Kansas natives Rolf Potts and Kristen Bush are retracing the steps of Martin and Osa Johnson, the pioneering adventurers and filmmakers from Kansas who explored Borneo in the 1920s and 1930s. Rolf, who is researching a book about the Johnsons, and Kristen are visiting the same locations documented in the Johnsons’ films and books.
Their journey through Sabah has been both challenging and enlightening. Despite battling bad weather on Mount Kinabalu, the couple enjoyed observing Sabah’s wildlife, including a memorable encounter with pygmy elephants. Kristen found the climb tougher than Mount Kenya, while Rolf appreciated the unchanged wildlife reminiscent of the Johnsons’ era.
The Potts’ travels have also led them to engaging with locals and exploring Sabah’s cuisine, such as fresh laksa and exotic fruits. They were pleasantly surprised by the Johnsons’ lasting legacy in Sabah, noting that their work is better remembered there than in Kansas.
Rolf’s upcoming book aims to capture the essence of the Johnsons’ adventures, with hopes of rekindling interest in their remarkable legacy.
