Our day tour was delayed by a blow out but then we were off to Sólheimajökull for our walk.
My clothing for the day had been carefully planned out as I feel the cold, so I was fitted out with: thermal vest and leggings, thin fleece, trackie bottoms, thick fleece, waterproof trousers, waterproof outer jacket... then socks, waterproof socks, leather walking boots, fleece hat and thermal waterproof gloves. This turned out to be just right for the glacier.
When we arrived at the car park facing the glacier we were then fitted out with a harness, helmet, crampons and ice picks. The crampons only took a short while to get used to, taking on a more 'John Wayne' walk and we set out on to the glacier. After the initial hail flurry that attacked us, the weather was generally fine and we could see a good stretch uncovered by cloud.
Next we tried our hands at ice-climbing, with my volunteering to go first. Armed with two picks and my trust crampons (and thankfully a sturdy rope secured and held by our guide Ingó.) I took my first swing. It was easier than I expected to get a good hold with the picks, the difficulties lay in getting a decent footing, but fairly quickly I was up near where the rope was tethered and it was time to lean back and walk back down the ice face.
We each had a turn and then took a further walk on the glacier before turning back to the bus for a very welcome sandwich and drink.
Ingó was a great guide, giving us information along the drive about the volcanic eruptions, introducing us to a little Icelandic music and making sure we were safe on the glacier. He also made sure we had some great chocolate cookies while we were up there!
Do not forget your camera!