We all wonder and wander in our own little way. Everybody’s got a story to tell.
If you want to have a chat, I’d love to MEET you!
Meet Mikah Meyer.
A double world-record holder for being the youngest person to visit all 417 US national parks in a single continuous journey, started in honor of his late father, and to bring his “Pride Outside”. Mikah came to American Samoa in late February to experience the only US National Park Service system south of the equator, and I had the pleasure of meeting him and asking him a few questions about his travels and his thoughts on American Samoa!
Tell me about yourself, where you’re from, what do you do?
I’m from Nebraska originally, but made a conscious effort to explore the world after growing up in the center of the United States. So have lived in Tennessee, Maine, Wisconsin, Canada, Switzerland, and Washington D.C. since graduating high school.
How did you find yourself in American Samoa?
I’m currently 22 months into a world record, 3-year journey making me the youngest person to visit all 417 U.S. National Park Service sites. The NP of American Samoa was park #293!
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR TRAVELS?
I lost my dad to cancer when I was 19. He was 58 at the time and it taught me a lesson about not having the time we think we’ll have to pursue our goals. I’ve taken 1 road trip a year ever since his passing, because he loved road trips.
HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO BE ON THE ROAD?
3-years to the day. I started on the 11th anniversary of my father’s passing, April 29, 2016, and will end the same day 2019.
WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IT’S IMPORTANT TO TRAVEL?
Our world is becoming increasingly polarized. With the internet and “fake news” allowing people to choose the lens they view the world through, travel is so important because it reminds us that when we think we are “right” and the “good people,” there are others around the world who do things completely different and are still great people who aren’t wrong for doing it that way. Travel helps us be more self-aware and less small-minded.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Dynamic, Ambitious, Ebullient
Describe your experience in 3 words
Exhausting, Life-Affirming, Challenging
What is your favorite spot in American Samoa?
The National Park beach on Ofu!
Favorite kind of music?
Anything you can dance to!
What’s your spirit animal?
I’m gonna go with a lion. When I was a kid and picked on in elementary school, I always fantasized about having a lion I could ride to/from school so none of the bullies would mess with me (and my lion)! 🙂
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Long term goals?
I hope to have my own travel show, sharing corners of the world in an attempt to help bring people together.
If you could give your 10 year old self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Figure out a way to go to a Performing Arts High School. It’s one of the things I regret I never got to do.
What’s one thing that you’ve learned from your time in American Samoa?
It is a very distinct, different culture than the mainland. But it’s part of America and should be celebrated and included more in our American awareness.
What is your life motto?
Life’s More Fun When You Talk to Strangers
Follow his journey:
Mikah’s Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Photos by Mikah. Edits by Nerelle.
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