The crowds here were by far the largest that I had encountered since starting this Iceland adventure a week ago. The parking lot was overflowing, and what looked to be an almost standstill line on the staircase leading to the top of the waterfall had me somewhat dejected.
I decided to forego my pack with water, thinking that I’ll get in the line like at an amusement park, eventually make it to the top of the staircase for the obligatory picture, then come back down and be on my way.
The throngs of people on the stairs was actually moving fairly quickly. As one climbed up and looked around, the scenery before me was truly something else. Could there be more to this hike than what initially could be seen from the parking lot?
As I reached the top of Skógafoss, I discovered that the trail kept going for another 30 kilometers, where one could see at least six more waterfalls along the way. The crowd thinned out considerably if one kept on going, and due to the extreme beauty of my surroundings, I completely forgot I had no water or food with me. I just kept on hiking.
It is in moments such as this that I can not help but be reminded of ancient biblical stories of wanderers in the desert, hearing only the voice of God as one makes their way through the wilderness. You are being guided by an unknown yet familiar force of nature. Protected by a higher power looking down on you.
And so it was as I just kept on going further in. The waterfalls would come and go as I would scramble and boulder my way deeper into this wild land.
Soon only sheep were my companions.
I have a feeling of deep peace and a kinship with all living things.
The dead souls from centuries past are felt with every step, and in the sky I can see souls of new life just waiting for their moment upon this Earth.
Eventually I return to the base of Skógafoss. The spray for the mighty waterfall cleanses my spirit in a refreshing manner. Sins and missteps in life are washed away.
Skógafoss was more than I ever expected it to be.
I leave exhausted, and yet completely fulfilled. It is quite the combination of feelings to deal with, but I still have a whole afternoon of travel and unknown adventures ahead of me.
