Two Texan octogenarians are on an "adventure" around the world to celebrate their 80th birthdays.
Taking inspiration from Jules Verne's novel, Around the World in 80 Days, Ellie Hamby and Sandy Hazelip are currently completing the Australian leg of their journey.
The pair met more than 20 years ago at a medical conference in Zambia, and along with their husbands became close friends.
After their husbands died, they remained close and about five years ago, Dr Hazelip announced they should do something really big for their 80th birthdays.
And so, the idea of going around the world in 80 days at 80 was born.
Their trip was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant they had to start the journey at 81 years of age.
"Our theme now is around the world in 80 days at 81 and still on the run," Ms Hamby, a documentary photographer and Zambia Medical Mission director, said.
"Someone asked us if we were taking a holiday and we said, 'No, we are taking an adventure'."
The pair left the United States on January 11 and plan to finish their trip back in the US on April 1 at the Grand Canyon.
So far, they have visited Antarctica, Easter Island, South America, Europe, the Arctic Circle, the United Kingdom, Africa, Bali, India and Japan.
Some of their highlights have included hot air ballooning in Egypt, husky sled rides and the northern lights in Finland and a flight over Mount Everest.
"Every place is a highlight. Every day I say it can't get better than this, and the next day it feels like it does," Dr Hazelip said.
"During this trip, we have learnt that people are friendly and caring all over the world.
"We have met just some of the nicest people, the people we have met have been the highlight of the adventure."
Arriving Down Under
The two women landed in Cairns on March 20 after a flight from Bali.
"We loved Cairns. We did the Great Barrier Reef. I love to swim and snorkel, Sandy doesn't," Ms Hamby said.
"She enjoyed the relaxing ride on the yacht.
"We also enjoyed the Cairns aquarium and walking around the city."
After flying to Darwin, the friends boarded The Ghan train for a trip to Alice Springs on their way to Uluru before flying to Hobart.
"Right now, we are standing in the desert being watched by some dingos while we are talking to you," Ms Hamby said.
Not ready to retire
While other octogenarians are enjoying a calmer pace in retirement, these two travellers have no plans to slow down.
"Neither one of us has retired from our jobs. We have jobs to go back to when we get back and that is our choice," Ms Hamby said.
"The money is nice, but we work because we want to."
Dr Hazelip, a geriatric medicine specialist, encourages her patients to keep active.
"I tell them to get out of their easy chair and get out of their comfort zone and do something," she said.
"If you don't use it, you will lose it and I don't want to lose it."
Their next adventure
After Hobart, they will fly to Sydney and then back to the United States.
The friends are already planning their next adventure.
"I doubt we will do around the world in 90 days at 90," Ms Hamby said.
"Due to political unrest, we didn't get to go to Machu Picchu this trip, so we are planning that when the time is right.
"There are only so many places you can see in 80 days, but we still have places that we want to see.
"We haven't seen anywhere near enough of Australia, it's a huge country. We need come back and see more."
