Celebrating Turning 60 in Iceland
Our Iceland adventure is not quite a National Lampoon vacation, but close. Within an hour of taking off in our camper, we underestimated its height and assured my son it would fit under the roof of a parkade.
Apparently we were mistaken. We hit the scaffolding of the parkade and ripped two plastic covers off the camper roof. Did I mention it was raining?
Day two, my birthday, we headed back to the camper rental place to have plastic taped over the gaping holes in the roof. A big improvement!
We finally hit the road to the Golden Circle. Our first stop was Pingviller National Park where the views and history are amazing. The remnants of shelters built atop previous ones, date back to the Commonwealth Era (930-1262).
First family selfie in which my son said, “Stand up Mom so we can get you in the picture”. I’m already on tip
toes. Smart ass.
The paths up to view the Geysir at Sudurland were lined with bubbling pools of hot water and natural springs with water clear enough to see deep into the earth.
Every fifteen minutes the big Geysir blows, showering nearby tourists with mist and spray that smells strongly of sulphur.
We stopped and did the obligatory goofy hat photo while we tanked up on coffee, then moved on.
Our next stop was the Gulfoss Falls.
I found it amusing to see no guard rails anywhere in site. In the US there’d probably be 6ft wire fences and multiple warning signs.
Our last stop in the Golden Circle was “Secret Lagoon”, natural hot spring.
This was amazing! Filled with locals and tourists alike, we soaked and relaxed for several hours.
As we set up camp that night we discovered my sons tent had been stolen out of the back of our truck during the day. Have I mentioned this camper is sardine can-sized?
The four of us, 3 tall adults and one short person crammed in for a night of card games and little sleep.
We’re off to the southeast tomorrow to see what sort of trouble we can cook up!
Hey Jen- I had to come b.ack by and catch up on these amazing travel posts (you know me)! The photo of you is just so glamourous. I caught that one before-maybe Instagram? Suitable for framing. What a wonderful way to celebrate your 60th–with your family– on an adventure. I’m exactly 5 years behind you and celebrated my 55 in Paris…didn’t hurt too much ;).
Great catching up wth you this week!
xx, Heather
It was great chatting!! Iceland was amazing, but Paris is awesome too. xx
I love coming along on your special trip! Happy Birthday! xoxo, Brenda
Adventuring at 60 is GREAT! Love this lighthearted look at the challenges of your trip. That hot pool looks like a wonderful place to ease some of the stress.
What great fun and memories you all must be experiencing! I’d love to see a few pictures of this camper. Also, do you get a little of the Yellowstone Park-esk feeling ?? I think that this may be a step way more primitive than some of us would risk. Kudos to your spirit. Happy Birthday!
This is way more primitive that camping in the US! Surprisingly so. I’ll post some pictures of the trailer soon.
Happy 60th! You do look very glamorous relaxing in that hot springs! Beautiful photos. Fun time for all making memories to last a lifetime. Enjoy! Xx
Thank you Karen!
Thanks for sharing your awesome trip in Iceland! Happy 60th Birthday! ????❤️???????????????? The photos are amazing!
Thanks!
Good on you for still smiling despite the trials. What a wonderful family you have – your kids are just gorgeous, and what good sports to come with you and play along. Amazing scenery, this is a gift to see these pictures, thank you.
They are good sports and the best kids! I’m so happy they could join us. They’re keeping me laughing.
Happy Birthday! My goodness that picture of you in the hot spring is gorgeous! I can’t imaging you in a camper with 3 others, so I hope that doesn’t get too old, too soon.
Enjoy that beautiful countryside
Thanks, Jan! I want to go soak in it again. Camper life is taking its toll on my back:)
Looks like a pristine spot to celebrate one’s birthday…happy that you are marking this milestone in such style!
It’s a gorgeous spot!
Such a grand adventure! Good to see everyone still smiling. Have fun.
You have to smile in a place like this surrounded by loved ones. I’m so lucky, and I know it.
Smiled at your photo, I know the feelng a very tall family 3 men well over 6′ me 5’2″.
Wow!! Bigger difference than for me.