Egill Olafsson was a farmer born and raised at the remote village of Hnjotur. He collected all sorts of “interesting” stuff over his life, much of it related to the aviation and fishing history of Iceland. It seems much of what makes up the museum was given to him (though he passed in 1999).. Eventually, after he had amassed enough artifacts, he convinced his local officials to build him a museum, which is now called the Hnjótur Folk Museum. Good on ya, Egill.

The plane is a US Navy Douglas C-117D, a version of the Douglas DC-47 Skytrain or “Dakota” plane which was used extensively by the Allies in the World War 2. After the war, these planes were modified to be used commercially, and could shuttle up to 38 people. During the Vietnam War, some C-117D aircraft were converted to carry out reconnaissance duties. This plane is was decommissioned in 2004 at the airfield in Keflavik, and then donated to the Folk Museum the same year when the Keflavik airfield was closed.

Walking around this mess was a haunting mix of mystery, wondering what went on during its life, and about the people who flew it and on it. I couldn’t help but think about an era when the US was perhaps in a better place than it is now on a global stage.

Leica SL2, and a Leica 24-70mm lens.