(Day 1)
We arrived just in time for a quick lunch with our new hosts and then headed right out into the field to plant trees. We set out in pairs, one person armed with a "gaspa", a tube like mechanism for planting, and the other wearing a belt with pockets full of tree plugs. Most of the trees we were planting w
ere birch but there were also some Rowan. After 3 hours of rainy, windy, and cold tree planting, our work for the day was complete. In our three hour work period we collectively planted around 1600 trees, not too shabby.We had a wonderful dinner of mysterious white fish, potatoes, lamb stew, and cabbage. In our post-dinner food coma we played a rousing game of who-would-win-in-a-fight. Some of the notable match-ups included Salvador Dali vs. Dr. Seuss, Grizzly Man vs. the Bernstein Bears, and William Taft vs. a bathtub. Our food comas took an interesting twist when our hostess brought out a tub of vanilla ice cream (iś) for our enjoyment. Three bowls of ice cream and 4 cups of coffee later, Jeffrey and Meg decided to give the boys a tour of their humble abode. A sugar-infused tour of a house smaller than a train car raises questions, such as how many CELL group members can fit inside of Meg and Jeffrey’s bathroom? Answer: 6, including Meg and Jeffrey. There was screaming, hysterical laughter, and 5-part male harmonies, such a special moment.
(Day 2)
We woke bright and early to a succulent breakfast which involved two of our favorite things: oatmeal and coffee. As soon as our forestry project head, Hreinn, arrived, we returned to our planting spot in the shadow of Hekla to continue planting trees. The morning was filled with hard work, laughter, and frozen rain. We then all piled into Hreinn’s mini trailer and made our way back from the lava field to the farm for a typical Icelandic lunch, creamy soup and a smorgasbord of condiments unimaginable to even the most condimentally incline
d person. It was then nap time for some as the morning’s work and tasty meals set in, while others braved the frigid cold and tried their hand at the local fishing river (to no avail). Icelandic fish are tricky. Before dinner, we gathered together in the common living space and participated in a lively discussion on some simple ways to live more sustainably, incorporating several articles into our class session. Upon return, another feast had been prepared for us by our generous hostess, fish balls for all!!! We enjoyed the Icelandic delicacy which was of course followed by ice cream. After the second night in a row of bowl-to-bowl challenges, Jeffrey proved he was the worthy champion.(Day 3)
After two days of intense tree planting and foraging it was time for some outdoor exploration. Hreinn dropped us off at a farm for a day hike in the nearby foothills of Mount Hekla. We frolicked through fields of Icelandic sheep and gazed at several of Iceland’s smaller (but still beautiful) waterfalls. After a quick pit stop at an old turf sheep barn we came upon a glassy lake which was a perfect setting for photo opportunities with the snow capped Mt. Hekla in the background. At that point we split up into two groups, one group circumnavigated the foothills and the other climbed over them. Both routes provided picturesque scenes and stunning views of the desolate
and captivating Icelandic landscape. We reconvened at our rendezvous point at the bottom of the foothills for a celebratory post-hike sandwich while we waited for Hreinn to taxi us back to the farm. The rest of the day was filled with knitting, naps and pastries, along with a group journaling exercise in looking at nature from different perspectives.(Day 4)
After a fond farewell to our wonderful hosts at the farm, we set off the next morning for our journey back to Solheimar. But much to our delight, there were many surprise stops along the way! First Hreinn guided us to the official Mt. Hekla museum, encased in a building made entirely of volcanic rock! As we walked through the dark and eerie exhibit, we got to see real seismic readings, showing the current activity of the ever stirring volcano! We also learned about the tales and folklore of Hekla’s mystical and magical history, which Icelanders have believed in for centuries. Soon after, Hreinn led us through our next series of stops, which gave our group hope for the tiny seedlings we had left in the black ashy soil! Hreinn first took us to an area where recently planted trees had grown a few feet. This was reassuring, seeing how much progress the reforestation effort was already making! But just when we t
hought we had seen it all, our guide led us to a fully fledged pine forest, with many large trees fading into the distance. At this moment, an overwhelming sense of pride came over our group for Iceland and their amazing efforts for reforesting their countryside, and for ourselves, being a part of that effort. As we left the forest in great spirits, we drove back to Solheimar, reflecting on both our fun times and our impact on the reforestation initiative.~Andy and Abbey
(Photos by Elizabeth-Anne)
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