Iceland Hikers Get Ready for Six Day Adventure

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

MOUNT OLIVE - Imagine unplugging from cell phones, social media and the ordinary daily routine to hike with other women through Iceland and visit the Blue Lagoon, one of the earth’s most awesome places.

Two local women plan to hike this adventure next month when they join Viking Women on the Women’s Laugavegur Hiking Tour with 57 Hours.

Denise Washington of Hackettstown and her good friend

JoAnn Spilman of Long Valley will join up to 16 other women for the six-day hike.

The ladies will fly to Iceland on July 8 and their hike starts Monday, July 10, returning to Reykjavik on Saturday, July 15.

“That morning we go to the Blue Lagoon, then two days in Reykjavik,” says Spilman, retired as a former Information and Cyber Security manager.

The hike is “Professionally mapped out by 57-hours,” explains Washington, a medical coder/auditor, spin instructor, personal trainer and health and wellness coach. “It is a beautiful route and will take in some of the more memorable parts of Iceland going through diverse terrains.”

Spilman and Washington have been friends since 2010 when they met while working out at Peak Performance gym in Chester.

“We joined a contest together and have been fast friends ever since,” says Washington.

Exercising for years — as a marathon runner, winner of the Mt. Olive Biggest Loser Contest through Mt. Olive Recreation Exercise program, and spin instructor — Washington began hiking more than a year ago. The 26 year former Mt. Olive resident went on her first hike in February 2022.

“I took a solo trip to Sedona and hiked for four days and I was hooked,” says Washington, 68. “I hike with various hiking groups on Meetup. Hikeolution, NJ Single 50+, NJ Forty Plus Hiking.”

Her most challenging hike was BearFort Ridge, West Ridge Loop in West Milford.

“A steep elevation (1,400 feet) with many areas which required that I had to use my hands to scramble up rock formations,” says Washington. “There were many scenic overlooks and the feeling of accomplishment I felt once I completed this hike was amazing.”

When she returned from her Sedona trip, she explored other hiking ideas and discovered the Iceland adventure.

“The thought of hiking with a group of women of various ages was intriguing,” says Washington. “Unfortunately, the trip for

July 2022 was sold out. I sent a 20-minute video about the trip to three of my friends; JoAnn responded, “yes” 10 minutes after I sent the email!”

It was in April 2022 when Spilman learned of Washington’s idea. “Denise had wanted to do this hike last year, but it was filled. She sent a few of us an email, seeing if there was any interest. I said, ‘I’m in!’

“The Laugavegur Trail is one of the most spectacular thru-hikes in the world,” she says. We will start at Landmannalaugar ending in Thorsmork.”

Spilman has not done any official hiking trips, she says, but has “been out hiking or walking locally and in Vermont for years.”

Her favorite was “An evening/night hike with Denise this past February on Pyramid Mountain. It was minus 10 degrees F. Challenging, cold, dark,