About Adventurouspirits
Our love of independent travel began in 1974 when we headed to Europe from South Africa for our first international independent overland trip. We purchased a little battered vehicle and spent 8 months driving, camping and youth hosteling throughout Europe on less than $5.00 a day. We were hooked on travel and by the time our youngest son, David, was 3 years old he was carrying his own backpack, and comfortable either camping or sleeping in youth hostels.
Once our sons Derek and David, were launched Tom and I set off in 2005 in a Land Cruiser with a rooftop tent across Africa traveling over 80,000km for a total of more than 500 days on the road; a distance equivalent of twice around the world. We have traveled through 34 African countries.
In 2010 – 2012
In 2010-2012 we explored the Americas heading south from Alaska to Eastern North America before heading south to Central and South America. After 17 months on the road and 65,000km we arrived at Ushuaia the most southern town in the world.
Our passion and curiosity about the world and what lies beyond our borders has taken us to over 95 countries. We’ve hiked and biked, taken trains and planes, sailed and paddled and once even went on a cruise ship. But our first love is independent vehicle overland travel. Yes we have shipped our vehicle 6 times.Toms energetic nature and fearless risk taking has resulted in broken bones, near death experiences, and every moment of life fully lived. He tried golf and fishing but couldn’t stand still long enough. He started his adult life as a navy seal and tried professional scuba diving before he decided to study geology. He loves the outdoor living, exploring first for minerals and later for oil.Janet has endless energy and curiosity. Her first love are her children and grandchildren who share her sense of adventure and ongoing learnings about the diversity of our planet, the wonders of wildlife, nature, people, cultures and treasures of the world. She also loves writing and photography and dogs.We are fascinated by the changes in travel over the years. Some things make it easier such as GPS, cell phones and the Internet, but others influences have made it harder. We continue to learn how to travel well without breaking the bank and still having an amazing adventures.
We Give Thanks
Thanks to our sons, Derek and David and our grandchildren Samantha and Jakob for all their love and support in planning for these trips. To all our friends for their hilarious comments, suggestions, advice and good wishes, remember we always come back!
