In my 40s, life presented a pivotal moment. The recent passing of my father and the sale of his company coincided with my corporate responsibilities poised to expand with Nutrilite Products, Inc. (NPI) joining Amway. Before diving into this new chapter, I felt a strong pull to fulfill a long-held dream that had been patiently waiting in the wings. My father, my first sailing instructor, had instilled in me a love for the sea. Now, with some sailing experience under my belt, I made a firm decision: I would embark on a journey to sail around the world. This ambitious plan marked the beginning of my transformative firebird travel experience.
Vintage photo of Firebird travel: A father and daughter sailing on the Pacific Ocean in December 1975, embarking on a global adventure.
Setting Sail: The Firebird Odyssey Begins
July 15, 1975, marked the day I set sail from Newport Harbor. Accompanied by a friend and his family, we embarked on what would become an odyssey that would profoundly shape my future and lay crucial foundations for the trajectory of Nutrilite. This firebird travel experience was far more than just a sailing trip; it was a deep dive into both the world and myself. The journey became a rich tapestry woven with threads of adventure, focused study, precious father-daughter and father-son bonding moments, and even a unique extended “guys’ night out” experience. Intending to make the most of this time for introspection and growth, I brought along my old science textbooks, eager to revisit my foundational studies in science and nutrition.
A Global Vision Forged on the Waves
A significant part of my motivation for this firebird travel was a desire to reconnect with the fundamentals of science. Simultaneously, I harbored a deep fascination with global cultures. My onboard library was extensive, filled with books detailing the diverse places we were destined to visit. I was driven by an underlying ambition to study global cultures, their diverse eating habits, and nutritional patterns. This personal research was fueled by a long-term dream: to expand the Nutrilite brand globally.
Our voyage became an immersive exploration, taking us to 36 different countries. This firebird travel adventure provided invaluable firsthand experiences. I witnessed the remarkable differences between people and places and gained insights into the workings of various governments – knowledge that no amount of reading could ever fully impart. Every meal in a local restaurant, each visit to someone’s home, and even simple shore trips for supplies became opportunities to learn about people’s perspectives on food, health, and nutrition. These encounters reinforced the importance of cultural understanding in global business and personal growth.
Capturing Memories: A Photographic Journey
Throughout my firebird travel, I was committed to documenting every moment. Armed with several cameras, specialized lenses and filters, and a generous supply of film, I captured over 6,000 photos. I even invested time in refining my photography skills, taking advanced courses to ensure I was technically proficient with the equipment of the era. After each roll of film was exposed, I would ship them home for processing from our next port of call. The developed proof sheets were then sent back to meet me at a subsequent port, often via slow postal services, allowing me to review them and select the best images for prints or slides. Looking back, this process itself was a fascinating lesson in logistical planning and patience.
You can explore highlights from this visual documentation in the Firebird Photo Albums. Reviewing these photos today serves as a powerful reminder of how this incredible firebird travel experience propelled me toward my life’s work. As you view them, I hope you find inspiration to pursue your own adventures and embrace a healthy life filled with purpose.
