Grotta
I set off to walk from Reykjavik all the way out a peninsula one afternoon as a means to both make my way to a lighthouse I noticed on a map that morning, and as an excuse to traverse through neighborhoods and to see what local spots I may come across along the way. I stumbled into a grocery store just as I was regretting not bringing more water along for the walk and loaded up on some snacks and a couple of pre-made sandwiches.
I love making time for un-guided walked like this while traveling. I left on foot from my hostel without much of a map, only knowing that If I continued to walk I would eventually hit an ocean, and a vague sense of the shape of this part of the city and its surrounding area. The last mile or so of my walk ended up being down a walkway along the coast which lead me to the lighthouse hiding quietly at the end of fields and sparse local businesses.
After eating my sandwiches and having a drink, I considered flagging a car down and asking for a ride back into the city but ended up taking a brisk walk back along the waters edge as the sun slowly waned in the distance instead. There was a thoroughness to the sense of calm I felt on the second leg of that walk that ended up overshadowing almost everything else on the trip. Let’s see if I can describe the feeling.
Imagine a sense of confidence, not of arrogance or entitlement, but a mental space free of fear or doubt. Then add in a dash of loneliness, not enough to feel alone, but enough to invoke longing and understanding that this space you are in is yours and yours alone and it is beautiful and whole. To top off this feeling, add an acute sense of mindfulness, there is no past and no future in this space, only this view, this heartbeat, a cold breeze. Fill it with some of your favorite music and wrap it all up with a gentle smirk of joy and you are in my shoes at that moment.
I also had a camera along in hand, and snapped a few photos of my walk to maybe share one day down the line and that day is today. Modest, blue, in between day and night, the tide is low and time stands still. What will you do with this moment?
(P.S – iPad link is for all mobile devices.)
Love this, John. My wife and I are headed to Iceland for the second time next week. Maybe we’ll find this spot!
John great blog I really like the desktops and the views of places that are inspiring. Keep it up!
Hello john,
I have been a long time reader of your blog. I think it was a Lifehacker post on Facebook which lead me to fiftyfootshadows. Over the years, things have changed a lot for me but one of the few things that have remained constant is your blog. I make sure I check for updates every once in a while and when I find nothing I scroll through the archives and read some of your old stuff. Today was one of those days.
You write amazingly well and the best way I could describe it would be the word ethereal. My laptop wallpapers have been your photographs for years now. At this point your blog is a part of my nostalgia trips.
Thank you for your constant efforts on this blog and amazing photography.
Best wishes!
This genuinely means the world to me to hear. As my life has evolved this project has slowed down but I can’t let it go and will continue to update it as I am able. One day I hope to get back to regular posting for sure. I love this space and messages like yours keep the flame burning. Thanks for taking the time.
John, a huge, long-time fan here. I stopped by to see how you were doing and was relieved to see your reply to Kartikey’s comment. I’ve had a fiftyfootshadows wallpaper for as long as I can remember, and am always getting positive remarks about how beautiful the photos are. Keep up the great work, but also maintain a balance with other important things in your life.
P.S. Still loving the fiftyfootshadows keychain. :)