue color of the glacial water when it pooled in the river.
The Icelandic people really know how to name their glaciers! It might be better to call this glacier the one we visited on January 16 at sunset. Allow me to treat you to a wide view of this awesome sight and a detail of the icebergs on the frozen lake at the foot of this frozen giant.
Detail from the lower left of this scene, including two photographers near the lakeside icebergs.
Even in a steady rain, the vibrant color of Moraine Lake in Alberta Canada is striking. Add some fall color for contrast, and include some fallen tree trunks for foreground elements, and you the viewer are right there with me, walking along the lake’s edge.
Driving the Icefield’s Parkway in Alberta Canada and watching the constantly changing panorama of peaks and glaciers, rushing streams and ever changing sky is like watching a fire in the fireplace. It’s mesmerizing. The peaks are always changing shape. Sometimes the sun pops out to illuminate a small area. Sometimes a green-tinted glacial creek emerges into view, rushing over rocks behind the fir trees. Glaciers hang in the high valleys. Yellow trees punctuate the green space. We passed bridal veil falls and Mirror Lakes, but we sped past, not stopping.
The view changes every few seconds along one of the most scenic drives in the world. It’s a long ride from Jasper to Banff. Imagine how long it would take if I were stopping for photos. As we sped along, I felt like a sports photographer, keeping my ISO high, my shutter speed at 1,000 of a second, and hoping I would click the shutter at the right instant without a tall pine tree obstructing the view.
Those who enjoyed the view, listening to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, had the right idea. I recommend the drive to you.
I hear there is much more traffic during ski season, so September/October might be ideal.
I’m busy today making prints for a July 6 exhibition: the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Gallery Crawl. It’s a fun evening, and you can find some cool photography by ASMP* photographers at 803 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.
I have decided to feature some of the amazing landscapes and birds I saw in Iceland last summer. Whoever said that Iceland is the land of “Fire and Ice” is right! Volcanoes have created some rugged landforms and interesting vistas. On Heimeay Island, one can just imagine how frightened the residents felt when a massive eruption woke them in the middle of the night in January 1973. (All residents fled via fishing boats in the harbor, and the eruption continued for two years.)
Then you can experience “Ice” even in mid-July, as you bundle up in a parka, hat and gloves and strap spikes to your boots for a hike on an icy, albeit melting, glacier. This glacier was atop an extinct volcano on the Snaefellsness Peninsula.
Please come to the Pittsburgh Gallery Crawl on Friday evening July 6. It’s free.
*American Society of Media Photographers: ASMP.org.
As global warming continues, this beautiful Iceland glacier won’t be here in 80 years. We could hear massive melting while hiking, the sound of water rushing in rivers below the surface.
This memorable day hike was a teachable moment. It made me wonder what sort of world we are leaving to our children and grandchildren.
Blog: Cathy Kelly Photography 