ICELAND, a World Beyond

Carson Zullinger

Þetta reddast:  “thet-ta red-ast”  A national motto meaning "it will all work out,"

Kathy, Patt and I journeyed to Iceland in early October 2025 to participate in a photo tour with an excellent guide from Wales. There were 7 of us from all over the world. We discovered we were in the world beyond. Iceland's landscapes are otherworldly. But there is the light. It constantly changed and being low on the horizon made every moment unique. There are not enough words to describe the raw beauty of this land.  Whether we were exploring ice shards from the glacier on the black sand beach at sunrise, to seeing and photographing the northern lights in a blasting wind, to shooting in rain and then sun within minutes of each other, to having the camaraderie of our group through many days and nights, from this experience we made art. I dream of the mountains, sea, glaciers, cliffs, geysers, and moss everywhere. The trip was life transforming.

“A good beginning makes a good ending.”  Icelandic Proverb

ICELAND, A WORLD BEYOND

PATT PANZER

In reviewing my images for an evening session with our guide photographer/ instructor Andy duing our trip, I realized that I often incorporated animal/ human/ selfy shadow subjects in my landscape photos. Partly to capture our group at work but also for perspective of the vast landscapes that we were experiencing. My photography over the past several years post retirement has had a focus of wildlife in my backyard garden. While on our trip I was in search of Iceland wildlife. Our fellow travelers often helped me in my search for wildlife as we were driving the roads of Iceland. One often heard- “Patt there’s a bird” !   Our group of 7 and our guide bonded and we still keep in touch.

ICELAND, a World Beyond

Kathleen Buckalew

Iceland is called the “Land of Fire and Ice.” And it is—along with
devastating winds, torrential rains, magnificent waterfalls and uncommon
beauty. When you read anything of the history of Iceland, you wonder how
in the world those early people survived here. And thrived.
Our trip to Iceland in October 2025 was at times a bit rough, due to the
wind and rain, but also quite magical. The light was exquisite, as were our
sightings of the Northern Lights.
This is my third trip to Iceland, and I am looking forward to going again. I
want to go in late spring, to see the puffins, the lupines, and experience
those long days of almost-constant light, where the sun hardly sets. Stay
tuned for more photos! And enjoy these as a way to whet your appetite for
Iceland.