“Part of what matters is using our skills to give
something back to the places we travel through” says
Katie who is affiliated with the Muskoka Foundation,
the hub that aims to connect skilled independent
travellers with projects to “do good as you go”. “There
are so many great projects out there working to
improve education and lives and I’m looking forward
to learning more about them and helping out where
possible to give something back”. She’s also a
Jupiter’s Traveller affiliated to the Ted Simon
Foundation, which means she hopes to bring a
measure of understanding and tolerance of different
cultures and people through her writing. “We are all
just people, irrespective of our many differences. We
are made of the same stuff, facing similar challenges
and working towards the same goal of a healthy, happy
and safe life. I hope I can add my voice to those already
working to communicate that message.”
Although idealistic in their outlook and motivations
for travelling, the couple are pragmatic and realistic
about the challenges of life on the road. “We know
there’ll be tough days” says Mickey, “we’re not kidding
ourselves that it’s going to be wonderful every minute
of every day, it’ll be life as usual in that respect. But
the way we look at it, you need the rough to appreciate
the smooth so we’ll take everything in our stride. We
communicate well and support each other, we’re a
strong team so we’re both confident that we can
handle it.” Katie adds, laughingly “If not, and we’re
seriously unhappy we’ll have no problem turning
round, coming home and admitting we made a
mistake. But we don’t think it will come to that”.