Lunching with Exploration Legends

When I decided that I wanted to dedicate my life to travel and adventure just a few years ago, I had no idea where that would lead me. What went from a small intention of “I want to add more travel and adventure in my life” initially pushed me to begin traveling for work. I began traveling the world writing about my unique experiences for various online and print media outlets. From there, I realized that I wanted more from my travel. I wanted to give back. I wanted a purpose. I wanted to make a difference, however small. So, I began volunteering on scientific expeditions. This, in turn, directed my attention to the Explorers Club, a century-old prestigious club dedicated to scientific travel and exploration.

For a while, getting to rub elbows with anyone in the Explorers Club was just a dream for me, as you must be sponsored into the club by two current club members. Naturally, this was a brick wall for me at first, as I didn’t know anyone in the club and had no insights on how to meet anyone. It was nothing more than an elusive dream for quite some time. However, after a bit of due diligence, I found myself rubbing elbows with some of the key members of the Explorer’s Club.

Never mind how I got there, but what was supposed to be a quick meet and greet at a lecture at the Bower’s Museum in San Diego turned into a full lunch affair that had me lunching with a group of Exploration Legends. I have never felt more humbled and in awe. The speaker at the event, Wade Davis, is a true legend when it comes to the world of Exploring. He rose to fame in the 1980s when he investigated a poison that was supposedly turning people into Zombies in Haiti. He had his own Sherlock Holmes style adventure in real life, and you can read all about it in his book, by the way. The Serpent and the Rainbow is a fascinating read for those who love to pick up a good book. Especially for me, the girl who loves weird stuff, his tales left me in awe, and I couldn’t believe that I was able to sit down next to him and hear more of his stories throughout our lunch.

Aside from Wade, Steve Elkins has served more or less as my guide into the Explorer’s Club, and he, himself, has lived quite an exciting life. Steve found a lost city in South America, and if you’re interested in his adventures, you can watch his fascinating tale on Discovery + in “The Lost City of the Monkey God”.

There I was, siting with Wade Davis to my left and Steve Elkins to my right, and with a group of seasoned, accomplished explorers completing the circle around the table, and I knew- this is the life I have been building for myself. This is where I’ve wanted my life to go, regardless of whether or not I truly knew that until this moment. Being surrounded by people driven by curiosity, motivated by a want to understand the world and a passion to act to make the world a better place- this is where I wanted to be. These are my people.

I’ve admittedly never felt like I fit in in this world, but here and now, in this moment lunching with exploration legends, I felt my place. I knew my place, and I was so thrilled my life journey had brought me here. And now, as this journey begins, I can’t wait to find out where it’s taking me next.