Traveling Pole to Pole - 2 Guys, 1 Goal (You Decide)

by Victor of victoreekhof.com on November 11, 2010

As I sit here behind my computer in a lovely home near Amsterdam, I wonder where I will be this time next year. Last year's trip to Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia has opened my mind. For half a year, I survived with nothing more than a backpack, some money and the generosity of a group of couchsurfers. My mind grows restless, and I sigh again.

The idea strikes me: I will travel from the North Pole to the South Pole.

My work and rental contract both end April of next year. I'm single and don't have much family to leave behind. Everything seems to align to the path I've chosen, and I commit to make the trek. With my mind set, positive energy and extreme ambition flow through my veins.

MY PARTNER IN CRIME

I won't be doing it alone. Josh Cahill, a good friend, full-time traveler and well-known couchsurfer, will be my accomplice. To be honest, I wouldn't encounter this endeavor with anybody else. I met Josh in Malaysia, met up with him in Edinburgh and he visited me in Amsterdam. He has overcome many challenges. Born in Berlin, Josh has hitchhiked from his hometown to Iran and back. He's currently hitchhiking to Australia and raising money along the way to help out victims of the flood in Pakistan. If that isn't challenging enough, he's doing it without any money.

WHY I'M DOING IT

Why the North and South Pole, I hear you ask yourself. I won't be able to tell you yet. Although I've set my stubborn mind to visit these gems of the earth, I haven't found a clear purpose. Is it pure ambition or even selfishness? I don't believe it is. Do I want to prove to the world that everything is possible? Maybe.

I come from a poor family. Raised by my mom, I quickly learned that nobody will live your life for you. You are in control of your fate. I was always stunned by the excuses people come up with to remain in their comfort zones. "There's an economical crisis," "I have a mortgage," "It's too dangerous," and the infamous, "I'm so jealous of you, I would never be able to do that." These are true mood killers. Everything IS possible!

NEED YOUR HELP

A purpose is all we need. Will we help out poor children in South America? Will we work freelance going from Starbucks to Starbucks? Will we set the world record for longest hybrid car journey, driving from the north of North America to the south of South America? Will we plant trees and spread the word on green energy from city to city?

I'm asking you to help us. What should be the purpose of this trip? Write us a comment, and we'll make sure to reward you greatly if your idea inspires us.