Prior to arriving in Iceland I had talked to a few people who had already been. The most common responses was that the weather and landscape was always changing. Day one didn’t disappoint in that respect. I was also told that the environment can seem somewhat alien, as in you’re on another planet, not alien as in you’ve lived all your life in a big city and suddenly find yourself in a rural setting.

I’d have to say that aside from the lava-fields everything felt a little familiar. For quite a bit of this day the scenery reminded me of places I had visited in Britain – the moors and Scottish highlands mostly. Even the distinct absence of trees couldn’t shake this notion and although excited to be here I wasn’t too impressed with Iceland thus far.

The day started very grey, wet and windy but the sun soon broke through the clouds to give us blue skies and rainbows. I was taking in the scenery much of the day rather than seeking something good to photograph and was happy enough to go for a walk every now and then. Highlights were the sulphur springs for their pungent eggy smell and a waterfall simply because it is a waterfall.

Although seemingly uneventful, day one helped ease us in to our journey. It is not often you get to see a rainbow or a waterfall and the hot water in Iceland has the same eggy smell of the geothermal sulphur springs. Little did I know at the end of day one that these would be regular features for the days to follow.