Hvannadalshnúkur: Summit 🗻
#HeyFrancis | As good friend once told me, "The desire to quit is greatest when you are about to succeed." This statement couldn't have been more true lol. As we ventured up the steepest part of the mountain I had to put my camera away for fear of dropping and losing it forever 😱 (wish I would have kept it out smh). Cramps began calling my name with each step as we neared the top (not to mention the farts that also slipped out with each step; damn those high-fiber crackers 💩).
With ice axes/picks in hand and sweat dripping across our brows, we had finally made it over the last crevasse (spoken in an Icelandic accent; try it lol) and saw the summit! At this point all other feelings became null and void and excitement and relief began to take over. WHAT..A..SIGHT!
I really wish a picture could do it justice, but wow, what an experience it was overlooking Iceland from its highest point. I'd like to thank everyone on our journey (#DabStreetBoys), for if not for their motivation and encouragement (along with direction; thanks Thorsten lol), the hike wouldn't have been possible. After a few photo ops and a few moments to reflect on our journey, it was time to head back. Though quicker than the ascent, the experience was a bit more action packed (a few of us fell nearly waist deep in snow on the way down haha). Grabbing some fresh glacier auga (water) on the way down was most definitely a highlight though.
Though I didn't have any expectation going in, I'm super happy to have made the journey. It's such a special and grateful feeling being able to share "out of this world" experiences with some of my closest friends; along with cultivating new relationships along the way. Travel the world, and travel often while you're young. Because at the end of the day, will you really be able to climb that mountain when you're nearing retirement? I'll leave the question up to you. Thanks for tuning in everyone!
- Mike Francis
To book your mountain climb today, check out: https://www.mountainguides.is/day-tours/mountain-climbing/icelands-highest-summit/