These 81-year-old friends went around the world in 80 days!

When Ellie Hamby and Sandy Hazelip took off to travel the world for their 81st birthdays, the two best friends knew it would be an incredible experience...but what they didn't expect was how their adventure of a lifetime would end up inspiring millions of others to get out and live life to the fullest!

- Diane Nichols

While sitting together one night, Sandy Hazelip looked at her best friend, Ellie Hamby, with something important in her heart. The two became fast pals in 2001, while on a medical mission in Zambia, and shared everything ever since, including the sad loss of their husbands. Now, Sandy, a physician for nearly 40 years, and Ellie, a documentary photographer for three decades, would both soon turn 80 years old.

We have to do something memorable to commemorate this milestone, Sandy thought, and since they both love to travel, a trip seemed perfect. Not just a vacation but the adventure of a lifetime, Sandy dreamed.

"Wouldn't it be fun to go around the world in 80 days at age 80?" Sandy asked, holding her breath to see Ellie's reaction. Without hesitation, Ellie gave a oneword response, "Absolutely!" she said with a smile.

Globe-trotting gals