 Ken Koskela |
Iceland anyone? Hello! I'm looking to head to Iceland this summer to take pictures, probably late June. I'm looking for another person(s) obsessed with photography to do the trip with me and of course, split some of the costs. The idea is to rent a 4WD and spend about 10 days there. I'm flexible on dates. Let me know! Thanks. Ken Koskela
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Not adding my name to the list, but Iceland is a place that I've wanted to go to.
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Kay Beausoleil |
Drool ... I envy you this trip, and would love to go back eventually. A companion who speaks Icelandic or who knows a local guide would be a great help to you because away from the airpost and the capital, no guarantees anyone understands English. And that's where the great photography is. Have a blast!
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Ken Koskela |
Thanks very much for the comments. Yes, Iceland is not the easiest place in terms of travel, but based on images I've seen come out of there, I definitely have to go. Kay, I'd love to see your pics.
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Joe Cosentino |
Ken good luck in your quest, I am heading there in May with Jim Zuckerman (better photo Instructor). Iceland has been on my todo list for a long time.
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Ken Koskela |
That will be an awesome trip, Joe. I'm going to Venice with Jim in February... can't wait. I'd love to see your pictures and get your thoughts on Iceland when you return. Have a great time!
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Kay Beausoleil |
Ken, I have a few images in my website Iceland gallery. But if you go to the link below, you'll see great stuff from there, particularly if you're an HDR fan: http://www.stuckincustoms.com/category/travel/iceland/
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Joe Cosentino |
Ken, You will have to let me now how the Venice trip goes, That was another trip I was thinking about
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Joe Cosentino |
Kay I follow trey on G plus, sometimes I find his HDR to be a little over done. He has been in some wonderful places around the world. Joe
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Kay Beausoleil |
Joe, I'm not much of an HDR fan, but Trey has a knack for great composition. And his blog is fun. And I enjoy the images of the many varied places he goes to. Great entertainment, and it's free ...
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Ken Koskela |
Hi, Kay - Thanks for the link... definitely a lot of cool HDR stuff on there (bubbling sulfur pool shot is amazing). I also checked out your portfolio and really like your photography a lot. Hi, Joe - I'll message you after the trip and let you know when I've got Venice pictures posted. Thanks.
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
I'm following this thread too, Ken, because as it happens I am going to Iceland for the first time in Aug. 2012 for a wedding, my birthday, and some vacation days... if you go before then, I'd love to hear experiences, etc. If you go at that time, perhaps we could meet up... if you go after, well... I'll share my thoughts with you! I will actually be up in NYC this weekend to do the initial planning of dates and itinerary with my sister (the bride) and an old friend who will be attending the wedding & vacation portion with me...
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Ken Koskela |
Hey, Christopher... I recognized your name as I've noticed some of your cathedral shots before. I actually think I wrote you at one point regarding one of your shots. Really impressive photography. I'm pretty flexible on when I go.. just some time during the Summer when the days are long. If you are interested in staying on longer to do some photography, I'd definitely be interested in talking. I was thinking about spending around 8 or 9 days there. Not sure what your thoughts are, but I'm definitely looking for someone to do the trip with. I've got one other person interested, but he is fairly tentative at this point. Let me know what you think. Good to hear from you and have fun in NYC!
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
We talked earlier, about your Chicago shot, too, with the helicopter trailing lights... very cool, and just one of many great images you have! The wedding is 8/18. I'm going to determine this weekend, whether the extended stay will be front- or back-loaded... It is safe to assume I'll be there 8/17 - 8/19 at the very, very minimum ;) I'm hoping to make it 7-10 days total; fingers crossed that doesn't break the bank! Aside from the wedding and some time with family, I'll be playing vacationer the rest of the time, with my friend Megan--she's not a photographer, but loves travel, and hasn't seen Iceland before, either. I'll let you know the outcome of this weekend's planning session!
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Ken Koskela |
Thanks very much for the comments. Yes, Iceland is not that cheap, unfortunately. Renting a vehicle to get around seems to be one of the bigger expenses, but a necessary one. Look forward to hearing back from you.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Jeez guys, I am so intrigued by this myself. I thought I had an opportunity to go to the Galapagos Islands in May but turns out it will be May 2013. So, I am still considering a trip sometime this summer as well. I have 5 festival shoots through the summer plus a possible Burningman trip in late August so late June may work better but may blow them all off for a spectacular photo trip. I'll roll this around in my noggin and see what may work.
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Ken Koskela |
Hi, Carlton - I'm definitely interested in chatting more about this. I initially had mid/late June in mind, actually, but am flexible. Let's see what Christopher comes back with. What I was looking for is one or two photographers to spend perhaps 8-10 days there, rent a vehicle, and try to keep the trip reasonably affordable in terms of lodging, etc. Send me an email if you are interested and let's chat! Thanks for writing. Ken K.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Turns out I can add my name to the list. I'm the one marrying Chris' sister. Ain't that sumthin'!!
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Are you kidding Greg ? RT Flights from Seattle are in the $900 range which is easy enough. Tents or hotels or both ? I think financially this will be easy enough - now its about when :) Carlton
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Don't believe everything you read, Carlton ;) I'm afraid Greg isn't my future brother-in-law, unless my sister has had a serious change of heart this week!
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Pat Harry |
Well. I'm jealous. (About the trip - not about marrying Christopher's sister...) But, I think I get to go to Costa Rica this summer, and I'll take that!
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Costa Rica sounds lovely, too... and cheaper, I'm guessing, than Iceland will turn out to be!
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Seven months to change her mind. Or meet somebody at the airport. "Excuse me Miss, are you and your boyfriend traveling to Iceland? Oh, so you don't have a boyfriend, oh really!..."
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
...My sister got a chuckle out of reading this thread... Ken... planning sessions start tonight, and continue tomorrow... Should have a sense of dates then. As well as my travel partner's plans/goals for the trip---not being a photog herself, she may have specific things she wants to do/go/see; accommodating her plans (as my wedding guest) will be my first priority, but I'm going to work in plenty of photo time too (and I don't think she minds the sight-seeing aspect of that.)
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Ken Koskela |
sounds good, Christopher.. look forward to hearing back.
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
...early update: we're likely flying over from NYC Wed. night 8/15, with Thurs night in Reykjavik, Friday out to Budir (the wedding is there, Sat. evening) for 2 nights, taking over the only hotel. Sunday 8/19 we'll leave Budir at some point and begin the true vacation portion of the trip, with a likely goal of flying back to NYC Sat. 8/25 or Sun 8/26. In all likelihood, my friend Megan and I will have a rental car the entire time (not sure it will be 4x4, however.) It is really early to consider any of the details final (other than the 8/15 - 8/18 portion, which is wedding-focused) so I'll share updates as they develop. It seems at this point, I probably won't be the kind of travel partner you're seeking, since I'll in fact have my own travel partner (Megan) as she and I make our way around? But I'd certainly be interested in meeting up, or perhaps participating in a photo tour, etc., if we can work that out...!
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Ken Koskela |
Thanks for the update, Christopher. Yes, it sounds like potentially meeting up for a bit to shoot if the timing works out is where things stand, then. Let's stay in touch on this and see if the dates end up working out that we're all there together. Would be fun to shoot with you. Thanks again.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Hi Ken, I may still be able to do a June trip - just gotta work out a few scheduling things. I will email you and see what kind of dates we are looking at :) Carlton
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Ken Koskela |
Hi, Carlton - Sounds great... I'm definitely open for something in June and will watch for your email.
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Ken Koskela |
Hi, Christopher and Carlton - Just to update you on this, I did end up getting a couple of interested friends to go to Iceland. Our only option using frequent flier miles was August 24-Sept 5, so that's when we are going. Christopher, it looks like we will barely miss you. We'll arrive early afternoon on the 25th. Ken K.
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Hi Ken---keep me posted on how your 25th shapes up; we may not get to go out shooting together, but we might be able to meet & say hi. I just got back from a planning weekend in NYC, and our dates now span 8/16 arrival - 8/26 departure. We're visiting the west and south sides of the country; from the Westfjords (Dynjandi Falls is probably our northernmost point) down to Jokulsarlon (our furthest point in the southeast.) On the 25th we're staying in the accommodations at the Blue Lagoon, and flying out 26th (probably morning--air not booked yet.)
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Ken Koskela |
Hi, Christopher. Let's stay in touch on this, actually. I'd also love to get your thoughts on the trip and any last minute advice you may have for my friends and I before heading out. I'm putting together an itinerary now. Would be helpful to see where you plan on shooting as well as staying, so please shoot me an email on that if you don't mind. I can also do the same as my itinerary develops.
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Ken Koskela |
Joe C - You had asked me to let you know how the Venice trip with Jim Zuckerman went. Had a blast. Images are here: http://www.kenkoskela.com/-/kenkoskela/gallery.php?cat=173115&pID=1&row=15 Please let me know how your Iceland trip goes. Any advice for me afterwards via an email would be much appreciated. Ken K.
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Will do...! My trip will be primarily car-accessible (not 4x4) so I won't be headed into the interior at all. No real hiking excursions (other than say, a guided half-day glacier hike, etc.) My sister and her then-husband are doing a 2-day hike through one of the national parks, after we all disperse following the wedding.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Met a Norwegian woman. Might be able to get me in the neighborhood. But I'm working on it!
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Joe Cosentino |
Ken Great photos from your trip with Jim. I will let you know about the Iceland trip when I get back in May Joe
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
...anyone on the thread (or reading it) use "The Photographer's Ephemeris" application (available for desktop, or mobile) for highly-detailed sunrise/set, moonrise/set info? (Time of day, angle above horizon, rise/set location in relation to your position, etc.)
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Ken Koskela |
Just downloaded the laptop version of that recently, Chris. Definitely useful for having the angle of sunset, etc. Like it. Haven't tried the mobile version.
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- Ken Smith Contact Ken Smith Ken Smith's Gallery |
Chris, John. I just downloaded the Photographers Ephemeris app for my iPhone...based on your comments. I'll try it out later this week. Another iPhone app is Darkness - Moon and Sun. It's $1.99 and does great for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset, current azimuth, altitude, and noon altitude. Plus civil, nautical, and astronomical twilight. You can pre-load different locations, or simply click "current location" for all the info, along with a world map that shows the light/darkness path from the sun.
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
I think using the (free) laptop version for a bit of exploration/tutorial, will ultimately make it much easier for me to use the iPhone version... I just about gave up on that, before I downloaded the desktop one!
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Ken; just got my Kortabok atlas (from a German seller) in the mail. 1:300,000 scale, so I'm not sure it would entirely serve hiking needs (I suspect you can get hiking-specific scaled maps at the parks themselves, or elsewhere in Reykjavik.) But as a driving atlas, this Kortabok will be perfect! (Though with all the work on My GoogleMap Places for my trip, I feel like I've memorized the entire driving route already!)
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Ken Koskela |
Hey, Chris - Thanks for the tip on the map. I need to pick up a couple of these, so I'll check out this one as a good driving map. I still need to book lodging... better get on that.
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Hey Ken--I'm back from the most astonishing, memorable, beautiful, surreal, magical, awe-inspiring place on earth... I'm in serious, depressed denial today at work. Iceland was fan-freakin-tastic; my sister's wedding was probably the most wonderful, beautiful one I've ever attended. I don't think I'll go to any more weddings after seeing this one... :) I hope your trip was an equally huge success!
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Joe Cosentino |
Glad the wedding was great and Iceland is the most wonderful place I have ever been. I can't wait to get back there
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Ken Koskela |
Definitely having the same impression of the place! Here for another 7 days and enjoying every minute. Really glad your trip went well! Look forward to pictures soon.
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Joe Cosentino |
Oops, I never did pst any here, I will I have some at www.keeponshooting.com It's a blog I have been playing with since just before the trip. Its still a work in progress
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Ah, I want to go back for more, Joe, after seeing the posts you made on Iceland :) Plenty more for me to see, yet!
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Joe Cosentino |
I know what you mean we just did the south coast, I am thinking next fall for northern lights, but I already have lots of travel all ready booked for next year
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
I felt a bit rushed, even with 10 days. We hit Reykjavik, portion of Westfjords, portion of Snaefellsnes, then the south (too quickly) with Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon (our easternmost point) and Vik. Definitely not enough time at the glacier lagoon, nor the Vik basalt columns beach & sea-arch nearby :( I felt each of the 4 principal areas we hit could easily have been a 5-day visit by itself. My Iceland images are (very slowly) going up, one-a-day, in my Iceland album in my deluxe gallery, here: http://www.chrisbudny.com/-/chrisbudny/gallery.php?cat=175856&pID=1&row=15
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Joe Cosentino |
Our day at the beach was our coldest it was snowing off and on we never went to the arch I really wanted to hea that way. We did do farther east and spent a day looking do reindeer with some luck but not much. It's hard to decide when you are in a group where to spend time.
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Kay Beausoleil |
Christopher, have you ever met a photographer who's been to Iceland who doesn't want to go back? I want to, bad. On the first trip, I was too excited to do decent work, but I've read a lot of Icelandic fiction and history since. I enjoyed what you've put up in your gallery so far, and envy you the time in the cathedral in Reykjavik. Looking forward to seeing more. You're right about Jokulsarlon -- we spend two days there photographing bits of glacier float by. My own gallery is still growing slowly, even four years later. With luck, there'll be even fresher stuff in it before next year ...
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
I will have to check out your Iceland shots---like you on your first trip---I think I was too excited/overwhelmed many times, and was rushed, and made (or later discovered I'd made) simple errors or mistakes. Lots of camera-movement, despite tripod use, which is alarming. Lots of shots where (being wide-angle) I didn't notice the AutoFocus switch had jumped to Manual Focus... so its fairly in focus (being ultra-wide) but not tack sharp focus. All in all, lots of setups and shots I'd like to redo, as if the first trip were purely a dry run for practice! I'd love to repeat my entire trip, 2-3 full days in every single major destination... And of course, I'd love to be spending another 5 hours soaking in the Blue Lagoon at some point ;)
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Joe Cosentino |
Chris My big mistake was renting a D7000 fro Barrowlenses, I was three days into the trip before I realized how dirty the sensor was, I tried cleaning it after that but most of the photos have about 30 large dust spots to clone out. That was and still is a pain. I learned a lesson. I want to go back and see the northern lights, and I want to get more into the center of the country. I also wish I had my heavy duty tripod, I brought my induro ct114 because it fit nicely in the bag I brought with me.
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Yikes! I got something in/on my sensor while I was there---but didn't notice during LCD screen review for easily 60 shots. Eventually that day I spotted it, and during a lunch stop, did my first ever mirror-lockup-view-the-sensor attempt at cleaning it. Appears I got it, thankfully. Still, a bunch of shots that now require careful cloning, should I want to salvage those particular images - especially where the spot falls in variable sky blues or water blues. Other shots, the spot is conveniently well hidden in the landscape (one like that is already posted at BP.) I too wish I had a heavier tripod... my Induro (can't recall model#) has never failed me before; I love that tripod - but I found several images (once home, reviewing on the computer) that appear to exhibit camera movement; particularly on some of the long-exposure waterfalls, which is hugely disappointing. (Again, not able to tell easily during LCD review at the site.) And agreed---would love to see (whether I successfully photograph or not) the northern lights. (They came out one night on our 10-day trip---but we were in Reykjavik, while the rest of the advance wedding party & photographers were north---they saw & captured them, but we did not.) Also one or two bits of inland park territory I'd like to see (requiring a 4WD to reach.) All in all, it simply means I must go back, with laptop in tow next time (left it at home to keep luggage light this time) as this trip was just a photographic warm-up ;)
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Kay Beausoleil |
Goodness! Makes me feel great about my D300's automatic sensor cleaning function. With many waterfalls small and mighty, I did learn to bracket the shutter speed a lot. I'm not a great fan of the veil effect, but sometimes it seemed to work well. Other times, almost stopping motion on the water made an unusual composition. And then, of course, there's the garden variety what-the-eye-sees. And none of these versions were easy to evaluate on the camera monitor. Our time at the Vik beach was frustrating. It was pouring rain with swirling winds -- no way to photograph more than a second or two without serious drops on the lens however well protected. Had to settle for taking pictures in my mind. Another reason to return. You guys are making me review my stuff, and I've started working on what's in the Iceland file again. Thanks!
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Hey Kay; the 7D has sensor cleaning too; it could not dislodge the big speck of whatever got inside! Our time in the south was the worst weather (and even that was only 1 really bad day, with rain making photography hard.) I just need more time, at each location again!! Time for a lotto ticket... ;)
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Joe Cosentino |
The sensor cleaner did not touch the crap on the sensor, I had a blower with me it helped some but I really needed a swab. Lesson learned. We had good weather only the one day with some snow.
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Kay Beausoleil |
Hi Iceland Fanatics -- you might want to have a look at the article on winter photography in Iceland at www.dpreview.com dated Sept. 19. Here's the link, but I don't know if it'll show up with the necessary slashes in place: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8461550907/winter-photography-in-iceland Sigh ...
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Worked for me when I cut and pasted... Thanks! Would love to shoot inside an ice cave sometime!
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Ken Koskela |
Hi, everyone - Kay, thanks for posting the article. Here's a link to my photos for my August/September Iceland trip. You will probably have to copy and paste the link. http://www.kenkoskela.com/Travel/Photography/Iceland/25535369_z2nkV6#!i=2105727081&k=LBFkcx4 I absolutely LOVED Iceland and can't wait to go back next year. Ken
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