The hidden cove

Karlsdráttur

Iceland, July 2014: Part 4 of 5

For a short time we followed the 35 road from the Hvítá bridge until leaving at the junction towards Hvítárnes. The fresh waters of the headstream Svartá were a welcome change to the dry surroundings.

While approaching the green Hvítárnes area more and more birdlife surrounded us.

Spói (Whimbrel, Regenbrachvogel, Numenius phaeopus) in front of the Langjökull

Heiðlóa (Golden Plover, Goldregenpfeifer, Pluvialis apricaria)

View towards the distant Kerlingarfjöll: Klakkur, a distinctly sharp mountains under dramatic clouds.

Once again we spent a night at the oldest FÍ hut in Hvítárnes. In the evening goose and sheep gathered.

The next day we waited for the rain to cease and tried to ford the many arms of Fúlakvísl, the river flooded wide areas of Fremri Fróðárdalur. Our third attempt was successful.

Fremri Fróðárdalur. We fully walked into this valley along the slopes of Hrefnubúðir. The main channel of Fúlakvísl made a bend into it before flowing into Hvítárvatn.

At the river Fróða. For just 7km we needed 4 hours and finally camped in Fremri Fróðárdalur to wait again 24h for less rain. The horizontal lines on the hillsides mark former water levels of Hvítárvatn.

Two days later: Following once again the Fúlakvísl, but this time in the other direction below Leggjabrjótur.

Hvítárvatn and Bláfell in mysterious light

Finally after ascending steep slopes: Karlsdráttur lay in front of us.

Inflorescence of Ætihvönn (Engelwurz, Angelica archangelica)

Skriðufell and Norðurjökull, a retreating glacier tongue of the icefield Langjökull.

The estuary of Fúlakvísl into Hvítárvatn

All around the water was running out of the mountain sides. Best filtered water!

Karlsdráttur was after Þórisdalur and Jarlhettur the third main destination of our three week trekking route in the vicinity of Langjökull and Hofsjökull. The marshy Hvítárnes area is a peaceful place full of birdlife amidst the Kjölur highland. Karlsdráttur, a secluded cove located at the northwestern corner of Hvítárvatn, was difficult to reach as the flooding glacial river Fúlakvísl wanted to be forded first. But it was worth the effort. We spent two days there, again with a lot of rain, but also wonderful views towards the retreating glacier tongue of Norðurjökull. Isolated from the surrounding areas by steep hills, the Langjökull and glacial rivers, Karlsdráttur is home to a multitude of flowers and birds. I am happy that it was possible to bring some pictures from there despite the poor weather conditions.

Route:

Hvítárnes - Fúlakvísl - Fremri Fróðárdalur - Karlsdráttur - Innri Fróðárdalur - Þverbrekknamúli

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The hidden cove

Karlsdráttur

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