Twenty four intrepid “Trekkers” set out from Gatwick bound for Keflavik Airport in Iceland on Saturday, 10th September. We were accompanied by Jersey Cheshire Home’s Operations Manager, David Lord, who had been due to walk, but was co-opted onto the support team at the 11th hour due to a recent injury. We arrived to a balmy early evening burst of sunshine combined with a stiff breeze – a sign of things to come.
Following a three-hour, arduous and bumpy drive, much of which was “off-road” we arrived at our setting-off point at Landmannahellir close to Mount Hekla Volcano. By now dusk had fallen, the breeze was a Force 9 gale and the temperature on a clear night was falling rapidly. A quick lesson on how to erect a two-man bivouac tent was followed by hilarious antics as we all struggled against the elements in near total darkness to complete the task. Following a quick but welcome meal and a briefing on the next day’s “light exercise”, it was to bed to test out our thermals and the quality of our sleeping bags in sub-zero temperatures with the wind howling around us.
To awake at 6 am to a cold and frosty morning, frozen taps but an amazing view was a dream. What followed was four days of fantastic trekking across very testing but fabulous terrain where the scenery can only be described as magical. The Trek had been described as “challenging”; which turned into something of an understatement when despite the beautiful weather (clear and sunny), high winds whipped up the residual ash from the “Big E” (Eyjafjallajokull) eruption, and which combined to make the walk an interesting exercise.
Our main guide Osker, who’s day job is to wind-up the Icelandic Banks, kept telling us that the route was moderate with some “gentle undulations”; in reality, many of the climbs and descents would make the paths of Jersey’s North Coast (our prime training ground) seem like a ‘walk in the park’. We now all appreciated the gentle ‘bullying’ from Antoinette, our prime organiser, who was there with us for forcing us to train properly before setting out.
The undulations combined with icy river crossings, minor glaciers, ice and lava fields, some abseiling and the impact of geo-thermal activity all made progress interesting. The good weather certainly helped during the day but did cause the temperature to plummet at night (down to -6 degrees Celsius at times) and the privations this caused with lack of running water and the promised occasional shower all added to the “fun”.
We did at least have the compensation of a late-night dip in the hot springs of Landmannalauger at the end of a testing first day’s trekking, with a drink under clear skies and the Northern Lights (these were visible on the two following nights also). This was a real pleasure to all concerned.
The route was largely inaccessible to even the hardiest of off-road vehicles and over the full four days of walking we passed only six other hardy trekkers on the trail.
Having climbed at one stage to 1,200+ metres to cross a major divide in near hurricane conditions with volcanic dust sand-blasting us, to reach the relief a mountain rescue hut was most welcome. The “stroll” continued through varied but always fantastic country and it is fair to say all found the final descent to the Thorsmork Valley below the “Big E” and the welcoming arms of David Lord and the support team a great relief. Emotions at this point were obviously mixed that the major part of our adventure was over but all shared in the sense of major achievement at our success in completing the challenge.
The full team was by now welded into a tight and supportive “unit” where help throughout was offered by the strongest to anyone in need. Morale was unbelievable and the relationships that were created on the trail will stand the test of time. Comments like “life changing” were frequently heard.
Our twenty-four participants were a mixture of ages, ability and experience, some with minor ailments, damaged ribs, blisters and bruises, but little need of the services of our accompanying Doctor, all finished this challenging 80 km trek.
One more challenge faced us as the bumpy and bruising journey back to Reykjavik and a celebration dinner which went on well into the small hours in true Icelandic style tested our stamina to the full. All passed with flying colours. The main subject of conversation over the meal was “when and where next”, but what could we do to top this challenge? We shall see.
All in all, the Trek raised in excess of £70k to the benefit of the residents of the Jersey Cheshire Home (one resident for each of our Trekkers) and the money is still coming in. Some of the funds will be used to dramatically improve the main common areas at the Home; this is what the residents want, with the remainder going to improve their quality of life. Which all makes for a truly remarkable outcome and a challenge of a lifetime – certainly not “a walking holiday in Iceland”.
Please note: Donations in support of the Trek and the Jersey Cheshire Home can still be made directly to Eric Young House, Rope Walk, St. Helier JE2 4UU or visit us on-line at www.jerseycheshirehome.je
Ends.
For more information please contact Jim Hopley at jphopley@hotmail.com or Beverley Le Cuirot at info@immediateimpact.je
