My skin tingled.

My heart beat a little faster.  

This one got my immediate attention.

An Iceland Adventure

I would visit Iceland again, in a heart beat.

We had camped there for one month in June, 2017. A life-changing experience.

Our plan was to return this year to explore some of the sites we missed on our first visit, such as the Latrabjarg cliffs on the westernmost point in Iceland. These cliffs are home to millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills. 

We want to revisit and spend more time hiking the breathtaking countryside; soaking in the hidden hot springs; taking photos of the stunning scenery.  

Travelling to Iceland is not in the cards at the moment.

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The News Feed says: Conqueror Virtual Challenge, Ring Road, Iceland

I immediately sign up!

Why Virtual Travel?

My body and spirit are craving something new.

An adventure. A goal. 

I am recalling fond memories and returning to photos from a happy, carefree, period in my life.

Something to get excited about!

10 Things I Learned This First Week On The Challenge

1.  I have to start somewhere.

2.  I need to focus on something besides world news and all of the concerns on our planet.

3.  A new route in the daytime, a garden of rocks, crocuses peaking out.

            A new perspective.

4.  A walk in the evening, the stars and the heavens above me. A new feeling of peace settles upon me.

           I am part of something bigger, greater.  

5.  Pouring rain cleanses and nurtures the Earth and my Soul.  Pouring rain washes away my tears. I am reminded how ‘this, too, shall pass.’

6.  Cold air against my face is exhilarating and life-affirming.

7.  I have a new sense of clarity.

8.  Am I devoting my time to my highest priorities? My deepest values?

9.  Where am I investing my most precious resource, my energy?

10.  I return home, renewed, refreshed, my spirit restored.

The Honeymoon Period 

Virtual walking challenges have been showing up in my news feed the past few months.  

Iceland caught my immediate attention.  

I jump out of bed each morning to log in yesterday’s kilometres. I want to see my little icon on Google Earth. Where am I today? Do I recall this scenery from our trip in 2017?

I realize I am still in the honeymoon period.

If I am lucky, my honeymoon will continue for the next five months.

                    Something to get excited about!

Have you started something new this January, 2021?

What do you look forward to doing every day?

Behind the Scenery

You can choose from many walking challenges. 

I have signed onto: The Conqueror Events Challenges, Ring Road, Iceland

Their app is reasonable in price and user friendly. I have received prompt responses to questions from their team members.

It is fun to play with the bells and whistles

Google street view is easily accessible – Real trees are planted for every 20% of the challenge you complete – Receive virtual postcards when you reach certain milestones – A conversion chart for other fitness activities – A unique limited edition medal is mailed to you when you cross the finish line – A diverse, inclusive fitness community from around the world – And many more features.

My goal:  1332.5 km. in 168 days. 

“I had to start somewhere.” 

Minimum 8km per day. This goal can be changed at any time.

I have a pace car behind me, nudging me along.

I have the stunning views of Iceland, ahead of me.

              I look forward to the scenery along the way.

Friends have signed onto various walking/fitness challenges

We are supporting each other. I can easily add names to this list.

Joanne   Following A Bold Plan

Sue   Women Living Well After 50 

Deb   Deb’s World

Jo   And Anyways…

Donna   Retirement Reflections

Sue, an inspirational blogger and friend, has written an excellent post “Move it or lose it – don’t let COVID lockdown be your excuse”

Leanne, a friend and blogger has an informative and inspirational blog called “Cresting The Hill.”  As part of her Midlife Symphony Series in 2020, she shared my story “How an Iceland Adventure led to midlife blogging.”

“Iceland Naturally, The Icelander” published my story in their July, 2018 issue.  “How do I choose I favourite photo of Iceland?”