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Johnny and Debbie (Big Six)

Today's Explorers

An interview with

An interview with

Johnny and Debbie (Big Six)

April 14, 2021
7
min read
by
Charles Forman
Netherlands

Where are you from?

Netherlands

When did you start your interest in exploration?

Exploration started at a young age. It started with an interest in world travel by bicycle, later I also traveled a lot on the moped and of course now mostly with the Land Rover 127 or our Salsa Blackborow Fatbike's

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

We both come from different backgrounds both involving nature. But since we are engaged in online marketing and photography we are free to travel full time. With our online marketing we now mainly focus on; Outdoor, Nature and Travel. We do not disclose for which companies and / or persons we do this. Mainly because our messages are posted in the name of the person or company.

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

We complement each other well. Debbie takes care of everything inside the camper and I outside. We completely restored the LR127 and built the camper. As a result, we know a lot about our vehicle. And now support other couples with building their dream vehicle. More about our rebuild project in our Story Highlight or website.

Where have you explored so far?

New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Danmark, Singapore, Germany, Scotland, England, Greece, Albany, Slovenia, Canada, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Sweden, Corsica, Thailand, Tunisia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, USA, UAE

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

For a long time we had to travel with a limit on holiday days, but then always felt that we had to hurry to see and experience everything that a place or country has to offer. Now that we can travel full-time, we are taking more time to really discover places. And we can adapt our trips to the seasons of nature and wait for a breeding season or whale migration.

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

It's all uncertain due to Covid-19. But let's assume that those limitations don't count.

USA, Southern Africa, Sub-Antarctic Islands and Antarctica. All these places have beautiful nature and impressive wildlife. But to be real, we will probably start with Scandinavia. Again for nature and wildlife.

Where would you recommend others visit?

Depending on whether time is a limitation. But if you have a few months to spare, New Zealand is recommended. If you are stuck on a three-week leave. Then we would recommend Iceland.

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

We travel with a Land Rover 127 tipper from 1983. We completely restored the car and converted it into a camper in 2016. Due to some minor problems, we finished the LR127 at the end of 2019. We have been using the LR127 for travel since February 2017. The suspension of the car is perhaps the most positive. The combination of the X-eng anti-roll bar and the auxiliary air suspension and koni shock absorbers and wide wheels give us a stable and comfortable ride. When the road turns into technical climbing or descending we can switch off the anti-roll bar and air suspension and we have a lot of flex and changed the LR127 from tourer to off-roader. I would like to use the oven in the kitchen for our second top modification. because in addition to a cold drink, delicious food is also important.

The Quick Pitch en-suite shower curtain gives us privacy to quickly change or shower wherever we are.

What are five pieces of equipment you always travel with?

Quick- Barbe, our camera bag, barista coffee setup, Tool roll, ARB portable twin compressor kit.

What inspires you to explore more?

The search for wildlife and everything we encounter along the way.

How do you engage with others?

We visit travel related events and on social media. In addition, we are regularly approached by email or Dm.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

We don't travel directly for the culture like many others. Our focus is entirely on nature and wildlife. But of course we also notice cultural differences. That is why we like to talk to the locals while enjoying a cup of coffee.

What are your goals when you explore?

Capturing Wildlife in its natural habitat, and of course keeping our customers satisfied with adventurous content.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

The moment you grind fresh coffee beans in the morning and realize that there is not enough for later in the day. And you won't see a store for the next two days.

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

The moment we realize that we shouldn't have traveled to New Zealand by bike, but should have brought our vehicle.

How has exploration changed you?

In many different ways. You start to look at the world differently and appreciate other things that previously seemed less important.

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

Don't wait until you retire to travel. Do it now! and again later!

How do you explore locally?

No difference with traveling abroad.

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

Don't wait for tomorrow, but start today.

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

Exploration in the past was more like exploration for humanity. Today it is more for the personal experience.

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