Having lived in the upper Midwest most of my life, I’m no stranger to big winter mornings. Having come through a storm the day before, this one seemed especially beautiful as dawn broke. (Höfn, Iceland, 2024)
Lighted Spaces and Landscapes
Excerpts from a Geographer's Photo Archive
recent posts
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One of my last days in Iceland I went up in Hallgrímskirkja to catch some last views of the city and the surrounding islands and mountains. (Reykjavik, Iceland, 2024)
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Reynisfjara Beach is one of the most beautiful and interesting black sand beaches in the world. It is also one of the most dangerous. The sun was going down on a cold winter evening and the water was calm. Even though I didn’t expect them, I kept my eye open for sneaker waves. (Vik, Iceland, 2024)
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I had been to Jökulsárlón twice before–both times on sunlit summer days. I wanted to see the glacial lagoon in winter. I have some better photos of ice flows that I will post sometime. I like this one because of the icebergs in the the lagoon and the intrepid December tourists who have the same idea I have. (Jökulsárlón, Iceland, 2024)
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As I mentioned yesterday, we have adopted some Icelandic traditions including the Yule Lads. One by one they start arriving on December 12 with the entrance of Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod who harasses the sheep) who also departs on Christmas Day. Yesterday the last of the Lads, Kertasníkir (the Candle Beggar) arrived and he will depart on the 6th. I’ve heard them described as “santas,” but to me they are “their own thing.” (Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, 2025)
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After living in Iceland we have adopted some of the Icelandic Christmas traditions–including Jólakötturinn, the Christmas Cat. Getting socks for Christmas is an important thing. (Reykjavik, Iceland 2024)
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I was having lunch with a friend the other day and she was talking about going up in the lighthouse for the solstice. As I was listening to her I realized I lived across the harbor from the lighthouse and I had never climbed up it–but I have a number of photos, (Kenosha, Wisconsin, 2012)
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The first time I saw the Grand Canyon was in January just after a snowfall. I’ve been there several times since–always spectacular. This visit was special. (Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, 2001)
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We were staying on a coffee collective in Nicaragua when my colleague caught me on the porch just before breakfast. Knowing me I think I was looking for coffee to start the morning. (Matagalpa, Nicaragua, 2007)
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When I’m asked about the winter darkness in Iceland I tell people that it looks the same as darkness anywhere else. It’s the daylight that becomes special. I took a lunchtime walk along the harbor in late December. It was unplanned. I had come out of a meeting and the city was just so lovely in the orange light I had to walk and see it. (Reykjavik, Iceland 2024)
Lighted Spaces and Landscapes 