Where are you from?

Originally Australia, and I now call Western Canada home

When did you start your interest in exploration?

2007

What is a brief understanding of your background story up until you started seeking adventure?

I grew up in small-town Australia, interested in adventure stories but never daring to dream it could be achievable for me. After University I was so burnt out I decided to snowboard in the Rockies for a winter instead of getting a real job, where I learned you don’t need to be rich to explore and adventure, and that huge adventures are possible for an ordinary guy like me.

What special skills do you have to help with your explorations?

Nothing especially relevant. I’m a Computer Software Engineer, which helps me think things through logically.

Where have you explored so far?

North, Central and South America and the majority of Africa.

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

I drove the length of the Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Argentina, visiting every country in Central America and most in South America. I also drove all the way around Africa from Morocco to South Africa on the West Coast, and then back to Egypt on the East coast, visiting a total of 35 African countries.

What are the top three destinations you hope to explore next, and why?

Covid makes that a very tough question to answer, though I’m excited about the remoteness of central Iceland, the culture and mountains of Central Asia and the expansive deserts of the Middle East.

Where would you recommend others visit?

For African wildlife, landscapes and exploration, it’s hard to beat Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. There is so much on offer, and it’s very achievable.

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

I currently use a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as my adventure vehicle. I have modified it extensively with living creature-comforts like a pop-up roof, fridge, solar panels, drinking water and filtration system, dual batteries, interior living space and storage and of course all the 4x4 gear.

What inspires you to explore more?

Discovering the unknown. I get a thrill from looking around the next corner, from meeting new people with different perspectives on life, from trying new and exotic foods and from learning new languages.

How do you engage with others?

I have a very large presence online, and on the road I attempt to learn local languages and spend as much time as possible on foot at ground level — buying vegetables in local markets, eating from roadside stalls and just chatting with regular people about life.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

We can learn so much about ourselves and our own countries and culture when we see how people around the world live their lives and achieve their goals.

What are your goals when you explore?

To connect with local people and learn about their way of life. In the process I’ll also be teaching them about my way of life, and helping everyone see we’re all in this together.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

I contracted Malaria twice in Africa, I rolled my Jeep onto its side in Uganda and collecting all the visas necessary to traverse the West Coast of Africa, was the biggest logistical challenge I’ve ever undertaken.

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

On hundreds of occasions around Africa I was welcomed into people’s homes, offered food and water and given a place to camp right next to huts in the village. This simple act of welcoming me often brought tears to my eyes, and I will never forget how well I was treated by the warm people of Africa. My goal is to be that same kind of warm and welcoming person to strangers I meet in my life.

How has exploration changed you?

I am acutely aware of how similar people all over the world are, and I think and focus less and less on our differences.

What is the number one lesson that you have learnt through your exploration?

When you treat people well, they will invariably do the same in return.

How do you explore locally?

I get out camping, hiking, biking on the weekends. Now the snow is falling I’ll be snowboarding and snow shoeing whenever I can get out!

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

It’s a great reminder that we only have one life, and the best time to get out and explore somewhere new is right now!

What advice would you give to others who are seeking life changing adventure?

That it really is possible for everyday ordinary people, to make their dreams of massive adventure come true.

What are some comparisons you can make between exploration today, compared to what you know of exploration in the past?

From Jan and Alec’s wonderful book it seems like there was more optimism in the world in decades past, and people weren’t so afraid of other people and cultures. In that way I think adventures were more people-focused and genuine, where-as these days it seems to all focus on the gear and gadgets.

What did you think of the book Strangers Like Angels — With a Devil or Two to Boot by Alec and Jan Forman?

A fantastic account of two happy people who made their dreams come true. Told in a down to earth and easy to understand way, I felt like I was a member of the journey, always eager to see what exotic adventures were next.