To Höfn

From Vatnajökull to Höfn, our Icelandic adventure is winding down. Heading towards Seyðisfjörður, we paused at Diamond Beach before reaching Höfn Campsite to pitch our tents.

Covering more pavement to catch the ferry on time, we encountered an issue with Mike's bike. It sporadically turned off, especially in lower gears, prompting us to stick to smoother roads. Higher gears seemed to mitigate the problem. Planning to address it in Denmark or Sweden, we also noted the need for a new chain and sprockets due to uneven wear.

A lesson learned: replace the chain and sprockets before long journeys! Despite these hiccups, we enjoyed the tunes while cruising Road 1 through Iceland's stunning landscapes!

Around that point, I began to feel the strain of living on bikes with only three sizable compartments for my belongings. It became a constant challenge to maintain order, and, given my preference for tidiness, I found myself spending more time organizing my gear each time we set up camp. The entire process of establishing and dismantling our campsite seemed to consume more time than anticipated, even on nights when we didn't camp but decided to bring the luggage inside.

Moreover, I underestimated the challenges of daily distances and the toll they took, particularly on difficult terrains. Riding long stretches of seemingly monotonous pavement, especially when fatigued, revealed how quickly both physical and mental fatigue set in. I hadn't initially recognized the impact of insufficient sleep, as the initial excitement of my first camping adventure masked its effects.

While reliving these memories, I now realize what happened. The same occurred on both of my subsequent journeys as well. I'll call it the adventure blues! It's when the initial fun and excitement start to settle, and it becomes routine. If that routine isn't satisfying or becomes annoying, it can be a damper for me. During this time, I tend to take fewer pictures and have a more challenging time enjoying the trip. Fortunately, this phase only lasts for a short period, and once I recognize it, I find a way to break the routine or add some new flavor!