For Ashley Kay, a 36-year-old living in Wisconsin, the decision to sell her three-bedroom family home became a no-brainer when she watched interest rates climb throughout early 2023. Inspired by the unexpected death of her father, Tom Kay, in December 2015, Ashley decided to embrace a life of travel. Exchanging her home on wheels for life-wide adventure, she bought a $44,000 Toyota Tacoma to immerse herself in North and South America.
Inspiration for Ashley’s trip came from discussions with a well-traveled professor. Deciding that indeed, “life is for living,” she decided to move to Baja, Mexico. Ashley began her journey with her trusty black lab, Porter, by her side. She realized that Baja was not just a good professional move, but an area that “feels like home.”
“It has such beautiful nature, I love the ocean, and the Sea of Cortez is a place of pure joy.” – Ashley Kay
Since that first journey, Ashley has been exploring the Americas, with Baja still as her first love and favorite place. Her travels have not been without challenges. In Costa Rica, she fought the elements, including having to fix a flat tire while camping at 12,500 feet.
“In Costa Rica, I was camping at 12,500 feet and I had a flat tire, which I had to repair on my own.” – Ashley Kay
Despite such hurdles, Ashley remains undeterred. Her travels around the world have educated her on the power of resilience and the gift of patience.
“Overall, all the issues get solved. You just have to figure it out a little bit more and be patient.” – Ashley Kay
Sadly, Ashley lost her dog Porter due to cancer in August of 2024. She continues on with her journey’s adventures, inspired by the loving memory of her father. The tales told by family and friends about his own journeys into the unchartered territories of this world encourage her every stride.
“The year after he passed, there were so many friends and family who would call and share these wild, amazing stories about my dad and his travels.” – Ashley Kay
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