Joy Ryan had never seen the ocean or mountains until she was 85 years old. Then she embarked on an epic journey with her grandson, Brad Ryan, to visit all 63 U.S. national parks in seven and a half years.
The duo from Duncan Falls, Ohio, completed their goal this week when they arrived at the National Park of American Samoa, the only U.S. national park south of the equator and their most remote destination.
“It was a long road to get here, but we couldn’t have chosen a more epic place to conclude this epic chapter of Grandma Joy’s Road Trip,” Brad Ryan posted on Instagram, where he documented their travels.
The two received certificates and gifts from the National Park Service, commemorating their achievement. Brad Ryan, who is 41, said his grandmother made history as the oldest living person to visit every U.S. national park.
“We defied erroneous assumptions about the limitations of aging. We defied financial and logistical constraints,” he said.
Their journey began in 2015, after Joy Ryan told her grandson she regretted how few trips she had taken during her life. He decided to take her to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and then started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the other trips.
Along the way, they shared many adventures and memories, such as whale watching in the Channel Islands, seeing giant trees in the Redwood Forest and white water rafting at 91.
“Some of the best moments happen in the car,” Brad Ryan said. “She told me things in her 80s and 90s about her life, some of the difficult things that she’s been through, that she’s never spoken to anybody in her life.”
Joy Ryan, who has three children and four grandchildren, said her secret to staying active is optimism and willpower. “I’ve been lucky health-wise that I’m able to do that,” she said.
The pair said they hope their story will inspire others to explore the country’s natural wonders and connect with their loved ones.
Reference:
- Man & His 93-Year-Old Grandma Finish Goal Of Visiting All 63 National Parks | iHeartRadio | May 19, 2023
- National Parks grandma: Grandson and 93-year-old Joy Ryan visit all 63 U.S. National Parks ending in American Samoa | CBS News | May 19, 2023
- 93-year-old grandmother and grandson visit their 63rd national park | Sound Health and Lasting Wealth | May 20, 2023