The Forgotten Coast

In the realm of the uncharted and the unexplored, where the untamed wilderness of nature converges with the unforgiving fury of the ocean, lies a realm of adventure and discovery. This is the domain of Chris Burkard, a seasoned photographer and explorer, who has dedicated over a decade of his life to capturing the raw beauty of Iceland's glacial river systems and their tumultuous intersection with the North Atlantic. Inspired by his experiences, Burkard embarks on a daring expedition, navigating an unparalleled 400km course of exposed sandbars along the southern coast of Iceland, with his trusty fat bike and inflatable raft as his only companions. Joining him on this perilous journey are two seasoned veterans, Steve "Doom" Fassbinder and Cameron Lawson, who possess the skills and expertise to tackle the unforgiving terrain and raging waters of this forgotten coastline. The expedition begins with a sense of anticipation and trepidation, as Burkard, Fassbinder, and Lawson set out to connect the 41 isolated sandbars that stretch across this unforgiving landscape. The trio knows that their journey will take them through some of the most inhospitable terrain on the planet, where the forces of nature have sculpted a realm of rugged beauty, characterized by towering cliffs, sheer sea stacks, and windswept valleys. As they navigate their way through this unforgiving terrain, they must contend with the capricious weather of Iceland's southern coast, where the skies can darken in an instant, unleashing torrential rains, blinding snowstorms, and icy tempests that threaten to engulf them at any moment. Undeterred by the obstacles that lie before them, the team begins their journey, armed with a steely resolve and an unwavering commitment to their mission. Equipped with their trusty fat bikes, which provide the necessary traction and stability to navigate the treacherous sandbars, the trio sets off towards their first objective, a remote and inaccessible river system that promises to reveal some of the most breathtaking scenery of their journey. As they pedal through the winding valleys and over the windswept hills, they are struck by the sheer scale and majesty of Iceland's landscape, where towering waterfalls cascade into crystal-clear lagoons, and shimmering glaciers stretch out to the horizon like shimmering specters. However, as they journey deeper into this unforgiving terrain, the team soon realizes that there are more than just natural challenges to contend with. The harsh environment, characterized by extreme weather conditions, limited access to resources, and the ever-present threat of equipment failure, takes its toll on the team, testing their strength, resilience, and determination to the very limit. As the days turn into weeks, the trio must confront the harsh realities of their expedition, where injuries, equipment failures, and the constant barrage of inclement weather threaten to derail their mission at every turn. Yet, despite these daunting challenges, Burkard, Fassbinder, and Lawson remain steadfast in their commitment to their expedition, driven by a shared sense of purpose and a deep passion for the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Through their journey, they begin to reveal the true extent of their skills and expertise, as they navigate the treacherous terrain with a precision and finesse that belies their rugged and unforgiving environment. The team's camaraderie and banter provide a welcome respite from the hardships of their journey, as they share stories, laughter, and moments of levity around campfires that burn brightly in the darkness, illuminating the desolate landscape with a sense of warmth and hope. As the team nears the conclusion of their journey, they are rewarded with some of the most breathtaking scenery of their expedition, as they navigate the exposed sandbars and connect the final stretch of their 400km course. The sheer drama and majesty of this unforgiving landscape, where the forces of nature have sculpted a realm of untamed beauty, is a testament to the power and resilience of the human spirit. Through their journey, Burkard, Fassbinder, and Lawson have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their mission, as they push the boundaries of human endurance and adventure, documenting a realm of raw beauty and untamed wonder that will captivate and inspire audiences for generations to come. In the end, The Forgotten Coast is a testament to the power of adventure and the human spirit, a journey that takes us to the very limits of human endurance, and beyond. Through this epic expedition, we are reminded of the beauty and majesty of the natural world, and the resilience and determination of those who are willing to push the boundaries of what is possible in pursuit of their dreams. As Burkard, Fassbinder, and Lawson ride off into the sunset, their bikes loaded with the weight of their adventure, we are left with a deep sense of awe and reverence for the untamed wilderness of Iceland's forgotten coast, a realm of raw beauty and untamed wonder that will forever be etched in our collective consciousness.