In Iceland, the moss and lava go together like salt and pepper, like thunder and lightening, like ebony and ivory. They belong together like peanut butter and jam. Or like macaroni and cheese. Or maybe fish and chips. Not that I want to eat the lava and moss or anything. I must be hungry.
The moss grows like a thick cozy blanket on top of the rough lava fields – sometimes as thick as six inches deep in places. Maybe more! But I’ve been told that the moss is very fragile and we shouldn’t walk on it or lay down on it even it if does seem like it would make a nice blanket 🙂
A stark contrast to the flowing waterfalls and jagged, rocky cliffs, the moss feels like it could be a home for hobbits or the “hidden people” that some Icelanders believe in (or so they say – I’m not sure if anyone actually believes or not, but there are stories …)
On this volcanic island, it’s not too difficult to imagine mythical creatures coming to life.
In order to make this last close-up image of the moss, I used an Opteka 10x diopter on my 55-210mm lens. It’s a close-up filter that you screw on to the end of the lens and it allows you to focus closer turning a telephoto lens into a macro lens. Very handy!
Beautiful captures. I admire your courage to delve into photography as life career. I enjoy your every posts.
Thank you so much Angelito, I really appreciate that.
Hi Anne
Thank you for anothe great and very interesting article as always beautiful images .
Much appreciated Les 🙂
Hi Anne,
Just back from there, I’m sure I went to the same place (not far off the road) but currently the gullies are deep in snow with the mosses and lichen uncovered and highlighted in the (rare as it happens) sun.
Hi Mike, seeing it in the snow must have been amazing! I think I’m going to have to go back in winter next time to enjoy the snow, icicles and ice caves!
Hi Anne
Stunning images as always … Love your posts 🙂
Thank you very much Spencer, I really appreciate that.
I remember lying there on the cold moss… feeling it, and trying to dip my fingers in to know how thick is the layer. Iceland is a place to visit not one, but many times.
Thank you for the blog and sharing the photos.
You lied down on the moss!! What a great idea, that would have made an awesome photograph!! Well, now I HAVE to go back 🙂 Thanks for your visit and comments Muji.
You amazingly come with really good posts. Thanks a lot for sharing your Article. Good to find an expert who knows what he’s talking about!
I have to suggest and recommend not walking or laying on the moss. That kills it and the area ends up with nothing but ugly dirt patches and trails. When you do that, and others see you, it”gives them permission” to do the same and then you have dozens or hundreds of trampling feet and bodies squashing the moss and ruining. it for everyone coming after, especially these days with increasing numbers of people visiting Iceland. The environment in Iceland is very fragile and doesn’t rebound quickly from abuse. Continued abuse will result in restricted access which makes nobody happy. Just be aware and conscientious.
Hi Mike, thanks for your comments and recommendation about not walking on the moss. I didn’t realize how fragile it is, so I’m glad that I stuck with the trail and rocks where there was no moss. I have seen photos of people laying on it though. In Canada where I am from, the moss grows back every year whether you want it to or not, so I didn’t know that it takes a long time for the moss to grow in Iceland. Good to know!
You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about an hour. I am a newbie and your success is very much an inspiration for me.
Many thanks Lili! Newbies always welcome 🙂 I hope you signed up for my newsletter – if so there are lots of free tutorials and eBooks coming your way!