In February, Arif crossed off a visit to one of his bucket list destinations and at the same time got the opportunity to pursue one of his great passions – other than treating his patients! Although once a chiropractor always a chiropractor, Arif still managed to treat people around him!
Many of you have loved Arif’s photos on our Facebook page so Arif shares his adventures and more photos with you all.
Arif’s Icelandic Adventures
The world is beautiful and fascinating. We have but a lifetime to explore and appreciate what it has to offer. Since walking in the forests of Germany as a child with my grandfather I have enjoyed the exhilaration of hiking and photographing landscapes. One of my hero’s of photography is British landscape photographer David Noton. I had the opportunity to join one of his Icelandic workshops last month, a 25th anniversary wedding gift from Melanie! Only 10 places were available to enthusiastic photographers. To visit one of my bucket list destinations for what was to be a photographic adventure was a dream come true.
For those of you who follow Cliffschiro on Facebook you’ll know how much fun we had and in answer to your requests, I am delighted to share a selection of the photographs from my trip. They include the Aurora Borealis, (Northern Lights), Glaciers, Volcanic Laval flood plains, waterfalls and a photo-bombing Icelandic Horse!
Conditions can be extreme similar to the scenery. Four to five thermal wind and waterproof layers were needed together with spiked snow boots, thermal insoles and two pairs of thermal socks. Hats and gloves were the norm even when working the camera. On day one I tried to operate the camera with no gloves and lost feeling in my fingers. You learn lessons quickly in this environment.
Talking of extreme, our Icelandic guide, Ao Thor “Wolf Thunder”, Yes really that’s what it means! was a true Viking in stature and bravado. Our transport was a Mercedes Sprinter minibus with the lower half and suspension surgically removed soaked in steroids and reattached so that it resembled a four-wheel drive monster. This meant we could drive beyond the reach of most, up 45 degree inclines, through rivers, snow fields and sheet ice. At times our jovial banter and and singing ABBA tunes was replaced by silent fear as we traversed sideways rather than forwards!
Once a chiropractor always a chiropractor and three of the group including Ao required treatment for an injured shoulder, neck pain and food poisoning. It felt like home from home . Even in a remote fishing village over a bowl of hot soup, two of the fishermen were keen for an adjustment. They didn’t speak English but obviously chiropractic sign language is international!
Enjoy the photos!
