Summer in Iceland

This trip holds a special place in my heart. This was my first ever solo international trip. A 15 day solo drive around the Ring Road, along with a short cut through the highlands. Needless to say, for my first time solo, this was a daunting trip.

I had a jam packed two-week itinerary. From ice cave hikes and snorkeling between tectonic plates, to snowmobiling on a glacier, this trip was definitely a bucket list affair. And not to mention that in August of 2021, the Fadragalsfjall volcano was still erupting, so that was just another aspect to be excited for.

The volcano was my first stop. Right off the plane, you better believe I was headed straight there, full of stoke and anxiety.

I made my way along the two mile rocky and elevated terrain toward the lava filled crater, with each step bringing more and more excitement. And then finally, after almost 2 hours of hiking, I got my first glimpse of the volcano. A raging hole in the earth, bubbling with lava, that sounded like the waves of the ocean. Pure power. I was in a state of pure bliss.

In my state of excitement, I decided to put my drone up for some footage. As I started the take off, I realized that I hadn’t put the propellers in the correct position for take off. So, I quickly reached down, not thinking, and instantly cut my thumb and pointer finger with the rapidly spinning blades. It hurt, but I didn’t think much of it… until I looked down at the damage.

Blood everywhere. Pouring profusely from both fingers and the cuts were deep. First shock, then panic set in. I had only been in the country for three hours and this happens? On my first solo trip? Alone? I took a deep breath and stuck my fingers one at a time in my water bottle until the bleeding finally somewhat stopped. In that moment, I had a decision to make. I stay and power through this scary moment, or leave without any footage. After a moment of hesitation, I of course decided to stay and the rest is history. I was cold with a bloody hand, shaking terribly, but I was committed. To this day there is still blood on my drone remote, but I see it as a reminder to power through adversity.

Being my first time alone in a foreign country, the anxiety of the unknown was almost debilitating at times, like in this moment. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of fear, but also the feeling of essentially being able to whatever I wanted.

The following set of photos is the product of this feeling I like to call anxious freedom.