94-Year-Old 'Grandma Joy' Sets Global Travel Challenge with Grandson

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ICARO Media Group
News
07/04/2024 17h43

In an extraordinary display of intergenerational adventuring, 94-year-old "Grandma Joy" Ryan has embarked on a new global challenge with her grandson, Brad Ryan, 42. After becoming the oldest person to visit all 63 National Parks in the US, the duo now plans to travel to all seven continents together.

Grandma Joy, who didn't obtain a passport until she was 91, has wasted no time in pursuing her globetrotting dreams. Despite her age, she believes in seizing the moment, stating, "If you slow down, you don't get anything done."

The dynamic duo has already crossed off three continents from their ambitious list. They visited Banff National Park in Canada to represent North America, explored Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya for an African adventure, and recently traveled to South America, exploring Ecuador and the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands, as well as Chile.

Their travels have included remarkable encounters with nature, such as witnessing giant tortoises in Ecuador that could raise their shells "just like a convertible."

However, their journey wasn't always predictable. "Grandma Joy" and Brad were estranged for around a decade due to a family rift. But after reconnecting in 2010, they discovered a shared love for adventure. Ryan learned that his grandmother had never set eyes on a mountain, which became a catalyst for their escapades.

Their first trip together took them to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where Grandma Joy, at the age of 85, experienced her first mountain, climbed it, and even went camping. This initial adventure captivated them both and inspired their subsequent quest to visit all 63 US National Parks.

While the challenge was a formidable task, Ryan and his grandmother took their time, allowing breaks between each trip. Last year, after almost eight years of dedication, Grandma Joy made history as the oldest person to complete the quest. Throughout their journey, she was particularly moved by the famous Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone and the wonders of Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

For Brad Ryan, the experience shattered any preconceived notions he had about aging. He found that traveling with his grandmother not only enriched his encounters with nature but also allowed him to appreciate the smaller details and be more present in the moment.

Their global adventure not only created lasting memories but also imparted a sense of accomplishment to Grandma Joy. As a widow for 30 years, their journey offered her a sense of fulfillment and reminded her that she had truly accomplished something remarkable.

As this awe-inspiring journey continues, Grandma Joy and Brad Ryan epitomize the power of intergenerational bonding, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, proving that age is no barrier to exploration and discovery.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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