Following a remarkable seven-year journey, a determined grandmother and her devoted grandson have reached their ultimate destination—the National Park of American Samoa. Joy Ryan and Brad Ryan, hailing from Duncan Falls, Ohio, embarked on their quest and finally concluded it on Monday.
After a departure from their hometown at 3:00 am on Saturday, the duo took a two-day respite in Oahu before embarking on their final flight to Pago Pago, American Samoa, on Monday.
Their enduring effort involved three flights and close to seventeen hours in the air before they finally landed in American Samoa on Monday evening, marking the completion of their extraordinary adventure.
Since October 2015, when they explored their initial national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, the grandmother-grandson team has been chronicling their awe-inspiring escapades on their @grandmajoysroadtrip Instagram account. Their epic adventures have been captivating followers since 2019, immersing them in the beauty and wonders of various national parks.
Amidst the recent passing of Brad Ryan’s father and Joy Ryan’s eldest son, the duo’s latest achievement holds a “bittersweet” significance. Brad Ryan, a veterinarian, expressed that accompanying his grandmother on their remarkable journey has been the “greatest privilege” of his life. Despite the sorrowful circumstances, they have persevered, creating enduring memories together.
Brad Ryan expressed mixed emotions upon reaching the 63rd and last U.S. National Park, with a predominant sense of joy. As he stood at the end point in American Samoa, it reinforced the belief that seemingly unattainable objectives can indeed be accomplished when pursued with passion and unwavering determination.
In his words, “Grandma Joy has taught the world that you are never too old to show up and live the adventurous life of your dreams.” Being at the forefront of Grandma Joy’s historic journey, I consider it the utmost privilege of my life, having witnessed her make history as the oldest person to accomplish this remarkable feat.
Last year, Joy Ryan expressed to “GMA” that their expedition through the national parks has been an extraordinary and thrilling adventure.
“It’s really been a beautiful, beautiful time. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she said at the time.
Having arrived in American Samoa, Joy and Brad Ryan have already had the opportunity to explore numerous attractions within the park, which encompasses seven villages.
The Ryans intend to spend 10 days in American Samoa, and although their national park adventure is coming to an end, their explorations will continue.
“Now that we have visited every U.S. National Park, we have our eyes set on the world, hopefully reaching all seven continents,” Brad Ryan wrote. “We are headed to Kenya for a National Geographic expedition in July. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Grandma Joy flying through space or walking on the moon. This is what 93 should look like if we’re lucky enough to live as long as she has.”