WH(WK) Expo to Iceland with family August 2013

[jeepgc]

I do not want to hijack a very cool thread so I’ll keep this short.

Thank you for the courtesy and thank you for the feedback. I'm sure many people here would love to read and look at some of your pics, it's all related so as you guys say; "It's all good".

These are a few 30 year old pics from when the Navy provided a way for me to see the world.

A lot people would be interested in your travels, especially with the pictures that you've put up.

Here we are at Krafla, a fissure volcano.

Wow, you witnessed an eruption and captured it on film, lucky man!

This is a “highway” on our trip to Gullfoss and Þingvellir. We did make it through, it just took some work to get past the drift (just one of many).

Excellent!

My only regret is, I wish the inconsiderate young sailor would have kept better notes for the old guy he would eventually become. The first two are in the fall, the third is the only one that got a date printed on the back and it was Nov. 1984. Oh well, live and learn.

Nicely put and a good way of inspiring/motivating people to take notes while they travel.

Many thanks for taking the time to post those pictures up on this thread, excellent shots.

 

[406to417]

How did i miss out on this awesome thread.

 

[67390FE]

I don't recall, back then, seeing any of the balloon tires that seem so prevalent now. I fully understand their utility tho. It would have made some of the treks, like the shot of our Ramcharger, easier. We would slowly go across the top of the drifts, but now and again the truck would break through the top crust and we would have to resort to... alternate means. Just one more reason to never go alone.

The topography reminded me of what I imagine the surface of the moon would be like, if it had running surface water (and wind, lots of wind... did I mention a LOT of wind?).

My ten years in the U.S. Navy allowed for me to wheel on four different continents, in all types of terrain, with many differing types of vehicles (I always end up back in a Jeep). My time in Iceland was not my first, or last, time on extended overland camping, but it has always been my most memorable.

I have gone back through the entire thread again and just want to say thanks, once more, for sharing the pics and story. By the way, outstanding work on the build of the Grand, both inside and out!

Dann

 

[jeepgc]

The topography reminded me of what I imagine the surface of the moon would be like, if it had running surface water (and wind, lots of wind... did I mention a LOT of wind?).

I have some comments about those exact things in my next instalment.

My ten years in the U.S. Navy allowed for me to wheel on four different continents, in all types of terrain, with many differing types of vehicles (I always end up back in a Jeep)

Fantastic and glad to hear that you always end up in a Jeep .

I have gone back through the entire thread again and just want to say thanks, once more, for sharing the pics and story. By the way, outstanding work on the build of the Grand, both inside and out!

You're more than welcome Dann, thanks for reading and for making an excellent contribution to the thread.

I'll pass on your praise of the build to the guys that worked really hard on it.

Cheers

Rob

 

[nuvolamax]

I'm planning a trip in Iceland this summer (we've same car: GC 5.7)
can I know your fuel consumption during this trip?
have you crossed iceland from north to south (so leaving 1 route...)
I dind't find a map with your path....

you did all your trip with just only 1 additional fuel tanic, isn't too risk?

 

[jeepgc]

Hi Nuvo,

Fantastic, that will be an excellent trip.

Our route started off in the east, then went to the central highlands, then north, west, south and then followed the south coast back to the east coast again.

We only hit route 1 a few times.

We went to Iceland again in August 2014, this time I tracked our travels using Spotwalla:

https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=ac1953d61ef8a2d77

I wouldn't be too concerned about fuel (well apart from having to pay for it) as petrol stations are pretty common. I would only be concerned if you were to travel into the highlands for a multi day trip.

But, fill up when you can and plan your route around the petrol stations if possible.

Our Jeep carries an 85 Litre LPG tank, that we used for backup fuel.

Is your GC lifted? River crossings were higher this time, I'd plan to be cautious and be aware of the dangers.

We travelled by ourselves this time. SInce we were on our own, I took a pair of waders and trek poles to walk all crossings before driving them.

 

[nuvolamax]

I've only 2 weks so I can't take all time I would like.
So I'm planning to use additional fuel tanks (I need to understand how many liters...) to cross iceland from north east to south west
I plan to make a lift of 3", but I think that if I will be a car alone I would not cross rivers.

 

[nuvolamax]

https://goo.gl/maps/GDGtB
https://goo.gl/maps/hMqEv
look how it should sound my trip

 

[jeepgc]

You will be fine, but it is good to be cautious.

Buy the following map:

http://www.amazon.it/Island-400-000...42746&sr=8-3&keywords=island+freytag+&+berndt

The map shows you petrol stations so you can plan your fuel stops, but rule of thumb would be to fill up as when you see a filling station.

Looking at your route, I don't think you would have any issues with fuel and range. The only risk would be the first route and risk would be greater if you took the wrong route and had to double back, but only after you left route 1.

There are numerous river crossings on your first route and since you're on your own, I would get some waders so you can check the depth. The rivers will be icy cold and some fast flowing.

I can scan some pages of my map for you when I get some free time, let me know, but I would buy it as soon as you can.

If you forget, you can buy the map on the ship or in Iceland too.

There are two very useful apps you can buy/download:

112 Iceland - this will allow you to alert emergency services and check in your position with them if you're in a remote place.

Vedur - this is a really useful app and will send weather warnings to your phone. This will let you know when the big winds are forecast so you can prepare yourself.

 

[nuvolamax]

jeepgc does exist any map showing permanent/frequent rivers?

 

[jeepgc]

This book "Adventure in Iceland" is an excellent, detailed book of driving the highlands, listing all highland fords. I'd highly recommend this one:

http://shopicelandic.com/product-categories/books/photo-books/adventure-in-iceland-detail


This book, the Iceland road guide includes maps showing all fords:

http://www.amazon.it/Iceland-Road-G...1420621826&sr=8-1&keywords=iceland+road+guide

There is an online app available, full version costs $3, but I don't think that the online map it uses is as detailed as the book.

The book is a pretty good guide book, with detailed routes and maps.

 

[Hranni]

Awsome build! and great report great funn to read.

im also impressed how well prepared you where. awsome thread will continue to read

 

[jeepgc]

Thank you Hranni.

A big compliment from a native Icelander

We went back to Iceland for a second trip in august 2014 and spent most of the time in the west fjords, absolutely beautiful.

We will be travelling back to Iceland, hopefully next year.

Would be good to hook up with you next time we're over

 

[Hranni]

well you had it coming

Hope you and your family had a blast ! And westfjords are my favorite part of Iceland, long time since i traveled them thou. Did travel all westfjörds with my father back in the day. Always wantet to go back and will do someday

would be great to meet next time you wisit.

 

[MrWesson]

I have to ask being as you have spent time with Discovery 3's and 4's.. How does the WK Overland stack up?