Keith Fentress and his family were on a mission to see the Northern Lights, and enlisted kimkim to plan their winter trip to Iceland. They were lucky enough to catch the auroras on their week-long adventure, and had lots of wintry fun along the way. From lava caves to glacier snowmobiling and a memorable surprise on their last day, Keith shares more about their experience.
The Fentress family, hailing from the charming town of Sykesville, Maryland, presents a portrait of adventure and familial bonding. Keith and Annette, the parents, have instilled a love for nature and exploration in their children, Zach, aged 21, and Sierra, aged 18. Completing their vibrant household are two Rhodesian Ridgebacks and two sleek black cats, adding to the warmth and dynamism of their home. From a young age, Zach and Sierra were introduced to the wonders of the outdoors, embarking on memorable backpacking trips, engaging in the captivating world of snorkeling, and paddling along serene waters in canoes. This foundation of shared experiences has shaped their travel style, one that prioritizes immersion in nature and the thrill of discovery.
Their list of favorite destinations reads like a curated collection of breathtaking landscapes and unique encounters. The rugged trails of Glacier National Park hold cherished memories of backpacking adventures, while the hut-to-hut hiking experiences in Norway provided a glimpse into the stunning Scandinavian wilderness. A stay at an eco-resort in the Virgin Islands offered a chance to connect with nature in a sustainable and responsible way. These trips are not merely vacations; they are opportunities to disconnect from the digital world, to put aside screens and the distractions of modern life, and to reconnect with each other and the natural world. The Fentress family seeks experiences that are exciting yet accessible, allowing them to fully appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds them, without pushing the boundaries of extreme adventure. They firmly believe that these shared vacations foster lasting memories and forge strong bonds, creating a tapestry of experiences that will enrich their lives for years to come.
The allure of Iceland, particularly as a winter destination, first sparked their interest when their daughter, Sierra, expressed a desire to witness the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights. As she approached her high school graduation, the family sought a meaningful way to celebrate this milestone. Sierra’s wish became the catalyst for their Icelandic adventure. After careful consideration and research, Iceland emerged as the ideal destination, boasting a relatively shorter travel distance from their home in Maryland. More importantly, it promised a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty, a realm of glaciers, volcanoes, and otherworldly phenomena that would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
Having previously visited Iceland ten years prior, the Fentress family sought to venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, aiming to discover hidden gems and create a more authentic and immersive experience. Their previous trip had focused on the iconic Ring Road, encompassing the major attractions. This time, however, they longed for something different, something more intimate and less conventional. To achieve this, they collaborated with Midgard Adventure, a local specialist expertly connected to the land, a partnership facilitated through kimkim. With their expertise, they strategically focused their exploration on the southern region of Iceland, recognizing its abundance of winter activities and unique landscapes. The Southern coast beckoned with promises of ice caves, glacial lagoons, and unparalleled opportunities for witnessing the Northern Lights. The family unanimously agreed that the highlight of their vacation was the mesmerizing display of the aurora borealis. This long-awaited spectacle unfolded towards the end of their trip, fulfilling a cherished bucket-list item and leaving them breathless with wonder.
Each day of their Icelandic adventure was meticulously planned, with a focus on one main activity to allow for full immersion and appreciation. The Super Jeep private tour to Thorsmork stands out as a particularly cherished experience. Their guide, Stepnik, proved to be an invaluable asset, sharing his extensive knowledge of the region and providing thoughtful insights into the landscape. The weather cooperated beautifully, creating the perfect conditions for exploring this stunning area. The day unfolded with exhilarating hikes through snow-dusted valleys, explorations of hidden ice caves, and the breathtaking sight of a frozen waterfall, a testament to the raw power and artistry of nature. Thorsmork offered a sense of seclusion and serenity, a stark contrast to the crowded tourist spots, and a chance to truly connect with the Icelandic wilderness.
Beyond the captivating beauty of Thorsmork, other moments from their trip left an indelible mark on their memories. The family reveled in their exploration of the glacial ice caves near Vik, marveling at the otherworldly formations of ice and the ethereal blue light that filtered through. The adrenaline rush of riding snowmobiles across vast, snow-covered plains provided an exhilarating contrast to the tranquility of their hikes. Hiking to a glacier offered a chance to witness the sheer scale and majesty of these ancient ice formations, and a visit to the Highlands revealed a landscape of rugged beauty and solitude, far removed from the bustling tourist centers. Each of these experiences added a unique layer to their Icelandic adventure, creating a rich tapestry of memories that they will treasure for years to come.
However, beyond the expected beauty of Iceland, the family found that the warmth and hospitality of its people were what truly surprised and touched them. Their experience with Midgard Adventures went far beyond a typical tour operator relationship; they felt genuinely embraced as family. Through several activities with Midgard, the Fentress family had the opportunity to interact with not only the guides, who were unfailingly friendly and knowledgeable, but also other staff members and even their relatives. This immersive experience provided a rare and authentic glimpse into the lives of the Icelandic people, far removed from the superficial interactions often encountered on tours and treks.
A particularly heartwarming surprise occurred on their first tour, when their guide discovered Sierra’s passion for horseback riding and her fascination with Icelandic horses. On their final day with Midgard, the guide orchestrated a surprise visit to his home, where Sierra was given the opportunity to spend quality time with his beloved Icelandic ponies. This thoughtful gesture deeply touched the Fentress family, highlighting the genuine care and personal connection that Midgard Adventures fostered with their clients. Adding a touch of Icelandic tradition to their adventure, the guide playfully challenged them to try fermented shark meat, followed by a shot of schnapps. While the taste may not have been to everyone’s liking, the experience was undoubtedly memorable, adding a touch of humor and cultural immersion to their Icelandic journey.
Even with seven days of exploration, the Fentress family acknowledges that Iceland holds endless treasures waiting to be discovered. Now that they have witnessed the magic of the Northern Lights, they eagerly anticipate a return visit during the warmer months, eager to experience a different facet of this captivating country. Central to their return plans is the desire to reconnect with the team at Midgard Adventures, whose expertise and personal touch transformed their previous trip. They are particularly intrigued by the “Midgard Surprise,” an intriguing offering where the guides craft a bespoke adventure on the spot, tailoring the experience to the interests of the participants and adapting to the prevailing weather conditions. In addition, the family dreams of embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip through the Highlands, immersing themselves in the solitude and raw beauty of this remote and pristine landscape.
Without hesitation, the Fentress family wholeheartedly recommends an Icelandic adventure to other travelers. Their journey was a resounding success, fostering unforgettable memories and strengthening the bonds within their family.
Of course, Iceland is a land of extremes, and the weather played a significant role in shaping their experience. The first part of their trip was blessed with mild, sunny days, providing ideal conditions for exploration. However, the weather soon shifted, bringing strong winds and a mixture of rain and snow, a reminder of Iceland’s unpredictable nature. Traveling on the roads presented challenges at times, requiring careful navigation due to slick conditions and the force of the high winds. Wintertime travel to Iceland, they emphasize, is inherently an adventure, demanding flexibility and preparedness. They advise allowing ample time for travel between destinations, as delays are common due to weather conditions. Some of their most stressful moments arose from the pressure of meeting guides and tour schedules amidst unpredictable weather and road conditions.
Looking ahead to their next adventure, the Fentress family has set their sights on a thrilling rafting trip through the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
The meticulous planning and execution of this remarkable trip was made possible by the Midgard Adventure Team, kimkim’s dedicated local specialists in Hvolsvollur, Iceland. Their expertise and passion for the country ensured that the Fentress family experienced the very best that Iceland has to offer.
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