10TH JULY - DAY 4 - ÁLFTAVATN-EMSTRUR/BOTNAR

WHAT WE DID:

There were many rivers to cross, the bigger ones had bridges but we had to wade the other ones. It was mostly flat. After reaching the hut we went to see the nearby colourful canyon and then went around for some exploring.

COMMENT:

It was the day with the most river wading: there were two quite near the start and later a rather wide one which got our feet numb. It almost went to knee-height.

We then entered a "desert" with sand and rocks, it was quite hot, it ended near the hut, where there was more green and you could also see a glacier in the distance.

The colourful canyon, very near the hut, is indeed quite colourful and about 200m high, with birds flying about. Our later exploring wasn't as successful as we were hoping to get a good view of the glacier but didn't make it, it was raining quite heavily, too.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS:

Set off from Alftavatn at 10:15 am

Arrived at Emstrur at 4:05 pm

Distance between huts: 15 Km

Had to wade a few rivers, two near the start and later a rather wide one. Some of us crossed bear-footed and some with socks. The impression we got is that wearing socks makes it less cold while in the water but colder as soon as you get out.

Towards the end Samir's bag strap broke, we tied it together using twine, but it broke again shortly afterwards. At the hut the warden fixed it by making a knot.

THE HUT:

Sleeping bag accomodation, cooking facilities/equipment, gas, running water, WC, showers (you have to pay for showers).