13/08

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Gateway to hell

One of our more nerve-racking days. The long bone-shaking drive through the interior came to an end and we reached Hekla – one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, also known as the ‘Gateway to Hell’.

It has erupted over 20 times, and is surrounded by miles and miles of lava fields on all sides. The most recent eruption was in 2000 and since the eruption at Eyjafjallajokull it is being closely watched by scientists. In fact it’s due to blow this year if you believe the predictions.

So it was with some intrepidation that we took Lottie up the steep foothills and then we continued on foot. Evidently you don’t get much warning if it goes. This was easily our toughest drive yet – for those petrolheads following us – a good 15 minutes in low 2, with all of us terrified of getting stuck on the side of an active volcano!