A swim that ends in sewage … it doesn’t seem like any couple’s dream vacation, but for The Villages’ Joe and Carol Neal, a race around the world fulfilled their desire for travel and fitness.

The blushing bride may be in her 60s and about to celebrate her 40th wedding anniversary, but she and her husband braved 61-degree waters to compete with other swimmers for the race, which started in Ireland. And as they told Growing Bolder, not even news of a sewage spill in the water could slow this couple down.

The Neals talked to Growing Bolder about kissing the Blarney Stone and whether they ever thought about quitting. And they also explained why their next trip is all about bringing the family together.