spelunking in a lava tube cave

spelunking = n. the exploration of caves 

We're no strangers to cave hiking, but spelunking through a lava tube in Iceland was a definite challenge. This wasn't apart of our original itinerary, but a blizzard and avalanche closed several roads leading us to change our plans. That's when Tom signed us up to tour a lava tube cave. I thought we were just going to take a nice leisurely stroll through a cave, but of course Husband picked the most intense tour that lasted several hours. How intense? One of our fellow cave explorers got hurt along the way and had to be carried out for medical attention. So yea.

Started out all bundled up for Iceland's winter, but surprisingly we ended up hiking and climbing inside the cave and started ditching the layers fast.

At the start of the cave, there were several windows where the roof has collapsed that allowed snow and icicles into the cave, so we strapped on our crampons and began to climb over the snowy icy volcanic rock. 

so interesting to have a chance to learn about Iceland's volcanic formation 

 taking home a few volcanic rocks as souvenirs 

While this wasn't apart of our original itinerary, we are so thankful that we were forced to change our plans. This was such a unique experience...a true hidden gem that we almost missed out on.