SAMAYA x JOSEPH GANDRIEAU

 

 

The Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland: these are the three islands that Joseph Gandrieau is crossing on foot, by bike, on skis, and by packraft. A long-term journey, difficult and sometimes inhospitable climates and terrains, resilience, and a passion for the outdoors in all conditions: this is what drives Joseph, and what he shares.

 

The "3 Islands" expedition is a three-part project, carried out after my thesis, driven by a thirst for adventure! The first part took place at the end of January 2024, taking me from Strasbourg to the north of Denmark by bike, with a pulk attached to two hand-truck wheels. Leaving that faithful steed behind me, I then crossed the Faroe Islands and Iceland on foot and on skis.

 

It took me about ten days to reach Denmark, 10 days to travel across the main island of the Faroes from South to North, and then 25 days to complete the crossing of Iceland from Southwest to Northeast over more than 550km on skis. Through this expedition, I am carrying the message of the "Rêve" association, which works to make the dreams of seriously ill children come true: "a dream can change everything."

 

This is a project I have had in mind for a long time, especially Iceland and its mythical environment, far from everything. Since the Faroe Islands and Denmark are close to Iceland, it seemed obvious to unify this route by bike, hiking, and skiing. It was a huge challenge, requiring a lot of physical effort and resilience, as the sequence was so long.

 

To be honest, before the adventure, I was afraid of the wind. I was worried it would prevent me from making steady progress, especially since Iceland is known for its strong gusts. Ever since a bad experience with a storm while kayaking across the Danube, I have had a real apprehension about bivouacking in high winds. But I think this adventure was the first step toward regaining confidence. I think I learned better how to face it, how to protect myself from it, but also when to give up... to better set off again the next day (or the day after).

 

After days of cycling and a crossing of the legendary Faroes, I found myself alone facing one of the greatest physical challenges of my life, in a harsh but breathtaking environment: Iceland in winter. At first, I felt no apprehension. I had been pedaling and walking for weeks just to find myself in this harsh, cold environment. I couldn't wait to put on my skis to cross this white desert!

 

Living conditions in Iceland were nothing like the bike trip or the trek in the Faroes. Every little daily task required extra effort and energy, both mentally and physically. Melting ice to drink and eat, rolling up your sleeping bag, setting up and packing away the tent despite frozen fingers, digging and building a snow wall every evening to protect yourself from the wind, carrying or putting the pulk on wheels when snow conditions were no longer ideal... This pulk, weighing over 60 kilograms, was both a gift, essential for transporting all the gear and food, but also a living hell during climbs, river crossings, and snowless stretches. My progress was not easy, even when weather conditions were mild.

 

Despite these difficulties, I had 25 days of dreams. 25 days through a wonderful Iceland that I wanted to cross exactly as I did. 25 days experiencing Iceland exactly how I really wanted to: skiing, struggling, discovering, bivouacking! I often repeated to myself, "this Iceland and no other."

 

It was even better than I had imagined. I'm still on cloud nine when I think back on it. Obviously, there were unforeseen events, big moments of struggle and fatigue throughout these 560 kilometers, but everything thrilled me. Especially the moment I caught sight of the finish line of the expedition in the distance: that lighthouse far in the Northeast of the island. It was a transcendent moment! I had done it. I looked at the map to see how far I had come. I remember it gave me a real boost to finish the last few kilometers. I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day!

 

More than a single moment, it is a period that I particularly remember: entering this white desert – the highlands. Nothing left on the horizon, no sound when the skis stop on the snow, immense white landscapes as far as the eye can see. "My white desert," in the heart of which I spent my nights and days.

 

For me, without a bivouac, the adventure is not complete. This project is based on a desire to move forward in nature and pitch my tent every day. What a joy to slip into my Samaya2.5, sheltered from the wind after a hard day. Sylvain Tesson's maxim resonated within me: "the only 5-star hotel is the dry bivouac when you've been in the rain all day." It's a wonderful experience on which the adventure is built! And it can even make nights away from the tent feel a bit dull in comparison.

 

The end of the adventure was truly special. It was at once a feeling of accomplishment and a little frustration to see this adventure already behind me. Despite the fatigue, I still wanted to keep going.

 

The next part of the project will take me to Greenland for more than two months of exploration far from cities and marked trails. I will cross mountains and fjords to try and push forward in these untouched territories. I will trade the pulk for a backpack and a packraft! The philosophy of this third island will undoubtedly be different. I am not embarking on a long-distance crossing there... but let's keep a little mystery!