I dedicate this entry to my son, Gregory Orion Boyce.
While I was living in Abu dhabi and my son was in the USA, I had him choose places for us to travel to. His first choice was Panama and then the next trip was Iceland. I must say he made great picks.
When we started planning for Iceland, it started to become clear that it was extremely expensive. Renting cars and lodging were both pricey. I hadn’t seen how expensive the food was. Somehow I discovered there were vans you could rent to drive and sleep in. Seemed like a good solution. In the end it was an outstanding decision. So we planned to go around the perimiter of Iceland in about a week.
Son and I in front of the famous blue lagoon hot pool. 
I don’t like beer but it was a first for us. Most expensive beer ever 
Son looking out a glacier and icebergs floating 
Just another place we stopped along the way. 
I believe this is Dettifoss. Thundering waterfalls 
Can’t emphasize enough how much fun I had traveling with my son like this 
So green 
Freezing cold in front of sculpture in Reykjavik 
Fishing in the capitol city 
Picturesque church 
Loved being on the road 
The vikings 
Several hues 
He always finds such spots. This is overlooking a crater 
Gulafoss…beautiful but more people 
Thermal activity 
This was an impulsive off road hike. He looks like a model 
Me resting 
Our van at a camp site near the capitol. Alone again. 
We spent hours finding this hot springs 
Cool scenery 
This pool was amazing overlooking the sea. Finally a shower. Lost my coat and camera there 
Quaint village for a coffee 
The van we lived in 
Stoplight with red heart shaped 
Drove a long ways, but spectacular 
Camp site 
These purple flowers everywhere 
First night camping 
More about these waves later 
Basalt formations 
When we arrived, it was cold, rainy and windy. The first market we entered was selling a very small portion of smoked salmon for around 70 dollars if i remember correctly. We were both shocked and checked all the other packages and they were similar. It was looking like an expensive trip. After exploring the capitol city of Reykjavik for a day we went to pick up our sleeper van. It was freezing cold and I learned they don’t insure you for doors being blown off the van. It seemed a bit dramatic but I quickly learned why…the wind can rip the door off. The van was a stick shift, which I hadn’t used in years and I hadn’t driven in rain in Abu Dhabi for years,but off we went.
We found a relatively cheap big market and stocked up on food and headed around the country counter clockwise. Soon we were into the most spectacular scenery I have seen in my lifetime…and I have seen a fair amount. It was July so there was little darkness during each 24 hours. You could drive and camp where you wished at the time but that has changed. Each night we stayed in places with amazing views and were the only ones there. First night on a glacier, second night by waterfalls, third night overlooking the ocean, fourth night by an inland lake.
The first night we discovered the van was pretty small for two guys over 6 feet tall. Water was condensing inside the van and it looked like it might be a long, unpleasant trip. My son joked that we had the entire water cycle inside the van. We made it through the first night and developed some systems that worked. Circumnavigating the country was beyond spectacular. Almost other worldly. We never tired of the constant breathtaking scenery that was on such a grand scale.
I could detail so many things, but I will leave it simple. Iceland has tremendous natural beauty. Traveling by car or van is highly recommended. Dress for very cold, windy weather at almost any time of year. Be rich or plan smart. And finally, no better way to spend time with your family.
Jim's Travel Culture and History Blog 
Really beautiful photos of Iceland. I had to laugh when you said you hadn’t driven in the rain during your time in Abu Dhabi. You are a native Northwest Son…. You never forget the rain! Like riding a bike. (I would imagine, I have not lived in desert climate before!)
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Thanks, Nancy. I would literally go over a year without seeing a drop of rain over there. I remember one year I went to Vienna and it started raining. I thought it was so wonderful…for about 5 minutes! Soon I was cold, wet and miserable 🤣😂 8 plus years in the Middle East was a big change. Really appreciate your correspondence. Thank you.
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