Shoveling elephant poop may not be everyone’s idea of a vacation, but for Suzanne Rutledge, husband Mitch and 8-year-old son Luke, it makes for memorable family fun.
Nor is this a typical holiday. Rutledge, former public affairs and communications executive for Coca-Cola Enterprises and now with the Athens, Ga., office of marketing and communications firm Jackson Spalding, is amid a nine-month global trek her family has dubbed “moving out of our comfort zone.”
They started last fall in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand, with future stops in Asia, Africa and Europe. She keeps an online blog of their adventures, “From the Rut to the Ledge” (ruttotheledge.com). Although they don’t consider themselves in a rut, Suzanne says her 40th birthday and love of new experiences persuaded her that the time for a life-altering experience was now.
Q: So why such an extreme journey?
A: When we were contemplating this trip, it was important for Mitch and me to determine why we were going and what our goals were. I love new adventures. People fascinate me, and visiting other cultures is a great way to experience the differences we have, while appreciating the similarities. So one reason is to explore and live outside our bubble.
Q: But this is not a typical touristy vacation.
A: On a deeper level, our family loves to give back and serve others. For us, it has to be a focal point. Slowing down and staying somewhere to get to know people over weeks rather than days seems like the right thing to do.
Q: How did you prepare for a nine-month trip?
A: We packed as if we were going away for a week. Since we’re chasing summer, the clothes are lighter and all in the same season. Each of us has just one carry-on and one backpack, with packing cubes to keep everything organized. We can pick things up that we might need along the way.
Q: What are some standout experiences?
A: Finding California Redwoods in New Zealand. About 100 years ago, the people there needed timber, so they brought over different fast-growing trees. Although a pine variety ultimately won out, the California Redwoods produced a beautiful forest to explore. Then there was the Great Barrier Reef. My son and I went snorkeling while my husband took scuba lessons. We saw fish of every color and pattern.
Q: How are you “giving back”?
A: I’m so thankful that we were pointed to the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand to work with rescued elephants. Only 5,000 remain in all of Thailand. They have 66 elephants and many are blind from being poked with hooks when they were broken in, overworked under circus lights or have had legs and hips broken from pulling logs. Most are mentally unstable after years of abuse. As volunteers, we scooped their poop, unloaded food off trucks, fed and bathed them.
Q: What have you learned so far?
A: The world is vast. You think it’s a quick hop from Australia to Thailand, but it’s a 10-hour flight. Also, that people are still inherently good. Strangers are friendly and helpful, often stopping to ask about our travels. And convenience stores are everywhere. You can get bottled water in Asia or a box of Frosted Flakes for my son’s breakfast in Australia.
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