Turning 60: Adventure Awaits!
I turn 60 this month. Yahoo…how’d that happen so fast? I’m not freaked about my age, but I’m a bit nervous about where I’ll be celebrating it. Some could say I’ve done something wrong. After all, I’m spending the night of my 60th birthday sleeping in the back of a pickup truck.
For this milestone, many would choose a trip to Paris or a stay at a luxurious resort. Me? I decided to visit Iceland and see it up close and personal.
Adventure holds little allure for me, it never has. My mom was very adventurous, and both my children thrive on it. But I like comfort and predictability.
So, I find it amusing that my 60th birthday trip will be a complete adventure. I’m thrilled that our son and daughter are joining my husband and I.
The four of us will rendezvous at the airport in Reykjavik, Iceland. We’re not staying in 4-star hotels. We’re not even staying in fleabag motels. We’ve rented a four wheel drive pickup truck, with an attached camper that we’ll be living in for ten days.
Unlike the camper my husband and I have been driving around North America, this one has no shower, no toilet, and no privacy. I’m packing for austere conditions, but I am bringing makeup and sunscreen. Some things are non-negotiable for me.
We’ll be exploring the beautiful scenery of Iceland; mountains, hot springs, and waterfalls. But mostly I am looking forward to spending time together as a family.
As we get closer I’ll share more of what I’m bringing along. I don’t plan to waste time in a laundromat. That means I’ll be bringing clothes I can hand wash in a sink and hang to dry overnight.
I can readily admit to being a little nervous about this trip. However, if I don’t challenge myself, I don’t grow.
Stay tuned!
I applaud you for stepping out of your comfort zone! I rejoice with you in celebrating your birthday and getting to spend it with your husband and children. Have fun. Looking forward to posts about your trip!
Thanks Cathy! It’ll be amazing I’m sure! Pictures to follow 🙂
Hi again Jennifer. Love to see that you are coming to Iceland. Fall is coming, it was 10°C at noon yesterday, nights are colder. So warm clothing should be priority, am sending a link to good info. http://www.dohop.com/blog/what-to-wear-travel-style-iceland/
Also, please remember that roads are narrow, new traffic safety video: http://drive.is/
My email is g.sveinsd @gmail.com if you have any questions.
An admirable choice for a milestone birthday, I must say, but not shower or toilet for folks in close quarters might prove interesting. Good for you. I know I could never do it.
b
The lack of shower and toilet is my biggest concern!
There are nice swimming pools and hot tubs in almost every village so getting showers is easy. Toilets at camping sites, tourist info offices, coffee shops and many other places. Dont worry about it.
I’m so relieved to here this! Thanks for telling me.
Happy Trails! It should be an adventure that’s for sure!
Have a great trip. Friends went last year and said it was amazing. And how wonderful to be able to celebrate away with your family. Enjoy!
Celebrating with family will be the best part!
What a fabulous birthday adventure! I hope it is much more than you can even imagine!
Enjoy this wonderful birthday adventure. As you say in your blog motto, aging is mostly about attitude. The same goes for travel. Having a Great attitude is the best first step toward having a great trip.
While in Reykjavik, be sure to sample one of their famous hotdogs. My husband and I share one when there on a cruise stop a few years ago, but wished later that we each got our own instead of splitting one. They are world famous and was great to try, even when we were having great cruise food morning to night!
How fun!! Who would have thought hot dogs were a delicacy?? My husband will love them. Thanks!
“You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.” No toilet. no shower, no… Going for the gusto girl! Happy Birthday!
Xx Sandra!!
I think your trip sounds amazing, and I hope it is even better than you imagine! The older I get – I will be 60 in October – the braver I feel when it comes to adventure and trying new things. Looking forward to seeing pictures of the trip to Iceland and seeing how good you look while camping!
Paula
Thanks Paula! You’re going to have to cut me some slack on my appearance. Being that I’ll be sleeping in a truck 🙂
Hi Jennifer! So excited for you and to have your kids with you is the icing on the cake! Not sure if you’ve seen “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, but I encourage you to do so. It ties in nicely with adventure and Iceland;).
I haven’t and I’ll check it out!!
Sounds like an awesome adventure happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Month! It’s my birthday this month as well! 🙂
What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday! I think it’s great that you are embarking on an adventure that doesn’t come natural to you!
Iceland looks beautiful. We actually had a layover on the way to and from Germany in Iceland, and I now regret that we didn’t spend a few days there. At the time I planned the trip, I was so overwhelmed with planning everything for our Germany trip that I couldn’t think about organizing more…
Looking forward to reading all about your adventures! And hopefully we can meet up and you can tell me about it in person once you get back home! 🙂
Happy birthday month to you too!! Let’s get lunch on the calendar:)
So exciting! I’ve heard the scenery in Iceland is amazing. And a very Happy Birthday to you!!!
Thanks so much!!
Happy Birthday adventure Jennifer! Wishing you and your family joyful times on this trip. I’m looking forward to the beautiful pictures. The weather will be a wonderful change from this unrelenting northern CA heat wave. Xx Karen
I’ll share as much as I can, Internet willing:). It should be nice and cool.
Wow. I’m full of admiration for your adventurous spirit. Have a wonderful birthday. I can’t wait to hear about it all.
SusanD
Last year was my 60th birthday, also in August. I normally adore adventure and new places but last year was different. In the previous 12 months I had lost a dear sister in law to a horrific brain tumour that took her so fast there was no time to say goodbye. A month later my husband and I stood in another ICU praying for the life of our eldest child who had taken a drug overdose. you can understand why I could not give my heart to an adventure…..so I went to where my soul has always found solace, beautiful Prince Edward Island on Canada’s East coast. The week before that birthday I spent a delightful week on an Island in the St. Lawrence in Québec, another place that thrills my soul.
I congratulate you on this special day and enjoy Iceland. Several friends have gone and have really enjoyed it. This August I will be on Anne’s Island again in August…perhaps I will have a great adventure on another birthday…right now the sea is calling me and I must go.
Dearest Allison,
You’ve had a rough spell. I’m so sorry. Listening to what your soul craves is so important. Sending healing thoughts your way! XO
I’m not far behind you; I will turn 60 in October and have decided I want to visit our son in Tulsa. I guess I’m not as adventurous as you! My brother and sister-in-law are traveling to Iceland in December. I’ll be sure to share your experiences with them. Have a great trip!
Oh but I’m not adventurous, Barb! I’m nervous as heck. Thank goodness my children are accomplished travelers. I’m just along for the ride:)
Love this idea! What fun. Adventure awaits!
Happy birthday, Jennifer! Your trip sounds like a wonderful adventure. I admire your ability to stretch your comfort zone in order to experience life more fully! Good for you!!
I hope I don’t whine too much at the accommodations 🙂
According to developmental psychologist Erik Erikson, this time of your life is known as the ‘generativity vs stagnation’ period. Well done on your radical choice to generate rather than stagnate. You have given me cause to think about where and with whom I would like to spend my 60th. I think the highest peak in Australia on a pair of skis followed by a well deserved beer at the pub at the top Eagles Nest with my husband, kids and maybe – grandkids??
Your plan sounds great, Tracey! I don’t want any moss growing under my feet either.