Just don't fall off mountain man...

Day 1:

We drive for what feels like hours (20 min) to be dropped off in a foreign land to fend for our lives. I was able to candidly snap this photo for a bread trail to find my way home.

Day 2:

We are abandoned at base of what feels like a mountain (Mt. Esja) The task to reach the summit feels daunting. I just hope my small amount of provisions (cheese/crackers, carrots, and banana) last me on this endless journey.

Day 3:

I am astonished by the lush greens and small amount of foliage. I will not have much shelter, but will have to make due with what I have.

Day 4:

Find others that must also make the trek and hate having their sweaty face documented by pictures taken candidly over my shoulder.

Day 5:

We choose a leader, Orri, aka "mountain man," to guide us to the top!

Day 6:

I look back to see how much distance I've covered. At this pace, my edibles will be gone soon. I should pick up the pace.

Day 7:

I encounter stairs of the most vicious kind. But must push onward.

Day 8:

The world gets smaller, and nearly disappears into the landscape.

Day 9:

I find water and am relieved by its beauty.

Day 10:

I start to fall behind the leader because I am taking so many pictures.

Day 11:

I meet Julia, she hates her pictures taken, and must approve of them after every snap. We find that we must work together in order to catch up, saving time by taking pictures of each other and dividing the load.

Day 12:

The leaders are well off in the distance, but we always can identify by Johns bright yellow bag. We must adjust to the new and strange terrain.

Day 13:

I must document my existence, in case I fall off the mountain, get eaten by a polar bear, or pass out from lack of nourishment. At this point I am incredibly weary and ready to give up.

Day 14:

We are almost to the base of "the rock." We catch up to our fearless leader who allows us to take a small rest.

Day 15:

Looking up at the top of the rock, I wonder how in the hell I am going to reach the top with little mountain climbing experience. We are told "just dont fall off." Best words of advice yet.

Day 16:

I document a few more pictures of my surrounding and existence before I start the rigorous and deadly ascent to the top of the mountain.

Day 17:

I start the climb, but wonder why there are no paths to the top. I guess I have to find my own way.

Day 18:

I've lost Julia, I hope she didn't fall off the side. But I must keep going.

Day 19:

I find John holding on to for dear life, watching ever step as to not slip and perish.

Day 20:

The edge is near. I must put camera down and concentrate on climbing.

Day 21:

I catch up with "mountain man" who says if I want to reach the top, I need to climb up these rocks. I shit my pants, but luckily I brought a spare pair.

Day 22:

I must brace myself for the imminent fall of others. We are all weak with exhaustion.

Day 24:

I reach the summit, have some food, and take some pictures of the others that were able to survive the nearly impossible trek to the top.

Day 25:

We begin the descent, and I must help Julia after "abandoning" her, and "making" her get stuck on a rock and being forced to wait a number of hours for another group of pilgrims to rescue her from probable death.

Day 26:

The decent down proves to be slightly easier than before, but I still must be careful to watch myself from face-planting into the rocks as others have done before me.

Day 27:

I find a stream from which I can refill my water bottle with crisp and clean glacier water.

Day 28:

I fall to my knees and nearly fall into the ice-cold stream, I am angered... but must keep going.

Day 29:

Almost die in avalanche. Stream saves us.

Day 30:

Must cross stream to make it back to base!

Day 31:

I am relieved to make it back to safety. I am sore, tired, and obviously lacking hygiene. At this point, I am wearing tatters for clothing, and shivering... But I did it. I hated every second of the horrible torture I had to endure, but am one step closer to making it home.

I love Iceland.