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Wisconsin Woman Sets Off on Global Adventures After Father’s Passing
A Wisconsin woman has embarked on a journey around the world in a truck, inspired by her father’s untimely death, which prompted her to embrace life more fully.
Ashley Kay, who is 36 years old, experienced the loss of her father, Tom Kay, at the age of 57 in December 2015. This life-changing event led her to reflect on the stories shared by friends and family about her father’s travels.
Transformative Travels: A New Outlook on Life
These anecdotes left a lasting impression on Kay, motivating her to explore new places for herself. “In the year following his death, I received numerous calls from friends and family sharing incredible tales about my father’s adventures,” she recalled. “This pushed me to leave my small town and explore uncharted territories.”
Over the next several years, Kay traveled widely. A trip to Roatán, an island off the coast of Honduras, was particularly pivotal. There, while scuba diving, she met a full-time traveler who had given up his job in Austria to explore the globe without ever flying. This encounter inspired Kay to pursue a similar lifestyle.
Lessons from Fellow Adventurers
“He hitchhiked, took buses, and couch-surfed,” she shared. Curious about the challenges he faced, Kay asked him what he regretted most about his travels. His heartfelt response—that he wished he had embarked on his adventures sooner—resonated deeply with her, solidifying her resolve.
Baja, Mexico, became her ultimate favorite destination, a place she describes as “feeling like home.” “The natural beauty is stunning, and the Sea of Cortez brings me pure joy,” she noted.
In March 2023, Kay sold her three-bedroom family home and purchased a $44,000 Toyota Tacoma to facilitate her travels. Setting out with her black lab, Porter, she has since been exploring various regions across North and South America.
Challenges on the Road
Despite the joy of exploration, Kay has encountered significant challenges during her travels, particularly related to her vehicle. “In the deserts of Peru, I found myself two-and-a-half hours away from civilization dealing with a suspension problem,” she recounted. She also faced difficulties, such as a flat tire at high elevations in Costa Rica while camping at 12,500 feet, which she had to repair solo.
“Traveling solo requires a lot of work. The daily logistics can quickly lead to burnout,” she added.
Sadly, in August 2024, Kay lost Porter, her faithful companion, which has left her traversing the world alone. While the future feels uncertain without her travel buddy, she believes that the challenges she has encountered will continue to shape her journey ahead.
Embracing Change and Cultivating Patience
“Ultimately, all the issues can be solved; it just takes a bit more figuring out and patience,” Kay reflected, emphasizing her newfound perspective on life and travel.
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