Generally speaking when I’m on an adventure photography Trip, I’m also looking for some solitude, far away from the madding crowd. Because of this, gear and rig preparation is really important and my upcoming overlanding week in the SW backcountry demanded extra care. TAP1, one of our 2014 JKU’s, had recently turned the corner on 100k, so I decided to change all the fluids, flush the engine, replace the spark plugs and generally give it a solid look over from bumper to bumper. Everything checked out just fine and I confidently left on the offroad adventure.
So, what do you do when you’re 170 miles into a 1400 mile trip and the check engine light comes on? Well, you curse profusely, spend the next hour worrying about it and then settle into a state of blind hope, ignorance and the zen like thought of, “It’ll be just fine as my wingman can always tow me out”.
Day 1:
The plan was to drive from San Diego, CA to Hurricane, UT and camp at Gooseberry Mesa. The scenery and terrain is dramatic and world renowned due to the Red Bull Rampage held there each year. It was early Sunday night when myself and my wingman for this trip, David Griffith from Explore California Pics , finally arrived. Most people had left after the weekend and we found a quiet and hidden away little dispersed camp site. Despite the engine light hiccup, this adventure photography trip was starting off well.
View from our campsite
Even though we had driven 7 hrs and 450 miles, we were eager to start some Astro Photography, as the Milky Way was back in the Northern Hemisphere after its long winter absence. Adventure Photography and especially Astro can be tiring and we awoke at 2.30am. Unfortunately to be greeted by significant cloud cover and no visible stars, so back to bed as the local coyote crew yipped and howled for our entertainment.
Golden Hour sunset over camp
Day 2 – 3:
Leaving Gooseberry Mesa, we headed out on our 3 hr and 140 mile journey to Big Water, where we were to leave the pavement and head into the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Our ultimate overland destination for the next 2 days was Alstom Point, which has a renowned view of Lake Powell, UT. The road to the point is an easy, bumpy and dusty trail, and only on the last 3 miles after the first viewpoint did we to need to engage 4Hi. This last section will however, cause pause for inexperienced drivers and should not be attempted without 4WD and high clearance. This is a very remote area to get stuck in, so think it through before attempting, especially if the weather is inclement.
Don’t camp next to the boulders!
Frankly, there’s a total WOW factor as you come upon Lake Powell. A sense of absolute beauty and remoteness and a perfect place for Adventure Photography. Dispersed camping is limited so, I was fairly impressed with the lack of human impact. I implore you all to “Pack In and Pack out” everything (Yes, that means Poop too!) and please Treadlightly.
Lake Powell Sunrise
We spent 2 days camped on the bluff, with the first day being alone, then being joined by 3 other rigs on the second day. The weather conditions varied from warm during the day to chilly at night and most of the time, the wind howled in classic desert fashion. As I said, this was a photography trip, so everyday we caught the sunset before hitting the sack early. Up at 2.30am to shoot the stars for an hour and again at 6.30am to capture the sunrise. As you can imagine in between our product testing, we took long naps throughout the day.
Nearly getting blown off the cliff.
We’ve had worse campsite views!
Galactic Core over Lake Powell.
Day 4:
With sadness it was time to leave and continue our vehicle supported Adventure journey back west to Northern Arizona. Our destination was White Pocket an acclaimed remote photographic location in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument region.
Sunrise over the White pocket
Again, once you leave the pavement, the off-road trail is easy until the last 9.5 miles. At this point you will need high clearance and 4WD to deal with the various deep sand areas you will encounter. This is a remote region, so take it seriously by being prepared (Recovery gear, extra food, gas and water) and we recommend you don’t travel alone.
Easy section of the trail to White Pocket
The weather was windy and as we sheltered in our camped vehicles, there were gusts that felt they could relocate the Roof Top Tent. Luckily by nightfall the wind had abated and by our 2:30 am alarm call, it was fairly quiet. Although we had scouted the area during the day, locating a perfect location in the dark to shoot the stars was, shall I say, “challenging”. This being said, the temps were perfect at a crisp 37F and the skies were clear in the early hours and at sunrise. Success!
The Galactic Core over the famous Brain Rock
Day 5 and 6:
Our time was coming to an end at White Pocket and it was time to hit the road again. We didn’t want to drive 12 hours straight home to San Diego, so our plan was to camp half way home on BLM land outside Valley of Fire State Park, 60 or so miles north of Vegas. Finally, the wind had ceased and for the first time in 6 days we put our cameras away, lit a fire and just relaxed, ready to sleep through the night!
Now back home, the memories of this amazing overland trip make me anxious to hit the road soon. Of course the check engine light has now disappeared.
TAP Editor’s Note: The following is part two of a three-part series on off-road recovery. The author, Bob Wohlers, teaches government, corporate, and recreational off-roading as a full time profession. He is one of only a handful of fulltime 4WD trainers in the USA. Some of the content in this multi-part series comes from Bob’s book The Total Approach to Getting Unstuck Off Road – 4WD Self-Recovery & Vehicle-Assisted Recovery. While other authors of 4WD books try to cover the topic of recovery in a single chapter, Bob has the only complete book on the topic – 352 pages of step-by-step information.
There’s No Embarrassment in Getting Stuck Off-Road
If You…
As I tell my all of my students, “Off-Road long enough and you will get stuck in the remote backcountry.” Prepare for that day, then prepare some more – with knowledge, skills, and off-road recovery equipment that you should carry along on your journeys.” What can happen? Here’s some possibilities:
You get bogged down in deep, greasy, gumbo-like mud; one wheel from each axle begins to spin.
Photo courtesy of Tour-De-World.com
Hisssssss. You hear another tire leaking; you just had your second flat.
Your off-road trailer bounces off a large rock during a sharp turn and lands on its side.
Your 4WD truck is high-centered on a ridge perpendicular to the trail; wheels on both axles are off the ground with no traction.
While driving an icy route, your vehicle slips sideways, down into a deep rut on the side of the trail and almost tips over. Your wheels have no traction.
Snow from the middle of the trail has piled up under your vehicle and your forward motion is completely halted.
You’ve accidentally tipped your vehicle over on its side on a very narrow trail.
Your vehicle catches on fire in the remote backcountry.
Photo courtesy of Coyote Works
You get the point. Someday, you will get stuck. It happens to everyone. Hopefully when it happens, no one gets hurt. There are thousands of ways off-roaders have their progress terminated or hampered when driving off road.
Let’s be honest. Getting stuck off road is often due to driver error. We all make errors, from the most experienced to the least. Errors can be due to a lack of off-road driving skills. You may misjudge the amount of momentum you need to climb a sandy dune or pick a poor line while traversing a rocky trail. Errors can be due to a lack of knowledge. It’s easier to get stuck when you don’t have a basic knowledge or understanding of your 4WD vehicle or the terrain you are traversing. Errors can also be due to a poor attitude, such as “showing off” in front of peers or performing vehicle maneuvers that defy common sense. I call this a “hold my beer, watch this”mentality. In my opinion, this type of attitude lacks maturity.
Regardless of the reason for getting stuck, it is a part of off-roading. So, if you aren’t thoughtless, cavalier, or alcohol-fueled, there is no real dishonor in getting stuck off road. You will make errors when off-roading or overlanding. Sometimes you get stuck even when you do everything right. There’s no embarrassment in getting stuck if you do all you can to mitigate potential difficulties. Here’s how to lessen backcountry difficulties:
Take Training from an Expert. Taking formal training from a professional off-road educator can reduce your chances of getting stuck in the remote backcountry. You don’t know what you don’t know. A knowledgeable off-road recovery trainer can teach you all the ways you can avoid getting stuck and what to do when you do.
Venture Within Your Personal Limitations and Abilities. Especially in remote and international settings, you need the proper knowledge, attitude, and skills to problem-solve and get unstuck. Avoid driving a remote trail or section of a trail solo that is beyond the capabilities of both you and your vehicle. If you are solo and reach an extremely challenging section of trail, think about your capabilities. If you decide to attempt the challenging section of trail, plan how you would recover should you get stuck, or the situation worsens.
Venture Within Your Vehicle’s Capabilities. Not all 4WD vehicles are created equal. Even 4WD vehicles designed from the factory to venture off road have limitations. You will probably get stuck if you push your vehicle beyond its capabilities.
Know Your Vehicle Intimately. Today’s off-road-specific 4WD vehicles are more complex than in the past. Many have traction-aiding features that should be mastered to get the most from a vehicle. Whether you purchase or build your 4WD, learn how your vehicle functions to avoid getting stuck. To keep from getting stuck, you also need to know intimately your vehicle’s, including lift clearance, articulation capability, and angles (approach, breakover, and departure).
Travel With Other Vehicles. Recovery efforts are almost always easier and more relaxed mentally when traveling with other vehicles into the remote backcountry. This is especially true when you also are traveling beyond your country of origin and within Third World countries. Having other vehicles along on a journey also widens your recovery options. Now you can use vehicle-assisted off-road recovery methods.
Have With You and Know How to Use Traction-Aiding Devices. Traction-aiding devices can be built into your vehicle (e.g., lockers, airing down tires, electronic traction control) or taken along with you when you are off-road (e.g., traction boards, shovel). Use as many traction-aiding devices as you have available to completely avoid getting stuck. When you do get stuck, use the same devices to methodically assist you in your recovery efforts.
Have the Correct Kit, Accessories, or Tools to Get Unstuck. It’s hard to carry every piece of recovery gear with you on every trip. If you’ve researched the trail prior to departure, you should have an idea as to the type of terrain you may need to traverse, helping you bring the right equipment. When with a group of vehicles, you can divide essential equipment between all the vehicles (e.g., not every vehicle may need a heavy Hi-Lift Jack).
Practice Recovery and Problem-Solving Skills at Home. Practice your skills at home prior to stressful situations in the remote backcountry. Recovery and problem-solving proficiencies are all perishable skills that should be practiced periodically when not under duress.
Research the Trail You Intend to Drive. Regarding knowledge of a particular trail, get as much accurate information from a qualified source as possible. Keep in mind that trails can change for the worse after one day of intense rainfall or earth movement. In reality, you can never have enough information about a trail. Have several maps that show the trail, as each may tell you something different about the surrounding area and the possible side routes. Before heading out to a trail, try to get current, up-to-date information from other off-roaders and local land-management officials. What’s the water level in streams you need to cross, are there wildfires in the area, what’s the trail’s difficulty rating, what is the typical temperature in the area at the time of use? Answering questions such as these and mining important information can help keep you from getting stuck on a really difficult trail, beyond your capabilities.
Solve Problems in a Methodical and Effective Manner. When stuck off road, follow an intelligent problem-solving checklist that results in a complete stuck assessment and an effective recovery plan. We will cover this topic in part three of this series in The Adventure Portal.
Try Low-Energy Methods of Recovery First. As often as possible, first try low-energy and/or saferrecovery techniques (e.g., shovel use, lowering tire pressures, use of traction boards) before trying other, more aggressive and higher energy methods (e.g., kinetic energy, winching) of getting unstuck.
Photo courtesy of MaxTrax
Refuse to Get Frustrated During Off-Road Recovery Events. When you do get stuck, calm yourself. Stop, Think, Observe, Plan, and then Act.
Avoid Hurried Recovery Efforts Due to Peer Pressure. Don’t let others on a trail hurry your recovery efforts to get unstuck.
Safeguard the Environment During Off-Road Recovery Operations. Sometimes getting unstuck in the remote backcountry means disturbing the environment just a bit to get out and going again. A good driver minimizes this disruption as much as possible. In the end, however, you’ll need to do what is necessary to get home alive.
Use Common Sense. Most of the above points have to do with common sense. Same for the use of drugs or alcohol that may be contrary to safe driving. Use your common sense each and every time you get stuck off road.
Be Prepared with Survival Knowledge, Skills, and Kit. Should you not be able to recover and get unstuck if you are remote and solo in the backcountry, you need to have the knowledge, skills, and kit to remain comfortable for several hours, a couple of days, or even a week or two should an adventure or work-related incident go bad. The companion Off-Road & Overland Adventure Info Book Live Long to Wander – Basic Survival for Vehicle-Supported Adventures is a must-read for all vehicle-supported adventurers.
Fun fact: Lori and Andy from TAP are the “injured” couple on the cover.
Live Long to Wander: Basic Survival for Vehicle-Supported Adventures– $25.95 BUY HERE
Raising Your 4WD Vehicle Off-Road & In-Field Tire Repair – $44.95 BUY HERE
The Total Approach of Getting Unstuck Off Road– $59.95BUY HERE
We created the Deadman™Earth Anchor™(patent pending) because we wanted to explore with confidence. We often found ourselves venturing solo, and with very little room to spare in our vehicle we needed recovery gear that was at once lightweight, small, and adaptable to different terrain. The Deadman was our solution to this need. With this single device, we can create a winch anchor point out of almost anything Mother Earth throws our way — without breaking the bank or taking up precious cargo space. For us, this opened new avenues to adventure and the freedom to explore. We believe in having many different recovery tools in our recovery kit; the addition of something as versatile as the Deadman gives us options — and since every recovery is unique, and conditions are never ideal, having options might just be what’s needed to get us home.
WHAT’S AN EARTH ANCHOR?
Ok, anything you bury in the ground as a winching anchor point is defined as a deadman anchor. So yes, we named our product The Deadman in honor of this, however its versatility both above and below ground has led us to refer to it as an Earth Anchor. You see, the Deadman is not simply a ground anchor: it can anchor to a tree, a rock, or the ground unlike anything else. Most anchors only work in one scenario, meaning you must carry multiple anchors to ensure preparedness. The Deadman’s unique design allows it to be extremely capable in all three scenarios, making it the most versatile off-road anchor ever.
THE DEADMAN EARTH ANCHOR:
Our primary design objective was to create something small and lightweight that could be easily buried – and be retrieved without more digging – for self-recovery in areas where there is nothing else to attach a winch to. What we came up with surprised us! It weighs less than 5lb, fits underneath a seat, and works to anchor to so much more than just the dirt. Because it’s a soft product, it can also be used around trees and rocks with increased safety relative to traditional anchors… and we keep finding new uses for the Deadman all the time. For instance, because it’s made from industrial grade, non-stretch polyester webbing (same as a tree strap), it can also be used as a 15′ winch extension. We’ve also found it useful as a ground mat, a fluid catch, a shade, and more – we’re looking forward to what ideas our customer community comes up with as well!
THE DEADMAN MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION:
The Deadman is constructed in USA from the finest USA-made, industrial grade materials. The tarp in the center is industrial 18oz vinyl with a rip-stop polyester skrim that’s both tough and malleable, allowing it to conform to misshaped objects like rocks without ripping. The webbing is 2″ Class VII industrial sling webbing, manufactured by Murdock Webbing (est. 1936) in Rhode Island, which is the same stuff used in industrial rigging and hoisting applications. Each line has a breaking strength of 19,600lb in a straight pull configuration and 39,200lb in a basket configuration. Because the Deadman uses two of these, when both lines are in use its breaking strength doubles, giving the Deadman a minimum breaking strength (MBS) of nearly 80,000lb in a basket configuration (still over 66,000lb after assembly). Additionally, because more than one strap is in use, the Deadman offers something no other anchor can: redundancy.
Everywhere you look these days, you see articles about Vehicle Supported Adventure, “Looks pretty cool” you say to yourself, but where do I start? Alternatively, maybe you simply want to experience a different states adventure opportunity without wasting days driving 1000’s of miles to simply get there? Titus Adventure Company (TAC) answers these questions for you and a couple weeks ago we sat down with them and asked them about their rapidly growing business.
What is TAC and how and why did you start it?
Titus Adventure Company (TAC) is an overland adventure vehicle rental outfitter based in Denver Colorado and we see ourselves at the “Uber of Overlanding.” Our mission is to help provide access to the outdoors while being good stewards for the environment and community. I started TAC mainly out of a personal need: how to live the outdoor Colorado lifestyle while reducing my family’s carbon footprint. As a young family of 4 (with a dog) we need a big SUV for weekend adventures in the mountains, but we don’t need it to run to the grocery store. Why not rent the times we need an adventure rig and have a much more fuel efficient car for the other 90% of our driving? We have since purchased an EV for our daily driver and offer 20% off to all other EV owners. The other major motivation for starting the company was that I believe life is better outdoors and as a Colorado native I have spent a lifetime getting outside, but not everyone is so lucky. How can we help get people outside? We do that by removing barriers. Don’t have the right vehicle? We bring ours to you. Don’t have time to pack/ unpack and then clean? We provide the gear and clean it for you. Don’t know where to go? We help plan your experience. Don’t have $60k to put into an overland rig? Rent only when you want to go out. To solve these problems I quit my mechanical engineering day job and jumped all-in on this business with no idea really how to start a business, how to market it, how to get insurance, or how to make financial projections. What I did know was that this was something I was incredibly passionate about and I felt confident the timing was right for this type of business.
Titus Adventure Company (TAC) Rigs and their builds
The Titus Adventure Company fleet is Toyota 4x4s that are perfect for the Colorado market. We have a 2019 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium, a 2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road Premium, and 2019 Sequoia TRD Sport. These were selected to offer a range of vehicle types to suit different needs but all under the same family. We also wanted to start with a variety and test out assumptions about which vehicles would be most popular. One of the most important factors in the vehicle selection process was reliability. We can’t have rigs breaking down on guests in the backcountry. Another factor was we felt it was important to have the vehicles the locals drive. This makes our rentals appealing to the folks who just moved to Colorado and want to get into the lifestyle and also critical to our mission of changing the type of cars locals drive. If we are asking people to give up their 4Runner as their daily driver, they darn sure want to be able to rent one on the weekends. Lastly, we wanted vehicles that are very capable but also very easy to drive and don’t feel overwhelming. It is one thing to trick out a vehicle you drive everyday and know well, it is another to have a stranger drive it.As such, we have left the vehicle fairly stock but have done the following mods
Titus Adventure Company offers a ton of gear in addition to the vehicles to help outfit your adventure. Included with the vehicle rental, guests get a standard camping package which includes things like stove, fuel, chairs/tables, cook kit, Yeti cooler, water jug, and camp lighting. We also offer a deluxe camping package that has the items above plus things like Yeti coolers, Maven binoculars, portable toilet seat, supplies for S’mores, and firewood. We have gear for watersports (inflatable SUPs and packrafts), bike racks, ski racks, a PakMule hitch carrier, rod vault, portable shower, kid sleeping bags, and Goal Zero power banks. The list goes on!
TAC Tacoma on a ski mission
Are your audience local or from all over the US and International?
We are seeing a mix of local and out of state. In the winter most of our guests are from out of state coming to ski and want a guaranteed vehicle with snow tires and 4WD. The summer season is more of a mix. One of our goals is to be a resource for locals who want to explore the mountains on the weekends in a rigged vehicle and use a smaller efficient city driver the rest of the time. We are marketing heavily to urban dwellers and suburban families who are in Colorado because they want to explore the outdoors, but for them having a lifted vehicle with RTT and tons of outdoor gear just isn’t practical.
Chillin around the fire
Does TAC curate areas, trails, POI’s for the renter?
Yes, Titus Adventure Company hears from a lot of guests that they are excited to try an overlanding trip but don’t know where to go. It is awesome to be able to camp for free in the national forests but can be overwhelming too. We are developing some recommended routes in various parts of the state and then also offer more personalized trips. We also ask about their off-road driving experience, other activities they want to do and recommend routes accordingly.
Tacoma in the backcountry
Define the process of renting with you?
Bookings can be made online or by giving us a call. The website shows the vehicle availability and also allows the guest to add on any extra gear for their trip. Once they book we reach out with confirmation email and pre-trip survey to help us learn about their needs/wants. If the guests are looking for a more pre-planned trip we will put together a Google Earth presentation that shows them potential campsites and then create a trip route guide. A few days before the trip we will reach back out to confirm the pickup details and answer any last minute questions. After the trip we do a quick vehicle walk around, guests get their personal items out of the vehicle and they are all done!
A room with a view
What have been the challenges (apart from Covid of course)?
Getting commercial insurance for a small, new business that lets renters go off paved roads has not been easy to say the least. It took over a year to find a policy we were comfortable with. The other main challenge has been brand awareness. While overlanding is a rapidly growing trend, it is far from mainstream and even less known is that you can rent one of these vehicles. Most people know you can rent a Jeep for a day and most people know you can rent an RV and we are trying to bring awareness to the big gap in the middle. It is far from common knowledge that you can rent an adventure-ready mountain vehicle loaded with gear.
Any funny rental stories?
A guest came back from the Sand Dunes (Medano Creek) missing the front license plate and the bumper valance. He really had no idea how it came off or when and it seemed hard to believe something would rip it off driving forward and not damage the car anywhere else. Was he backing up and caught something? Later I learned that during water crossing at just the right depth and vehicle speed, the water can swirl up at the front bumper and that is what peeled the licence plate off. I also learned that replacing a specialty plate is not cheap…While cleaning a vehicle after being returned, we found some very nice Italian cheese in the car, vacuumed-sealed and uneaten. We got a hold of the guest and it turned out they had bought it in Europe on a trip just before their rental with us and were saving it to bring to their mother-in-law. The guest lived in Vermont and we happened to have family in town from Vermont who were more than happy to fly the cheese home with them and reunite it with the guest. We also have a guy planning to propose to his girlfriend on a trip in a few weeks!
Driving off road presents a host of challenges and fears for any driver. Four wheeling can be especially intimidating for new drivers. Those initial concerns are understandable. It takes off-road experience to build skill set and confidence.
If you’ve considered going off road but are reluctant to do so, relax. The following information may convince you to take up the hobby. While you are reading this remember: in town, you get into a pile-up as the result of other driver’s errors and actions. Off-road, in almost every instance, the driver makes the decision and judgment that lead to his own predicament.
After years of talking with new 4-wheel drive owners, here is my perception of the Top 10 Fears of newer drivers, and what to do about them.
1. Damage to a new vehicle:
This fear is mostly with regard to cosmetic damage; minor pin-striping and scraped bumpers. On occasion an air dam gets torn off or a license plate is bent out of shape. If you intend to explore more challenging terrain, I recommend you add rock sliders on the sides of the vehicle and skid plates to protect the undercarriage in case you bottom out. The first little dents will probably hurt you more than the vehicle. But on the bright side, you can now justify an aftermarket bumper.
2. Rolling over:
This is normally a rare issue. What makes good YouTube fodder is the extreme stuff with above average risk. When it does occur, the driver is often in an extreme situation or driving recklessly. Take your time going through rough terrain and around obstacles. Avoid high risk situations whenever possible. This may not be a comfort to you, but if you do make a mistake that causes your vehicle to roll, most times, the vehicle will only tip over onto a side (what we call a flop). A flop tends to occur while driving slowly, so damage to the vehicle and the driver is limited.
3. Stuck forever:
This rarely happens. Sure you are going to get stuck sometimes. Your buddies will help you out of a jam. Most stuck situations are what we call shallowly stuck – lightly hung up on a rock or mud just up to the side walls. A quick pull by another vehicle will usually remedy this situation. If you go by yourself, a winch will get you out of most situations. Of course you should avoid dangerous situations; areas where you think, “Yeah, I might be able to do that.” Bottom line? It’s always preferable to go out with at least one other vehicle.
4. Breakdowns:
The most common issues are resolved with proper training and tools. Remember, you’re likely to be with other drivers, who can lend experience and a hand. Read up on and poke around your vehicle to prepare you to be able to deal effectively with breakdowns. In my opinion, tires are the number one cause of problems. Focus on learning the skills on how to fix tires (they are not hard) and acquire the necessary tools. Bottom line: a breakdown need not end your four wheeling trip.
5. Not knowing where to go and not knowing other drivers:
The Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) produces maps that show open trails in the western states. Since 2011, they have provided “Off-Highway Vehicle Route Supplement” maps by Field Office sub regions. All open trails (with trail numbers) are identified. These maps do not have contour lines or other details and should be used with other maps like the BLM Surface Management Status maps. All national forests are required to publish a “Motor Vehicle Use Map” (MVUM). The maps are little more than line drawings of the trails with trail numbers. They show the major paved road to help orient you. In California, the California Trail Users Coalition publishes maps with the MVUM over laid on more fully featured maps for $3.00. Obtain several maps so you know where to find legal trails.Another good resource are trail guides. You can find a list of publishers on my web site www.4x4training.com/w/trails.html. A critical point here is that even if you feel well equipped with your trail loaded on a GPS, always bring a paper map! Electronics can fail.
Map meeting outside Soldier Summit.
In terms of finding other likeminded off roaders, look for events that are open to the public. Stop by and introduce yourself. You are likely to meet lots of other folks willing to hit the trails with you.
6.Breaking a bead:
Also called losing a bead, this is common. This concern is warranted but easily mitigated. Four wheelers air down nearly every time they go off road. If you turn too sharp, too fast in soft stuff or against a rock, the deflated tire is likely to lose its bead. The issue sounds worse than it is, though. As you’ll learn in this article, Tire Problems Shouldn’t Deflate Your Day, the problem is easily corrected with an air compressor and jack.
7. Embarrassing yourself in front of others:
Understand that everyone has to start sometime. Heck, I can recall some of my boneheaded newbie mistakes. The hope is that your fellow drivers are patient and understanding. To build your confidence, take some introductory classes. Everyone in these classes are in the same position as you, and you’ll learn together. (I offer a number of beginners’ classes.) Bear in mind that making mistakes is a part of your training. Don’t get worked up if, for example, you pick the wrong line. You’ll quickly recover, and you’ll be a smarter four wheeler as a result.
8. Lack of skill & knowledge:
There is no need to jump into driving on high risk, difficult trails. One trail book I have for Southern California lists over 150 trails (representing about 1500 miles). Only 19 of them rate above a difficulty Level of 4 (out of 10), although you do need 4-wheel drive and good clearance. Most of the trails take you to scenic overlooks, old ghost towns, old mines, and great camp sites. There are so many things to see and places to go on moderate to easy trails. An off-road training clinic will quickly eliminate any doubts about your ability to drive this level of trails safely. There are so many trails, and such a wide variety of terrain, that you’ll easily find a path that is enjoyable and surmountable.
9. Going off camber:
This is the official term for driving when tipped at an angle. As a newbie, being tilted over can be an unnerving experience. Even veteran drivers are uncomfortable driving off camber. Off camber isn’t a real issue until you get up to around a 30-degree pitch. In most cases though, you’re not likely to tip over, unless you’re traveling fast. Go slow and control the bounce. In my Getting Started Off-Road Driving & Safety Clinic I put students through a 30-degree pitch exercise. They learn what it feels like and how to respond. That way they are less likely to freeze up while off road. You can also buy a couple of tools that will help you determine your angle. One is an angle finder carpenter’s use, available in any hardware store. Another one, you can find at 4WD stores can be glued to the dash, it shows pitch and yaw.
10. Lack of immediate emergency services:.
Some 4WD areas as so remote, you’re outside the 2-hour window that normally defines urgent care response. Worse, you may be outside of cell range, as well. Here are a few things you can do to help keep you safe when dealing with an emergency in a remote location:
-Get basic first aid training. Learn how to stabilize an injured person. Take a basic survival course, too. You may need to camp out one or more nights while waiting for help. -Pack alternate forms of communication. These can include ham radio (requires a license), a satellite phone and a personal locator beacon or SPOT device. -Always ride with at least one other vehicle. I can’t stress that enough. Especially while still inexperienced, don’t consider driving alone on anything but the easiest trails.
I hope you have a better understanding of how to address four wheeling issues. The trails await you. Get the training you need, pack your vehicle, and then get out and enjoy the ride.
The “Behind the Wheel” series is an up close and personal look at authentic brands and their owners, in the exciting world of Overlanding and Vehicle Supported Adventure. Today we’re sitting down with KP, Founder of Zero Declination.
Let’s Dive in!
KP, great to chat with you today. Let’s start with your background and what led to the creation of Zero Declination.
Hello Andy, it’s nice to be here. I grew up on a farm and in a small town, so was always interested in trucks and off-roading, but in my early 20s I was bit by a travel bug. It didn’t take long for me to combine the two pastimes and that turned into a PanAm trip from 2016-2019.
When I got back from that trip, getting a “real job” sounded pretty terrible so I started Zero Declination with the goal of helping others outfit their rigs for true, long-term adventure travel. My background is mostly in full-size American trucks, and I find they make an excellent overland platform, so that’s our specialty.
So, Zero Declination is an interesting name, what’s its origin?
So, it can mean several things, but in this context it’s a point on the map where true North and magnetic North align with one another.
Give us some insight into what you and your team do at Zero Declination. What brands and products you currently distribute and why?
I gravitate toward very high quality, well built, but simple products. I like things that just simply work, right out of the box and our product mix reflects that. Our flagship line is definitely the truck camper, chassis mount expedition trucks, and aluminum trays made by Overland Explorer Vehicles. We also love Battleborn Batteries and Victron electrical componentry. I’d say we’re most well-known as a high-end electrical shop, focused on lithium batteries and solar installations. We also sell and install MITS Alloy products as well as Skinny Guy campers.
Are you planning on any additional products and if so, can you tell us about them?
Currently, in-house, we design and sell a few of our own products, including the very popular Reico Titan quick release jack kits. I’ve got a few more ideas I’m working on in the queue, but nothing ready for primetime. Yet!
In the last few years, the overlanding category has exploded. What current trends are you seeing for good or for bad?
Well, I’m certainly grateful that the industry expansion has allowed me to make a living helping others do something that I personally love. I’m not sure there would have been the demand for our products or services ten years ago. That being said, I’m typing this from Baja Sur right now and I’ve NEVER seen so many American rigs in places that were once pristine, and absolutely remote. It’s definitely a give and take.
Looking into your crystal ball, where do you see the category going as it evolves further?
Oh man, I wish I knew. I realize this sounds ridiculous coming from a guy who literally owns an overland shop and sells accessories, but I truly hope we see a focus shift away from accessories and aesthetics, and back to the roots of travel and exploration.
As a passionate overlander yourself, what’s been your favorite trip you’ve taken, and do you have somewhere special on your bucket list destinations yet to visit?
My favorite trip so far has to probably be a moto trip in South America. I bought a cheap KLR from a guy on Facebook Marketplace and rode it from LaPaz Bolivia, through the altiplano, the Atacama Desert, and Patagonia to Ushuaia. The motorcycle wasn’t very reliable, so my breakdowns and subsequent fixes resulted in a ton of great adventure stories and amazing interactions with locals and travelers alike. Motorcycle travel is wonderful because it really exposes you to the elements and environments you’re traveling though, but still allows you to cover miles when needed.
Finally, any funny trail stories you can share with us?
Oh man.. so many, but my favorite is probably the time I setup camp inside an abandoned warehouse near Porvenir Chile. I’d hung my hammock from the motorcycle to a beam inside the building, hung my helmet from the handlebars, and fell asleep facing the open door and a view of the Straight of Magellan. I woke up in the middle of the night. With the fork, bars, and suspended helmet, my motorcycle looked exactly like some sort of skeletal terminator nightmare bearing down on me. I literally screamed and fell out of my hammock before I woke up completely and realized what was happening. I slept great the rest of the night though, and it’s still one of my all-time favorite camp spots.
Thanks for spending time with us today, KP. Hope to join you one of these days, down south.
Storyteller Overland, a pioneering adventure lifestyle brand and best in class manufacturer of Class B RV Adventure Vans and off-grid expedition vehicles, today announced its acquisition of TAXA Outdoors (“TAXA”), an innovative manufacturer of lightweight, highly versatile camping habitats and overlanding utility trailers. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies and reinforces their shared commitment to providing full range of solutions for their growing community of lifelong adventurers.
Inspired by its founders’ roots in NASA habitat design and space architecture, TAXA has gained acclaim for its distinctive, “Otherworldly” approach to form and function. TAXA offers adventurers a range of versatile, lightweight towable solutions that are capable of traversing rugged terrain while also providing a comfortable, stylish mobile base camp experience.
By fusing TAXA’s expertise with Storyteller Overland’s innovative approach to motorized adventure vehicle design, exceptional dealer sales & service network, and deep commitment to fostering community engagement, the combined entity will empower new generations of underserved and underrepresented customers to elevate their experiences and pursue their passions in the outdoors.
The alliance of Storyteller Overland and TAXA positions Storyteller as the most comprehensive and forward thinking, independent outdoor lifestyle and recreational vehicle company in the industry. As a fully integrated and aligned portfolio of active interest and adventure lifestyle oriented brands, this combination results in a unique customer journey and value added ecosystem offering solutions ranging from: a curated peer-to-peer rental technology platform (GoCamp), to market leading lifestyle gear and vehicle accessories for DIY and OEM customers (Flarespace), to best-in-class, turnkey adventure vehicles and expedition rigs on a variety of OEM chassis (Storyteller Overland / Global Expedition Vehicles / GXV), and now innovative, lightweight towables and mobile human habitats (TAXA).
“We are stoked to welcome Neil Grimmer and the TAXA team along with their loyal owner community into the Storyteller Overland galaxy,” said Jeffrey Hunter, CEO of Storyteller Overland. “Both of our companies share a passion for inspiring and equipping individuals to boldly explore and expand their horizons and connect more deeply with our growing community of adventurers around the globe. This acquisition represents a natural alignment of the vision, values, and vibes that support those passions. For us, all of this is yet another giant leap forward to help more people live free, explore endlessly, and tell better stories.”
The LAND Moto District Scrambler emerges as a beacon of innovation in the electric motorcycle industry, embodying the perfect blend of off-road capability and urban versatility. Designed for the adventure seeker who refuses to be confined by the boundaries of the concrete jungle, the District Scrambler stands out as a testament to LAND Moto’s commitment to eco-friendly, efficient, and thrilling transportation solutions.
Crafted in Cleveland, Ohio, the District Scrambler is a masterpiece of engineering, combining hand-made production techniques with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. This motorcycle is not just a mode of transportation; it’s an extension of the rider’s desire for freedom and exploration, offering an unparalleled riding experience that’s as sustainable as it is exhilarating.
Performance and Power:
At the heart of the District Scrambler is a robust electric powertrain that delivers instant torque and silent operation. Capable of speeds over 70 MPH, it caters to the adrenaline rush of speeding down open roads and the precision required for navigating through urban obstacles. The bike’s range of up to 120 miles on a single charge ensures that your adventures are not limited by distance, making it an ideal companion for both daily commutes and weekend getaways.
Design and Durability:
The Land Moto District Scrambler’s design ethos is rooted in functionality, durability, and beauty. Its rugged frame is built to withstand the rigors of off-road trails while maintaining a sleek silhouette that turns heads in the city. The motorcycle features high-quality suspension components that provide a smooth ride over rough terrains and absorb the shocks of urban potholes. Its all-terrain tires offer superior grip, allowing riders to confidently tackle diverse landscapes.
Eco-Friendly Innovation:
In an era where sustainability is paramount, the District Scrambler leads the way as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline motorcycles. By harnessing electric power, it significantly reduces carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner, greener planet. This commitment to environmental responsibility does not compromise on performance, making the District Scrambler a pioneer in the electric revolution.
Technology and Connectivity:
The District Scrambler is equipped with the latest in motorcycle technology and connectivity features. Its intuitive digital dashboard displays essential information at a glance, including speed, range, and battery status. The motorcycle’s connected features allow riders to customize their riding experience, monitor their bike’s health, and navigate with ease, all through a dedicated mobile app. This integration of technology enhances the ride by making it safer, more enjoyable, and seamlessly integrated with the rider’s lifestyle.
Customization and Community:
Understanding that riders value individuality, LAND Moto offers extensive customization options for the District Scrambler. From unique color schemes to performance upgrades, each motorcycle can be tailored to reflect the rider’s personality and riding preferences. Additionally, LAND Moto fosters a community of electric motorcycle enthusiasts, providing a platform for riders to share experiences, routes, and tips, further enriching the ownership experience.
In conclusion, the LAND Moto District Scrambler is more than just an electric motorcycle; it’s a gateway to adventure, freedom, and sustainability. It represents a bold step forward in the evolution of transportation, offering riders the chance to explore new horizons without leaving a carbon footprint. Whether carving through city streets or conquering rugged trails, the District Scrambler stands ready to challenge the status quo and lead the charge into the future of mobility.
To learn more about the Land Moto District Scrambler CLICK HERE
This is a sponsored article. TAP does not receive any commission from sales resulting from this feature.
Leitner Designs reveals the INEOS Grenadier Collection, a comprehensive collection of aftermarket accessories designed for the most discerning off-road enthusiast, utilizing innovative design and engineering and the highest quality materials and components.
Composed of a platform rack, rooftop crossbars, front bumper auxiliary-light bracket, chase-light bracket, auxiliary air compressor bracket kit, dual cargo-area shelves, and spare-tire relocation bracket, Leitner Designs’ INEOS Grenadier Collection offers easy-to-install accessories for the industry’s most talked-about off-road SUV.
“The INEOS Grenadier is nearly a turnkey solution for any adventure seeker. When I purchased my Grenadier, however, I immediately identified several gaps in the factory accessory line,” said Leitner Designs Founder and Chief Designer Bernhard Leitner. “I designed products I wanted for my Grenadier that mirror INEOS’ engineering. Like everything I design, every piece of this collection is engineered to be as robust, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to install.”
Unlike every other rooftop platform rack for the INEOS Grenadier, which clamp onto the drip rails, Leitner Designs’ platform rack, the Active Cargo System (ACS) ROOF, mounts using the Grenadier’s factory grab handles. Leitner’s billet aluminum 6061 mounts attach to the roof using the sixteen 6mm bolts that secure the factory grab handles threaded into the 1.5mm-thick sheet metal. This mounting design is not only stronger than clamping to the roof gutters, it’s also rattle-free.
ACS ROOF for INEOS Grenadier is offered in two sizes: three-quarter and full-length. Both roof rack options allow for full functionality of the Safari windows, something that roof racks with fixed load bars can not claim. Customers who don’t need a full platform rack, like those who will opt for a rooftop tent, may prefer a set of Leitner’s crossbars, which use the same robust billet aluminum mounts. Paired with Leitner Designs’ smart and secure rooftop tent brackets, a rooftop tent can be installed in a fraction of the time.
Any INEOS Grenadier owner who is going to use their rig on dirt for any amount of time will want to air down their tires and then reinflate them before hitting the highway. For those owners, Leitner Designs developed an ingenious mount for ARB’s Single Motor Air Compressor that utilizes two factory studs located beneath the rear seat. Owners assemble the bracket and compressor, including air chuck and power switch, together outside the vehicle. Installation is as simple as dropping the unit under the seat, tightening two nuts, and connecting the leads. Fitting the unit takes just a matter of minutes and can be accomplished by even the most novice enthusiast with basic hand tools.
For increased trail illumination, Leitner created brackets for fitting forward- and rear-facing auxiliary lights. The front bumper light bracket is designed to accommodate Baja Designs’ LP4 and LP6 Pro LED Auxiliary Light Pod, giving the Grenadier much-needed illumination for nighttime excursions. The rear chase light is designed for Baja Designs S2.
Grenadier drivers keen for additional storage will also want to opt for Leitner Designs’ GearPOD ROOF, the world’s first side-opening rooftop storage box. The ACS ROOF and GearPOD ROOF together represent the first-ever integrated rooftop storage system composed of a platform rack and dedicated rooftop cargo box from a single brand.
In March 2024, Four Wheel Campers returned to the Sonoran Desert for our third annual volunteer event with Friends of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (Friends of BANWR). Located in Southern Arizona along the U.S.-Mexico border, the 118,000-acre Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge was established in the 1980s by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to provide critical habitat for the endangered masked bobwhite quail. In addition to a wealth of desert fauna, including pronghorn, deer, javelina, coyotes and bobcats, the refuge has over 80 dispersed campsites, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Four Wheel Campers worked with Friends of BANWR in 2022 and 2023 on several habitat restoration initiatives, and this year we completed an erosion control project on the trails at the Visitor Center. Between winter precipitation and monsoon season, these paths are prone to washouts, so our mission was to create channels on and around the trails to prevent further erosion. After a brief introduction from Refuge Manager Richard Albers and Friends of BANWR, our group of 25 volunteers grabbed shovels and wheelbarrows and dove in. The first two hours were spent digging large sections across the trail, and it took us the rest of the day to fill the channels with rocks of varying sizes.
We stayed in the Refuge’s expansive group campsite, which is structured like a large campground with two dozen numbered sites tucked among mesquite trees. The group site has a massive shade ramada, a fire pit and incredible views of the Baboquivari Mountains, so it’s easy to see why this is one of the most cherished locations for our volunteer events. A delicious dinner from BK Barbecue was delivered right to camp, and the grand finale was a cotton candy sunset, turning the entire sky a soft shade of pink.
We set up a breakfast station with fruit and granola bars around 8 a.m. the following morning, and we departed half an hour later to resume our erosion control project. Though we had blocked off two full days for the job, our group finished with several hours to spare. Some volunteers ventured into the charming town of Arivaca, while others explored popular sites in the Refuge, including the quail flight pen and Pronghorn Drive. When volunteers reconvened at camp in the evening, we devoured a spread of Mexican food provided by Rancho de la Osa, a historic guest ranch located in nearby Sasabe, Arizona. Everyone raved about their homemade tres leches cake with fresh berries, and not surprisingly, it was gone within a matter of minutes.
On the final morning, a dozen volunteers went on a bird walk with Friends of BANWR at the Arivaca Cienega Trail, which runs along riparian habitat a few miles east of camp. The most valuable feedback we received last year was to include educational activities and additional time to explore the areas around our work sites, and moving forward, we will be offering more of these opportunities at all of our volunteer events. The events are free to attend and open to the public, and some meals are provided, along with beverages, including beer and wine. For the latest details on volunteer events, please be sure to check the Events page, or sign up for the Four Wheel Campers newsletter.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you again next year!
“No (wo)man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river, and (s)he’s not the same (wo)man.” – Heraclitus.
I’ve been driving for the last week straight on my first solo international road trip in my Winnebago + Adventure Wagon. I started in Denver, Colorado, and I’m less than an hour from my destination— Beachburg, Ontario. I’ll be living in Beachburg for the next month to train on the world-class kayaking features of the Ottawa River. While this might be my first time traveling solo to Beachburg, I am no stranger to the Ottawa River. And as I approach the last hour of my drive, I can’t help but reflect on all of the lessons I’ve learned while living on the road. I find that everywhere I have traveled, I’ve taken little pieces from each location, river, community, etc., and they have shaped me into the person and athlete I am today. Because I’ve been traveling to the Ottawa River for so many years, I have learned many lessons on the river and the land that surrounds it.
The Ottawa River has been a place of exponential growth for me. It’s pretty special to think back to where I was during my first two visits. The first trip was during our first year living full-time on the road. I started my first online school classes on the banks of the Ottawa River and spent most of my time, outside of school, fishing, swimming, and playing with the other kids. My parents were excited about kayaking on the Ottawa River, but I couldn’t care less about the paddling, I just wanted to spend all my time with other kids my age.
The following summer, I spectated my first Freestyle Kayak World Championships, also on the Ottawa River. I honestly didn’t have much interest in watching the competition, but that’s when I decided I wanted to be a World Champion one day. At this point, I’d started to build a community of people from all around the world thanks to our travels. I was also beginning to get the hang of completing my online school classes, and I’d fallen madly in love with our nomadic life of full-time travel. That same summer, I also started to really enjoy kayaking, thanks to World Champion Kayakers Claire O’Hara and Emily Jackson. They both showed me how rewarding it is to push yourself physically and mentally in a kayak, and even though it felt like torture at times, I secretly grew to love it, and I’ve shaped my life around it ever since.
Between those first two visits and now, I’ve struggled and thrived. I’ve been scared and brave. I’ve won and lost. I’ve been alone, and I’ve been surrounded by incredible people. I’ve even been surrounded by incredible people but still felt alone. I’ve been insecure, and I’ve been confident. I’ve thrown big and small tricks in my kayak. The list could go on and on. In short, some years were better than others, but my love for travel, kayaking, and the river always drew me back to the Ottawa River. Last year was probably the most difficult of all of my visits. After winning the Freestyle Kayak World Championships last summer, I felt incredibly lost as to what I wanted to do next. I felt alone. I felt so much pressure to be someone I wasn’t, and I started to dislike kayaking because of it. I didn’t think that I’d want to go back this summer, but so much can change in a year, and I knew I was ready to give it another go, and I’m so glad I did. This year is already a brave, confident, happy, and fun visit, complete with good friends and a reignited spark to continue to progress my paddling.
The opportunity to reflect on past versions of yourself and see emotional and athletic growth by revisiting places you’ve traveled to is why I continue living in a compact van down by the river. It’s addicting. Not only do I fall in love with places like the Ottawa River and want to return, but it also gives me a benchmark to recognize personal growth over the years; it’s special and is absolutely my favorite part about traveling, besides the kayaking, of course.
It is incredible to think that my first visit was more than nine years ago, during my first year traveling full-time with my parents, and that this is my first year traveling full-time in my own Winnebago. I’ve learned a lot, met many incredible people, and fallen head over heels with kayaking since my first visit in 2014.
I’ve grown so much as a person from all of my years of travel— these are my lessons from the road:
Simplicity:
My lesson in simplicity started in 2014 when we were packing up our brick-and-mortar house to move full-time on the road. I had to pair down my bedroom and playroom to fit into two small duffel bags that would stow away in the overcab bunk of our Winnebago 24J View, where I would be sleeping. I threw every toy, stuffed animal, and outfit that could fit in those two bags.
After a few weeks of precariously sleeping with, or more accurately on top of, my overfilled toy bag that I had barely touched, I realized that I didn’t need much in the Winnebago. I had the whole world of adventure, exploration, and entertainment right outside the RV door.
The longer we traveled, the greater my appreciation grew for all the little details of life on the road. I quickly realized that you don’t need much to thrive in your surroundings. A level parking spot, a body of water (for kayaking or swimming), and occasional access to the internet would be my version of a perfect destination, and I was quickly amazed by the endless places that fit my criteria.
The contrast between my perfect destination and long days driving to the next place deepened my appreciation for the little things. For example, there is so much beauty in traveling all day long, and feeling sore, tired, and ready to crawl into bed for a good night’s sleep and stumbling upon a breathtaking campsite that is perfectly level and quiet just as you feel like you can’t drive any further.
Or getting caught up in work, errands, or chores and not being able to start your drive until later in the day, but somehow the timing works out perfectly so that you pass the most scenic part of the drive during golden hour.
Outside of driving days, life on the road in my Winnebago, allows you to appreciate all the little things we take for granted daily, like visiting a friend’s house and taking a long, hot, and spacious shower with endless water, or dinner prepared in an oven.
My life on the road has been surrounded by so much beauty, and I’m so grateful that my life in a Winnebago has opened my eyes to all the spectacular things around me.
Flexibility:
It seems that those who live a traditional ‘white picket fence’ life also live a life of habit. When you live in the same town, visit the same grocery store, eat at the same restaurants, etc., you get comfortable and often even complacent. And even if you want to get out of your comfort zone and travel somewhere new, it is tremendously more difficult because you are comfortable in your routine life. And not that there is anything wrong with comfort and routine, but personally, I like how life in the Winnebago has taught me new extremes of flexibility and how to cope with each unexpected hurdle. Change is difficult and unnatural, but I’ve always loved how my adventurous life of full- time travel has forced me to be comfortable with change.
I barely remember my ‘brick and mortar’ life, so from what I can remember, I grew up with constant change and adaptation to my environment. Don’t get me wrong, it was sometimes challenging, especially as a kid and an athlete. But because I had the consistency of the Winnebago, I never felt uncomfortable or timid by change or new challenges. Growing up in a van was this perfect blend of unpredictability and
challenges, with the comfort of a home-cooked meal, sleeping in the same bed, and having all my toys, clothes, and kayak equipment everywhere we went.
Some days you get a flat tire, the weather doesn’t allow you to visit your destination at ideal conditions, or even worse, google maps takes you on the detour of doom and reroutes you on the longest and most complex route imaginable. Something always happens on a road trip, allowing me to handle other adversities, like a global pandemic or unexpected changes during a kayak competition, with much more ease.
Community:
The rustling of my tent awakened me. My parents were just a mere ten feet away in their beloved Revel, and we were camping on the banks of a river in France. I started to panic, “Who is trying to get into my tent?!” and “What do they want from me?!”. It seemed as though everything was moving in slow motion, and my heart started to race more and more with every inch that the person unzipped my tent. Before I know it, I see an elderly French man with kind eyes and a… basket of croissants?! He spoke very quickly to me in French, plopped the basket under my tent fly, and left me in the solitude of my tent quicker than I could thank him. I brought the basket into my parent’s van, and we devoured the best croissants we’d ever had while overflowing with gratitude for such kindness from a complete stranger. I left the basket under my tent fly while we went off adventuring for the day, and by the time we got back, the basket was gone, and we were left in awe of the kindness shown to us by a stranger.
I have had so many incredible experiences over the last nine years of travel, and my fondest memories are similar to my croissant story. The places I’ve been to and the rivers I’ve paddled have been amazing, but no destination will ever top the incredible people that I’ve met along the way. I will always be the most grateful for the extraordinary communities I’ve been welcomed into along the way.
I turned 18 last May and moved out of my parent’s van last July and into my Winnebago. The kindness I’ve received from friends, fellow travelers, and strangers who have become some of my closest friends is incomprehensible. As a kid, I knew the community I had was unique. But now that I don’t have my parents traveling alongside me, I truly recognized how incredible my communities are. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have such a strong support system and many kind people looking out for me. So many people have made my transition to solo travels much smoother and more comfortable.
I’m naturally introverted, but now that I’m spending most of my time alone, it’s encouraged me to seek out friends in each destination more than I would when traveling with my family. Every time I step outside of my social comfort zone, I am always amazed by the kindness I get from the locals, who eventually turn into some of my closest friends. I’ve learned so much from each community that’s adopted me, and I hope that as I get older, their kindness will wear off on me. I hope to show the next generation a fraction of the support I’ve received from each community I’ve been welcomed into. I’ve learned so much from the past nine years of travel, with many lessons coming from the last few months of traveling solo in my Winnebago. I cannot wait to see what I learn as I end my first year of solo travel and how the places, I’ve traveled to have shaped me in another nine years. Until then, it’s time to enjoy another summer on the Ottawa River.
