To the Arctic Ocean via the Dalton Road

[geovalue]

We made up the Dalton road in Alaska to Prudhoe Bay and finally to the Arctic Ocean. One has to take a guided tour from Prudhoe Bay to actually get to the ocean but we felt as we had traveled over 4500km from Calgary to get to Prudhoe Bay we might as well pay the $45.00 each to actually get a tour of the oil facility and get wet in the ocean. The road was a pleasant drive not at all difficult although a bit slippery when wet and lots of loose gravel. We managed to get 2 window chips on the way up. But the scenery was spectacular. We are now heading south for Argentina
Before the Dalton Road
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0528.jpg

After the Dalton Road
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0533.jpg


Before Atigun Pass
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0530.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0529.jpg

Celebrating at the Arctic Ocean before heading south for Argentina
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0559.jpg

We are now in Anchorage, and leaving for Valdez today. We are enjoying the luxury of a truck camper especially as we have had so much rain. We traveled for 16 months overlanding across Africa with a Land Cruiser and roof top tent.
Our camper which was specially made for us by Outfitters Camper is working out great the design we wanted is perfect for our needs.
Safe travels all

[The BN Guy]

Very cool! I hope you have a safe and rewarding trip! Looks like you're headed that way for sure.

[Christian P.]

thanks for your first update! Please keep them coming.

If you are passing through San Francisco please do call/email so we can catch up for dinner or something.

[ujoint]

Wow!!

[smbisig]

Just subscribed to this thread. Good luck and safe travels!

Steven b~

[jeepmedic46]

I subscribed as well, Safe travels:smiley_drive:

[Scott Brady]

Excellent start to your journey. Please let me know if you have any questions concerning Mexico or Central America, as I completed that journey last Spring.

My #1 recommendation- Avoid Mexico City (trust me, and a growing group of others who have been extorted there recently). The rest of the trip will be wonderful no doubt.

[Every Miles A Memory]

Looks like a wonderful start to what will become a pretty epic adventure!

Please take lots of photos and update the thread as often as you can, so those of us stuck in one spot can enjoy your journey!!

Safe Travels!

[geovalue]

It is a small world, as we stood in awe of the Worthington Glacier on route to Valdez and motor cyclist stopped and asked if us we had heard of "Overland Expo". He had noted our number plate Ovlandr. As it turns out we had camped almost next to each other at Expo. We treated him to fresh baked apple pie and he treated us to halibut tacos as we shared overland and travel stories in the following evenings together in Valdez. We also went on a cruise to see the Columbia Glacier and the calving of the Meares glaciers. It was magnificent watching large chunks of ice fall into the sea, and humpback whales breaching.
Happy Overlanders sharing stories
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0752.jpg
Columbia glacier
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0759.jpg
Meares Glacier
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0764.jpg

[SafariPacific]

Great to see you guys on the road. Have fun!




My #1 recommendation- Avoid Mexico City (trust me, and a growing group of others who have been extorted there recently). The rest of the trip will be wonderful no doubt.

Ditto! Shook down for $5000 pesos few weeks ago. Take the time and drive the the long way around.

[TACODOC]

Great pics, good luck out there!!!

[Every Miles A Memory]

Happy Overlanders sharing stories
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0752.jpg

Hey, after one of my presentations at this years EXPO I sat talking with this guy for awhile. He was telling me he was planning an extended motorcycle trip but he told me he was wanting to head down into South America.

I brought him over to where Travis was set-up because I had remembered reading where Travis was looking for someone to ride with him for sections of the adventure.

What a very small world it is!! Glad to see he's on his journey and meeting up with fellow Overlanders!! Cheers and I'll toast one to all of you!

[fishy_frontier]

Good to see y'all are on the road. Stay safe out there and post as many pics as possible!

[geovalue]

Thanks for all the good wishes. We are now in Haines, it was Tom's decision to come here, and it was great decision as we were treated to a mother grizzly and 3 cubs playing on the banks of the river side.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/web_IMG_6907.jpg
We drove from Haines Junction to Haines and past through some spectacular scenery.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/web_MG_7330.jpg

We also heard from Shawn on the motor bike and he is doing great we are hoping to meet up with him again today. We met some fellow overlanders in Haines who have just spent 2 years traveling up from South America and they advised us to get a carnet. Still an ongoing debate about what to do about that I guess.
We are enjoying sunshine and warm weather and are taking the ferry to Skagway tonight
Travel safe everyone

[geovalue]

Excellent start to your journey. Please let me know if you have any questions concerning Mexico or Central America, as I completed that journey last Spring.

My #1 recommendation- Avoid Mexico City (trust me, and a growing group of others who have been extorted there recently). The rest of the trip will be wonderful no doubt.
Thanks Scott we will contact you the closer we get to Mexico and Central America.

[zjsheller]

Following your thread with great interest. Honk as you drive through Oregon!!

[geovalue]

We enjoyed Skagway Soapy Smith, Ham Grease Jimmy, Paddy the Pig, Big Bo Peep, Gumboot Kitty, Big Bess, Guzzling Gertie, Burn-‘Em-Up Kid, these were some of the characters that roamed the streets of Skagway in 1898. Skagway was a rough and tough town during the gold rush to the Klondike. In search of dreams of gold and riches, thousands of fortune seekers made their way to Skagway on route to Dawson City. See our website for updates too much to write here.
We wanted to drive south on the Cassiar road through central BC but it was closed because of forest fires. So we are back on the Alaska Highway heading towards Alberta
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/IMG_0856.jpg

[cellularsteve2]

Thanks for posting about your trip. I am now subscribed. While in Skagway did you go on the White Pass and Yukon Railway? It is pretty spectacular.

steve

[Billhilly]

Thanks for posting up your pictures. Almost like another galaxy when you live as far south as me! Shame about the Cassier being closed. Maybe next time huh? If you make it to NZ give me a shout!

[geovalue]

I was woken by the alarm clock. Tom has a thing about time, it is his German heritage, in fact I think we have more clocks and watches in this camper than we do cups and plates!!! We crossed into a new time zone yesterday and Tom slammed on brakes …read more http://www.adventurouspirits.com/

We are heading south to Dawson Creek, this morning we watched 2 families pack a total of 15 people (11 children) into 2 trucks and towing campers. They were all having a blast. A reminder that even with children travel is possible

[geovalue]

Thanks for posting about your trip. I am now subscribed. While in Skagway did you go on the White Pass and Yukon Railway? It is pretty spectacular.

steve
No unfortunately we did not however we decided that this part of the world needs to be explored more so we plan to be back and spend several weeks exploring the inner passage

[cellularsteve2]

No unfortunately we did not however we decided that this part of the world needs to be explored more so we plan to be back and spend several weeks exploring the inner passage

Excellent idea. I plan to do the same in the next couple of years.

Safe travels!

[geovalue]

We went to Jasper National Park in Canada to compare the mountains to the Alaskan Mountain ranges. It is remarkable just how different they are from each other. Alaska mountains seem to have so many more trees and huge glaciers hanging from every fault. The Rocky mountains seem more dramatic and harsh.

We were treated to a wonderful sunset with rainbow.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0884.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/web_IMG_0888.jpg

[geovalue]

In all our overland travels we have seen some amazing "overland" vehicles, but we thought this one was particularly original. It was beautifully made and even had a little flower pot next to the back light. We saw it parked in Valdez, Alaska. It always amazes us at the variety of vehicles or modes of transport out there.


http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0732.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0734.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0736.jpg

[CalgaryMcLean]

We've been back home in Calgary now for a month after a 1 year trip down through Central America and on to Argentina and Chile.

http://mungoeatsla.ca/2009/06/01/

If you have any questions, feel free to ask :)

Kevin

PS We never had a carnet for the vehicle, and were never asked for one.

[dzzz]

No unfortunately we did not however we decided that this part of the world needs to be explored more so we plan to be back and spend several weeks exploring the inner passage

How's the road from Skagway to 1?

[geovalue]

We've been back home in Calgary now for a month after a 1 year trip down through Central America and on to Argentina and Chile.

http://mungoeatsla.ca/2009/06/01/

If you have any questions, feel free to ask :)

Kevin

PS We never had a carnet for the vehicle, and were never asked for one.

Thanks Kevin we will definitely contact you would love to get some suggestions and advice on traveling through Central and South America. We flip and flop on the whether to get a carnet as we hear most don't need it, are never asked for it etc, but we did speak to one couple who were asked for it and then this recent couple who said that believe it made their border crossings easy as they simple handed in the carnet it was stamped and they never had any issues but then they may have had no issues anyway.
It is an expensive document so don't want to get it if don't need it. It is essential in Africa but obviously not for South America.

[geovalue]

How's the road from Skagway to 1?
The road from Skagway to the Alaska highway was in excellent condition. It is a pretty drive however the drive between Haines and the Alaska highway was spectacular one of the best drives we have done. We would suggest driving the down to either and then taking the ferry between the towns to complete the loop. The ferry for both of us and the truck was $120.00. It was well worth it. Skagway is very touristy, it has been restored and looks like a Hollywood movie set but is quite quaint. Haines is not as touristy and likes like a typical Alaskan fishing village.

[geovalue]

We drove back into Calgary after completing 11,230km (6,977miles) it was time to assess how the Nissan truck and Outfitter did. First we needed to get off the plastered on fossilized bugs, caked in mud and dust off the truck and camper. We had only managed to wash the truck twice on route because most days it was raining.
The camper was subjected to harsh condition, 1000miles of bad roads and some off road and so far it has handled everything really well. We are really pleased with how the camper is working for us. We are now reviewing getting tires for the truck, and deciding what would be best.

HOMELESS HAPPY GLOBE TROTTERS
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/web_IMG_0839.jpg

BATH TIME FOR TRUCK AND CAMPER
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/IMG_0894.jpg

DOES ANYONE REALLY DRINK SALMON FLAVOURED VODKA
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/web_IMG_0863.jpg

[adrenaline503]

DOES ANYONE REALLY DRINK SALMON FLAVOURED VODKA
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/web_IMG_0863.jpg

That might be good in a Bloody Mary.

[geovalue]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICda9UhV8wY

This is our video of the infamous Dalton Highway in Alaska to Prudhoe Bay or Deadhorse.

[Jim K in PA]

Wonderful video. Thanks so much for sharing. Our trip up to Deadhorse will be in 2012.

Jim & Jean
:rally_guys: <-cool!

[RogerH]

Simply Awesome! Thanks for sharing!:Wow1:

[Jferg]

What a great video! Similar terrain to that along the Dempster Highway. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

[Jean-Seb]

Wonderful pictures and video, thank you ! And have a good trip ! :victory:

[Christian P.]

Great video!

How do you like the Titan and camper combo so far?

Don't forget that you are more than welcome to stop at our place in San Francisco if you come here.

[landcruising]

Thanks Kevin we will definitely contact you would love to get some suggestions and advice on traveling through Central and South America. We flip and flop on the whether to get a carnet as we hear most don't need it, are never asked for it etc, but we did speak to one couple who were asked for it and then this recent couple who said that believe it made their border crossings easy as they simple handed in the carnet it was stamped and they never had any issues but then they may have had no issues anyway.
It is an expensive document so don't want to get it if don't need it. It is essential in Africa but obviously not for South America.

We have had our Carnet for Iran, Pakistan, India and the rest of South East Asia. Once we landed 3 years ago in Buenos Aires from Malaysia, we never used the Carnet again.


Adventurous greetings,
Coen

[geovalue]

Great video!

How do you like the Titan and camper combo so far?

Don't forget that you are more than welcome to stop at our place in San Francisco if you come here.

Thanks everyone for the positive video feedback.
With regards to the Titan and the Outfitter camper we are really pleased with the both the design and how they held up. We really pushed both the truck and the camper with bad roads and conditions and both held up really well. We loved having the comfort of being able to stay inside when the weather was really bad.
If we get to SF we will definitely get in contact with you, but we dont anticipate being in California until the end of the year as we are heading down the Eastern USA first.
Safe travels everyone

[Jim K in PA]

If we get to SF we will definitely get in contact with you, but we dont anticipate being in California until the end of the year as we are heading down the Eastern USA first.
Safe travels everyone

If you find yourself passing through the Pocono Mountains of northeastern PA, be sure to let us know if you would like to stop in for a visit!

[Ford Prefect]

Ditto,

You are more than welcome to stop in on my family and I if you come to Utah. Wash some clothes or something while you are here.

thanks for sharing. I would LOVE to get to go up that road. My wife and I have recently started looking for a job in Alaska, just so we can get to make some of those trips!

Anyhow, thanks for sharing your travels with us.

God Bless

[bradfordrovers]

My father and I also just returned from a trip up to the Arctic Ocean. We drove from Bellingham WA. Incredible trip, and we had a great time.http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae334/bradfordrovers/Alaskatrip1608.jpg

[geovalue]

To Italy with love a Little Detour
Today we flew into Milan Italy to spend some time with our family before we head south into the USA, through Central America and across South America. Our family are living in Italy on a 2 year contract, the desire to explore the world was passed onto our children so they have chosen the expat lifestyle while their children( our grandchildren) are still young.
The most difficult part of overlanding around the world, is not the challenging border crossings, the miles and miles of nothing, shipping vehicles, tire blow outs, humungous potholes, hair raising roads or creaky bridges, getting difficult visas, it is saying goodbye to family and friends.
We were last in Milan in 1974 when Tom and I did our first big overland trip in a little beat up old Renault, a few dollars in our pockets and a sense of adventure. We travelled throughout Western Europe for a year. I now wonder how on earth we managed to sleep, cook and wash in that little car, but it was our initiation into learning to travel light, sleep anywhere, and eat anything and do it on the cheap. We traveled throughout Europe, the days before GPS, overland rigs, internet, mobile phones and the Lonely Planet.
We returned home with a few dollars in our pockets and I was pregnant with our first son. This was not the end of overland travel but the first of many more to come. The travel bug had bitten us hard and despite having children it did not stop us venturing off into the wilderness exploring Southern Africa. Our sons soon learnt the thrill of adventure travel and now both have left home and are out there following in their parents footsteps.
We celebrated our 38 wedding anniversary with them last night sitting in the Piazza Del Duomo eating a wonderful Italian dinner and toasting to life with an Italian wine. Tom and I had wandered through this Piazzo in 1974 little could we have know that the next time we will be back will be with our family and grandchildren.
Travel is always full of surprises.

[cellularsteve2]

To Italy with love a Little Detour...

Great story! Congratulations.

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

What a wonderful journey; thanks for sharing it with us. What soundtrack did you use on the Alaska video? Be safe...:sombrero:

[LateNate]

Awesome trip. Nice video. Did I read correctly that you guys are headed all the way down to Argentina this year? A friend and I are doing the same thing. We should be leaving shortly.

[FotoValpen]

Wow! What a great trip. I will be following it closely.

[Project510]

What an awesome adventure! I hope I have this same luxuory later on.

[geovalue]

What a wonderful journey; thanks for sharing it with us. What soundtrack did you use on the Alaska video? Be safe...:sombrero:

The music is by Mike Oldfield called "Wild Goose Flaps its Wings" from his album Voyager.
We are enjoying our time in Italy with family, we will be back on the road in September. Until then safe travels all

[Ford Prefect]

My wife and I have been wanting to move up to Alaska, and I reckon if we did get there, we would certainly pop up to prudhoe bay, so I showed your video to my wife, so she could see how cold it was there in the summer time! Still think I would really want to dive into the ocean just the same! It would be brilliant!

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

The music is by Mike Oldfield called "Wild Goose Flaps its Wings" from his album Voyager.
We are enjoying our time in Italy with family, we will be back on the road in September. Until then safe travels all

Thanks...:sombrero:

[adventureduo]

Awesome photos and great video. We are hopefully headed up in 2012. Man, this makes me want to leave tomorrow! So jealous.

Safe travels you guys!

[CACHE KRAWLER]

Really great video guys and I have been enjoying following your travels. Thanks for sharing!

[ttora4runner]

Very cool. One of the must do's on my list.

[geovalue]

Ho boy did we forget!! Traveling with children is not for sissies, it is tough going. Scheduling beach trips, meal times, potty stops and nap times with the urge to explore the island of Sardinia it is a reminder to Tom and I how easy we have it when we only have to schedule our days for the 2 of us and not 6 people which includes a 1 and 2 year old, but the laughs and giggles are wonderful and we are enjoying our time with family before heading for South America.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1.jpg

[geovalue]

One of the highlights of visiting Alaska is to see Grizzlies in the wild. We were lucky enough to see a mother with three cubs showing them the river, a great source of salmon. We met a fellow overlander and he invited us to share a tasty meal with him. Great traveling makes great friends!

YouTube- Grizzly Bear with Cubs in Alaska

[Jean-Seb]

Great images ! And fish tacos... :drool:

Keep the updates coming !

[geovalue]

And we are finally back on the road and heading south. We finally made it to Saskatchewan and loved this prairie landscape. Today we are heading into the USA and will be exploring Dakota. It feels so good to be overlanding again. We will now be on the road all the way to Argentina, although we do not anticipate getting there until the end of 2011. First we will be exploring Eastern USA and Canada

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Canada/2.jpg Darren's Bicycle Fence

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Canada/1.jpg Prairie Landscape

[geovalue]

We arrived in North Dakota and just love the countryside and scenery. Unfortunately the scenic drive in the North Theodore Roosevelt National Park was not completely open as they are doing road works so could only drive a little way into the park. The wind was bitterly cold, is Dakota having an early winter chill? Drove on south to the South Roosevelt Park and are planning to do some exploring and hiking tomorrow.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-1.jpg Nissan

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/3.jpg North Roosevelt National Park

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2.jpg It is chilly in those hills

[JerryYukon]

Welcome back............

[trailsurfer]

Great getting an update. Please keep it coming.

[geovalue]

Thanks it is great to be back. We even had a welcome sign ensuring us Americans speak "Canadian" Must say it is so much easier to travel in a country when we can speak the language. Still working on our Spanish for South America. We have loved Dakota it is wide open spaces, friendly people and great sights. The Black Hills are spectacular and Mt Rushmore amazing.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7.jpg Welcome to the USA

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-1.jpg Spearfish Canyon. Great camping spot

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/14.jpg Mt Rushmore and President Washington peeking at us in the distance

[geovalue]

We have crossed through South Dakota and loved the Black Hills and Badlands, did some hiking although we have had a lot of rain we have been lucky with a few days of sunshine. This part of the USA should be on every overlanders wish list. It is great traveling and the byways are apparently among the top 10 outstanding byways in the USA. We are doing well although struggling to find a garmin map of the USA for our model of Garmin GPS MAP276C, we are looking for the mapsource city guide. We are back to traveling without a city maps for Chicago where we are headed and we are wondering if we will survive without a map, we tackled Cairo without a map and that was chaotic and hectic.
The Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monuments were amazing, both created by talented single minded sculptors. If Tom thought I was stubborn I am meek and mild compared to those men.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-1.jpg Open Sky in South Dakota

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/15.jpg Mount Rushmore

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-1.jpg The Badlands of South Dakota

[geovalue]

We made it to Chicago and decided to drive into the city, as it was a Sunday and thought the traffic would not be too bad. It wasn't it was easy to navigate, however parking is impossible as is camping. So we decided to splurge while in Chicago and took a hotel room. While driving through Minnesota we experienced terrible rain and they experienced even worse flooding. We had to change our route due to road flooding and closures. Past by the House on the Rock in Wisconsin what an amazing place, a collection of everything anyone every thought of collecting, except no overland vehicles

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-2.jpg Flooding in Minnesota

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/12.jpg The House on the Rock in Wisconsin and the largest carousel in the world over 20,000 lights

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/13.jpg Driving into Chicago

[02TahoeMD]

Great trip report:victory:

Subscribing now :lurk:

[geovalue]

On route to Chicago we pulled into the campsite and headed for the registration office.
I listened in amazement as the lady behind the counter leaned forward and asked the elderly man standing in front of me, “Do you need a dump?”
“No I had a good dump yesterday and am cleaned out” he replied.
It took me a few minutes of standing there dumb struck at the conversation I was over hearing until I realized they were referring to his black water tank of his RV and not his bowels!!
RV lingo we are learning it daily. I guess we are learning to speak American :)

got great internet connection in Chicago so updated our web today

[12husky]

Incredible trip so far and it seems as though it is just beginning! My parents were exploring the badlands the same time as you, but they were headed west.

If you find yourself traveling to the beach in Maryland, I would love to have dinner and hear your stories. There are a few state parks in the area or you would be more than welcome to park in our yard for a night or two (my parents do periodically).

Best of luck!


~Matt

[BajaTaco]

On route to Chicago we pulled into the campsite and headed for the registration office.
I listened in amazement as the lady behind the counter leaned forward and asked the elderly man standing in front of me, “Do you need a dump?”
“No I had a good dump yesterday and am cleaned out” he replied.
It took me a few minutes of standing there dumb struck at the conversation I was over hearing until I realized they were referring to his black water tank of his RV and not his bowels!!
RV lingo we are learning it daily. I guess we are learning to speak American :)

got great internet connection in Chicago so updated our web today

Now THAT is hilarious :)

What a great trip. Keep it going!

[geovalue]

Incredible trip so far and it seems as though it is just beginning! My parents were exploring the badlands the same time as you, but they were headed west.

If you find yourself traveling to the beach in Maryland, I would love to have dinner and hear your stories. There are a few state parks in the area or you would be more than welcome to park in our yard for a night or two (my parents do periodically).

Best of luck!


~Matt
Thanks for the invite, that would be great if we could meet we love to meet the locals and especially others interested in overlanding. We dont have our exact route through Maryland so will keep in contact

[geovalue]

This is a video we made while in Alaska and it will show you why you must travel overland to Alaska, it is stunning. I also think this is Tom's best video but then maybe I am biased as I love wildlife and the outdoors.

Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C_6dKbxHcQ

[Judoka]

Stunning video! Thank you for taking us along for the ride!

[Johnny Christensen]

Great video, this is the stuff that inspires people to get off the couch.

[geovalue]

We had a magnificent stay in Chicago, we walked miles and miles, got up early and went to bed late and crammed as much as we could in 3 days. It was whirled wind tour and a city we highly recommend you visit. The traffic is easy to drive in and navigation a breeze. Highlights included the Cloud Gate, a magnificent sculpture, the planetarium, the aquarium, museums and art galleries. We have updated our blog so all our experiences and most of what we saw are on the blog'

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-3.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/5.jpg Reflections of Chicago

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/18.jpg Tom at the Science Museum. Never did figure out how this worked

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/12-1.jpg Tom taking video of the Cloud Gate

Now get off the couch everyone as Johnny Christensen says and start discovering this beautiful and diverse country

[BajaTaco]

Now get off the couch everyone as Johnny Christensen says and start discovering this beautiful and diverse country

:victory:

Great video.

[geovalue]

The Henry Ford Museum located in Dearborn near Detroit was excellent but the most fascinating to us was seeing how vehicles emerged as fun “camping and touring” vehicles. From the VW camper van, to the Airstream, to tents that could be attached to vehicles. How far we come since the early 1900’s when a tent was mounted to the side of the vehicle so families could go camping. The tent trailer was born and is still going strong today.

The most fascinating of course was to see the Packard automobile called “Old Pacific” which was one of the first 3 horseless vehicles to be driven across the USA in 1903. Several months ago we watched the PBS documentary Horatio’s Drive, produced by Ken Burns; a wonderful film about Horatio Nelson Jackson who was the first ever overlander to drive across the North American continent. Driving a Winton automobile Jackson crossed the USA in 64 days. It was in this documentary we learnt about the Packer vehicle called “Old Pacific” so we were quite delighted to see the actual vehicle. Although Tom Fetch driving the Packer was not the first to achieve driving across the USA he was close behind the winner Jackson.

The poor and non existent roads in 1903 made it a dirty, gruelling trip. At one point Tom Fetch the driver of the Packard had to lay down canvas strips to enable the car to cross the sands in Nevada. In those days, it was true adventure and hardship to travel across the lands. The documentary is a must for anyone interested in adventure and overland travel.

Any forum member who follows Ara and his dog Spirit (The Oasis of my Soul) will love the dog Bud that Jackson pick up along the way. Much like Spirit, he wore goggles as the Winton had neither roof or windshield. We will be heading to see the Winton at the Smithsonian museum in Washington. Bud was the first overland dog. More on this story after our visit to see the Winton in the Smithsonian.

In 1995, Hector Quevedo Abarzua and his son Hugo Quevedo Liberona drove a 1928 Model A Ford some 22,000 miles to the Ford Museum in Chicago all the way from Punta Arenas in southern Chile.
The father and his son left their home on Oct 12 1992 with the equivalent of $5.00 in their pockets and a dream that Hector had cherished since the age of 12 to visit the Henry Ford Museum. Along the way they stayed in shelters and accepted donations to help them continue their journey and adventures. They arrived at the museum on December 2nd 1994. They returned to Chile but the overland Ford now resides in the museum. What an amazing vehicle.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/3-3.jpg Hectors 1928 Ford he drove across the Americas

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/9-1.jpg The Packer automobile one of the first overland vehicles 1903

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-4.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7-1.jpg camping, the beginning of roof top tents?

More photos on our website. What a fascinating place to visit in the USA.

[Every Miles A Memory]

Awesome write up ont he Henry Ford Museum! Thanks for the heads up on the PBS Special. I'm gonna have to order that one or see if our local library has it to rent

That Model A driven from Chile is just amazing. That's true Overlanding at it's best

[geovalue]

Awesome write up ont he Henry Ford Museum! Thanks for the heads up on the PBS Special. I'm gonna have to order that one or see if our local library has it to rent

That Model A driven from Chile is just amazing. That's true Overlanding at it's best
Yes that Model A from Chile was amazing. The documentary is also amazing, a trip in 1903 was the ultimate overlanding journey, no roads, no gas stations, no maps and no spare parts. At one point in the journey by one of the other fellows driving across the USA they could only drive in reverse! I think the documentary should be shown at Overland Expo, it is great.

[EricBirk]

It is a small world, as we stood in awe of the Worthington Glacier on route to Valdez and motor cyclist stopped and asked if us we had heard of "Overland Expo". He had noted our number plate Ovlandr. As it turns out we had camped almost next to each other at Expo. We treated him to fresh baked apple pie and he treated us to halibut tacos as we shared overland and travel stories in the following evenings together in Valdez. We also went on a cruise to see the Columbia Glacier and the calving of the Meares glaciers. It was magnificent watching large chunks of ice fall into the sea, and humpback whales breaching.
Happy Overlanders sharing stories
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0752.jpg
Columbia glacier
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0759.jpg
Meares Glacier
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Alaska/IMG_0764.jpg

Absolutely incredible pictures!!
I have wanted to do this drive for years simply to see that!

[geovalue]

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/16.jpg

We arrived back in Canada and are now in Toronto another family farewell this time to our oldest son. As we anticipate being on the road for about 12-18 months as we make our way down to Argentina. We are looking forward to the fall colours in the New England state when we leave Canada next week and return to the USA.

Thanks for the comments on the Alaska photos and we agree Alaska is beautiful and worth the long drive.

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

Traveling as a couple there are a certain number of “differences of opinions” that need to be resolved. Living in such small quarters for extended periods has certainly challenged us in making decision such as, “is there anything else we should travel with?” I suggested taking along a real friend like a dog, someone who would always agree with me, never contradict me and always love me unconditionally.

Tom refused this idea, saying that we could get a dog again when we settle down. We arrived back into Canada welcomed by rain, what else! I am beginning to think we are the new Noah and his wife. My umbrella is my constant accessory as we travel across America under a rain cloud. Soon we will be building an ark and then perhaps I can have my dog!

We are now in our final days of route planning for our All American Road Trip- USA. We are still debating the exact route but are looking forward to discovering more of the USA and Americans. In researching “what is an American?” we discovered an American is among many definitions someone who has left a message after the beep.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-2.jpg And Now Janet Wants a Dog!

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/5-1.jpg Overlanders Noah and his wife

we updated our blog today about the Wright African American Museum- fantastic place

[geovalue]

The USA has more than 4 million miles of road, how on earth do we choose a route from Toronto to California down the eastern USA and across. We don't want to just "cross the USA" we want to get into the heart of the USA. Every day we seem to have a different route.
We are still in Toronto but enough of cities now we need to get off the beaten track so are heading south on Wednesday to the New England states to see the fall colours. We will be traveling through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine so are hoping to find some wonderful off the beaten track locations.
Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We are now back on the road and heading south. Our first night camping was great, tucked in amongst the trees alongside a lake. This is when I am reminded how lucky we are to be able to travel like we do. We said good bye to our son in Toronto and wonder when we will see our family and friends again. We are in search of fall colours and were not disappointed this morning as we got up to see this view

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-3.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-4.jpgBack on the Road

Miles traveled since Alaska 11,212 (17,939km) how many more before we reach Ushuaia

Safe travels all

[Judoka]

I hope that you get to East Tennessee. You will flip with the colors in the Smoky Mountains! Blue Ridge Parkway is another great drive.

[sasfrontier]

Just found this thread and have really enjoyed it. My wife and I are in Jacksonville Florida, if you make it down this far you are more than welcome to stay for a night and get cleaned up or wash the rig. St. Augustine (oldest city in the us) is just south of us and is a great little city to see. Enjoy your travels and we look forward to seeing the photos and reading about your adventure.

[geovalue]

I hope that you get to East Tennessee. You will flip with the colors in the Smoky Mountains! Blue Ridge Parkway is another great drive.
Thanks we are heading that way but are not sure we will be in time for the fall colours. But will definitely do the Blue Ridge Parkway

[geovalue]

Just found this thread and have really enjoyed it. My wife and I are in Jacksonville Florida, if you make it down this far you are more than welcome to stay for a night and get cleaned up or wash the rig. St. Augustine (oldest city in the us) is just south of us and is a great little city to see. Enjoy your travels and we look forward to seeing the photos and reading about your adventure.
Thanks for the offer, we are not sure we will be going as far south as Florida as we will be traveling across the USA back to the west coast before heading south into Baja. But if we are your way we will be sure to contact you.

[geovalue]

After travelling many miles from the Arctic Ocean we finally stood on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Maine. Reaching the Atlantic was a milestone for us. We had crossed the North American continent and were reminded that the last time we stood on the shores of the Atlantic we were in Africa looking across the world to America. It was time to celebrate with a Maine lobster meal. Sitting in the Lobster Shack alongside Two Lights State Park we had a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean and Casco Bay. Life was good and the lobster delicious and the weather dramatic
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7-2.jpg The Atlantic Ocean a long way from the Arctic Ocean
We are enjoying the fall colours despite the chilly weather, rain and wind.
We have updated our blog and are now on route to Boston
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-3.jpg Maple Glory
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-5.jpg A splash of Colour
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-3.jpg Only in Vermont

Safe travels all and keep those tires inflated

[geovalue]

We had debated whether to just go south from Alaska to Argentina or do a little detour via Eastern USA. We have traveled through most of Western USA so wondered if the East would be very different and it is!. Sometimes it is hard to believe we are in the same country so are really pleased we decided to explore the Eastern USA. Scenery, culture, history, villages and towns are all different. We are now heading into Rhodes Island, having traveled across Massachusetts, loved Boston and especially Cape Cod.
We are also getting a sense of how different Canadians are to Americans. I love the passion that Americans seem to have about everything, whether it is the elections or halloween. You guys rock

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/25.jpg Boston

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/23.jpg USS Constitution in Boston

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/32.jpg Tom at Cape Cod

We are having a big debate do we tackle NY city!!

Stay safe and travel well

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We have finally completed the video of Chicago, a fabulous city and which we both loved. Although we are not "city slickers" we are finding a lot to explore and learn about in the city as we travel across the USA. We love the outdoors but do feel we need to explore some cities. We arrived in Connecticut this evening and the falls colours have been amazing. What a beautiful part of the world this part of the USA is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5fGQR2aQB4

[Vizoo]

Hi guys, can't say how happy I am to find this thread. I am also planning a trip from Prudhoe Bay to Ushuaia, but after reaching the extreme "driveable" south I will explore the largest and most full of extremes (cultural and landscape) country in SAm, Brazil. This is the basic route I am planning:

http://www.joa150.com.br/americas2011/01_Route%20Part%201%20-%20North%20America.jpg

http://www.joa150.com.br/americas2011/02_Route%20Part%202%20-%20Central%20America.JPG

http://www.joa150.com.br/americas2011/03_Route%20Part%203%20-%20South%20America.JPG

(yes, I did the route looking like the Americas in the Northeast part of Brazil on purpose)

If you care to see the full presentation of my expedition the link is here (http://www.joa150.com.br/americas2011/main).

I spent my time between Rio de Janeiro and Miami, my trip will begin from Miami in June 2011. If you decide to come to Rio after Argentina, let me know!!

Best of wishes,

Renato :smiley_drive:

PS. Sorry if the images are large, its what I had uploaded to my server.

[geovalue]

Hi guys, can't say how happy I am to find this thread. I am also planning a trip from Prudhoe Bay to Ushuaia, but after reaching the extreme "driveable" south I will explore the largest and most full of extremes (cultural and landscape) country in SAm, Brazil.

I spent my time between Rio de Janeiro and Miami, my trip will begin from Miami in June 2011. If you decide to come to Rio after Argentina, let me know!!


Good luck with your travels it sounds like it is going to be fun. It would be great if we met on route and when we are in Rio we will definitely try to contact you.

[geovalue]

We had another learning when entering into Boston. We are not that knowledgeable about all the road signs yet so did not know that the HC with a slash through it meant no "hazardous containers" were allowed into the tunnel. Too late we were at the toll and were told no propanes allowed but we could not turn around. Fortunately a lovely state trooper came to our rescue and escorted us through the tunnel into Boston. No siren just the usual back seat driving advice to Tom from me.
We have updated our blog with lots of photos and stories of our experiences in Massachusetts

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/to-boston-under-police-escort/#more-1687

[sojourner]

This is a great trip.
I'm not sure when you arrived at Cape Cod but last weekend was Oyster Fest and was a great time. I think this is a great time to visit the Cape, you might want to take the ferry to Martha's Vineyard for the day or head up to P-town before you leave.
Also when you're heading out of Mass to RI, check out Newport and do the cliff walk.
I love the Boston pictures, I've never in and around the city for 12 years and have only seen a handful of the places in the pictures.

[geovalue]

This is a great trip.
I'm not sure when you arrived at Cape Cod but last weekend was Oyster Fest and was a great time. I think this is a great time to visit the Cape, you might want to take the ferry to Martha's Vineyard for the day or head up to P-town before you leave.
Also when you're heading out of Mass to RI, check out Newport and do the cliff walk.
I love the Boston pictures, I've never in and around the city for 12 years and have only seen a handful of the places in the pictures.
We missed the Oyster Fest and Martha's Vineyard. One of our biggest challenges has bee making choices of what to see and where to go. There is just so much to see in this country. We had planned to visit Martha's Vineyard but then decided we loved Cape Cod so much we will be back. We did visit Newport and did the Cliff walk and it was great will be updating our blog about that soon. We have loved all the fall colours everywhere we have been.
We arrived in New York today so it is back to being a city slicker for a few days before heading back into the outdoors.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/3-5.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-4.jpg

[VicHanson]

Janet and Tom,
Glad you are enjoying the start of your U.S. trip. I just found your thread and it took me to page 8 before I realized you are Canadians! Welcome!! I have just recently retired and am traveling full time in a converted truck camper on an Isuzu NPR truck. Just arrived in L.A. after starting in Florida in July. I am FROM Minnesota and don't like the cold, so will be traveling and exploring in S. California and Arizona for the winter and then will head north. No plans or schedule but I too am looking forward to seeing the U.S. and definitely want to get to Canada in the not too far distant future. Enjoy your travels and I hope the rest of your time in the U.S. is as enjoyable as it has been so far.

Vic

[geovalue]

Thanks for the comments Vic. We did make it to NYC and camped just across the Hudson River in New Jersey. Very basic campsite in New Jersey but excellent location and a quick train ride to WTC. Met lots of other travellers exploring the USA and several on route to South America. We finally updated our blog on Keeping Up with the Jones in Newport, and the Hudson River Valley.
We are leaving NYC today and heading for Philadelphia I am not sure I am ready for another city!! but feel we need to explore both urban and the natural wonders of America.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-4.jpg Hello NYC

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/5-2.jpg View from New Jersey

[geovalue]

NYC is wild especially for the two of us who prefer the wild of outdoor living. But we survived the noise, chaos and millions of people and vehicles all trying to get to somewhere else. Got caught up in Labor Union Solidarity rally in Times Square and even interviewed for the Dr Oz show. Met a couple from Australia who were led into the rally downtown NYC by their GPS "Tom Tom" said "It was a f@#*! nightmare," oh the joys of traveling. We have updated our blog on NYC with tons of photos. We are now in Pennsylvania and are off to search for ghosts at Gettysburg and then we will be heading for Washington and hope to attend the Jon Stewart rally on Saturday at the National Mall inWashington DC. Wonder if we are ready for another rally?

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/13-1.jpg 9/11 Memorial

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/16-1.jpg Cycling for Peace

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/22.jpg Interviewed in Times Square for Dr Oz Show

[geovalue]

Our journey across the USA continues and we feel sometimes as if we are drowning in information. We are learning so much about the history of this country, the battles, struggles and successes, what an amazing story this nation has. As Canadians have watched the mid term elections with interest, in Washington we attended Jon Stewarts Rally to Restore Sanity and were fascinated by the energy and passion the Americans have. Although the Canadians were there to “support a sensible America.”
The only love hate relationship I have developed are the spaghetti junctions, overpasses, highways and 12 lane freeways, give me a challenging off road 4X4 track in Africa any day. It maybe difficult but at least when we are through it there is a sense of accomplishment, here there is a sense of survival. We try to avoid highways when possible but getting into and out of some cities require we tackle the highways.
In Washington we headed to the National American History Museum to see the “vehicle” that made the first overland trip across America.
In 1903 Nelson Jackson, Sewall Crocker and their dog Bud made the first successful transcontinental automobile trip. Their journey was arduous and slow but helped prove long distance travel was possible. Their trip began in San Francisco men’s club after a discussion at the feasibility of a transcontinental auto crossing. Jackson decided to give it a try, purchased a Winton touring car named it “Vermont” and headed east. After 63 days they reached New York.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-7.jpg The Winton and Jackson

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-6.jpg Bud's Goggles

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-8.jpg Supplies

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7-3.jpg Canadians for a Sensible America at the Rally to Restore Sanity

[kenny chaos]

I'm probably late with this but Niagara Falls is four hours from NYC and we coulda hosted ya at the the farm.
Be safe-

[geovalue]

We had an fascinating time in Washington, the Americans sure have a interesting capital. But we continue to travel south getting closer and closer our destination. At times we just want to speed up and whiz through the USA but we keep finding places of interest, that make us linger. We explored the Assateague National Seashore Park of Maryland before heading south to the Carolinas. We loved the Outer Banks and finally got to drive on a beach in the USA. There is so much rich history in this country we never seem to stop learning. We are now considering going to Florida for a while before turning west and heading across to the Baja and then south. We have updated our blog with lots of photos and videos

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/12-2.jpg Cape Hatteras Island

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/11.jpg A Beach Drive

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/5-3.jpg Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel an engineering marvel

[Bogo]

Florida has many beautiful parks, but be mindful of the alligators, and now boas. Also see NASA. Personally I'd skip all the theme parks. I did Epcott once and was underwhelmed. If I'm going to do a tourist attraction stuff I'd much rather spend a day on something like the Durango & Silverton in CO.

[EricBirk]

Florida has many beautiful parks, but be mindful of the alligators, and now boas. Also see NASA. Personally I'd skip all the theme parks. I did Epcott once and was underwhelmed. If I'm going to do a tourist attraction stuff I'd much rather spend a day on something like the Durango & Silverton in CO.

Its funny you should say that. I went to Orlando when I was around 12 with my parents and didnt really enjoy Disney World either. The Space center was awesome!

[geovalue]

We are finally in Florida and already had a gator incident but in Georgia while canoeing in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. I don't like those critters. I was having little "anxiety" attacks and Tom kept reminding me I had boated on the rivers in Botswana with hippos and crocs and was not as scared. Am I loosing my nerves?
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-9.jpg Watching each other the Gator and Me

We are heading for Panama City in Florida to do some wreck scuba diving, not touring elsewhere in Florida as have been here before.
We had a fabulous time in Charleston before heading to see the plantations and then one of the highlight of this trip we attended the Annual Gullah Heritage Festival in St Helena.
We visited many slave ports and forts in Africa especially in West Africa and were keen to see where they landed in America, so have tried to follow their trails and it has been fascinating
We have updated our blogs with lots of photos and a great video of the plantations and Gullah Heritage Festival.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/11-1.jpg Gullah Heritage Festival

We also spent Remembrance/Veterans Day on board the aircraft carrier the USS Yorktown. A special way to honor veterans spending time chatting to them and listening to their stories.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/16-2.jpg Flight Deck on USS Yorktown

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/17.jpg Remembrance/Veterans Day on the USS Yorktown

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We are currently in New Orleans having driven along the coast line of Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. We travelled as close as we could to the beach lines. This area of the world has fantastic beaches and the water was amazing warm. We have updated our blog which includes our impressions of Eastern USA. There is also a video of that gator that I was sure was going to eat me up. Taken on the canoe it is not steady.
We will be in Louisiana exploring the areas around New Orleans and then heading into Canjun country and then Texas. We are currently discussing best option for crossing into Mexico if anyone has any suggestions, we would appreciate them
Safe travels

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/11-2.jpg Florida Beach

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/10.jpg Still smiling after several months on the road

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/tom-tells-me-i-am-timid/

[Vizoo]

I was in Miami for the last three weeks, we almost could have met...

I'll fly again to the US in Jan 21st and back in Brazil by March 18th until June, when I fly to Miami again to start the trip.

[geovalue]

I was in Miami for the last three weeks, we almost could have met...

I'll fly again to the US in Jan 21st and back in Brazil by March 18th until June, when I fly to Miami again to start the trip.

Perhaps we can meet when you are on the road, that would be fun. Maybe we will be in Brazil before you leave in June.
Safe travels

[targa88]

Janet & Tom,
Just found this thread. Great pix/videos.
Living the life...
Cheers
Colin

[geovalue]

Janet & Tom,
Just found this thread. Great pix/videos.
Living the life...
Cheers
Colin
Great to hear from you. Pleased you like the pictures and videos.

[geovalue]

We explored Louisiana and New Orleans. Loved the music, food, people and entertainers but found the city grubby. It is suppose to be the 2nd dirtiest city in the United States and we can see why. Even had rats running around our feet on the Moonwalk along the Mississippi River. We visited the Atchafalaya Basin which is reported to be the largest swamp in the States. We did not see much but loved being outdoors again. We really realized we are not city folk. But now we are heading to the parks of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona and are really looking forward to that. We have updated our blog with photos and video

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-5.jpg The French Quarters in New Orleans

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/32-1.jpg Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phZ-LokYBOo

[trailsurfer]

I would drive over to the California/Arizona border and cross at Mexicali, drive down Baja and take the ferry in La Paz over to the mainland.

[StanleyandIris]

Sorry you were visited by wharf rats on the Moonwalk, but rats are to be expected around river wharves. I could tell you horror stories about foreign flag ship crewmembers trapping them for dinner, but I won't. I hope the rest of your trip is rat free.

Keep posting your adventure stories as some of us are living vicariously through your tales.

Iris

[Jnich77]

Don't worry about the gators... they are all but harmless unless you harass them.

[geovalue]

I would drive over to the California/Arizona border and cross at Mexicali, drive down Baja and take the ferry in La Paz over to the mainland.
Thanks for that information we were thinking of going through this border and taking the ferry across to the mainland.

[geovalue]

Sorry you were visited by wharf rats on the Moonwalk, but rats are to be expected around river wharves. I could tell you horror stories about foreign flag ship crewmembers trapping them for dinner, but I won't. I hope the rest of your trip is rat free.

Keep posting your adventure stories as some of us are living vicariously through your tales.

Iris
Pleased you are enjoying our stories. Yes we have many rats stories including rats that ate their way into our Land Cruiser through the engine and into our tupperware sealed boxes of food in Nairobi. In West Africa they sell them along the side of the road for food, but did not try one or least was not aware of eating them when eating local food, ugh the thought of having eaten rat is awful although they are suppose to be a good source of protein

[geovalue]

Don't worry about the gators... they are all but harmless unless you harass them.
I trust you so hope you are right they look too much like a crocodile for me to trust them.
Sorry about all the replies individually but cannot figure out how to do multiple quotes in one reply if someone would enlighten me I would appreciate that.

We are now leaving San Antonio to explore the Hill Country of Texas heard there are lots of great wine making vineyards so we have to go on a wine tasting expedition. Now that sounds like just what we need. Have had 2 days of rest our first "not do anything days" since June. With our energy restore we are once again hitting the road.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-10.jpg resting under the trees in San Antonio

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/9-2.jpg Holiday Light Barge Parade in San Antonio

Safe travels all

[MCM]

Welcome to San Antonio! Enjoy your stay and let me know if you need anything while you're here. If you have time, I highly recommend heading west to Ft. Davis, Marfa, Alpine, and Big Bend Natl' Park.

Safe Travels.

Cheers!

[geovalue]

Welcome to San Antonio! Enjoy your stay and let me know if you need anything while you're here. If you have time, I highly recommend heading west to Ft. Davis, Marfa, Alpine, and Big Bend Natl' Park.

Safe Travels.

Cheers!

Thanks we are heading west leaving Austin on Wednesday, so far have loved Texas

We have updated our blog today, enjoy
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/deep-in-the-heart-of-texas/

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/3-6.jpg Alamo San Antonio Texas

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-6.jpg River Walk San Antonio is delightful

[Jnich77]

I trust you so hope you are right they look too much like a crocodile for me to trust them.
Sorry about all the replies individually but cannot figure out how to do multiple quotes in one reply if someone would enlighten me I would appreciate that.

We are now leaving San Antonio to explore the Hill Country of Texas heard there are lots of great wine making vineyards so we have to go on a wine tasting expedition. Now that sounds like just what we need. Have had 2 days of rest our first "not do anything days" since June. With our energy restore we are once again hitting the road.


Usually the gators avoid people, if you toss a rock in the water near them they will more often than not just go away.

As for the Tx Hill country, check out enchanted rock if you get a chance. Not the greatest place to visit, but a fin days hiking. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock/

[geovalue]

Usually the gators avoid people, if you toss a rock in the water near them they will more often than not just go away.

As for the Tx Hill country, check out enchanted rock if you get a chance. Not the greatest place to visit, but a fin days hiking. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock/
As Tom is geologist there are not many rocks we miss on our way so did go to the enchanting rock and had a lovely time. It reminded us a bit of place in Zimbabwe where Tom once worked.

We had a lovely lunch meeting with Doug and Stephanie Hackney in Austin yesterday. Sharing overland stories, adventures, thrills and spills. We are now heading for New Mexico for more geological locations, Carlsbad caverns and the white sands.

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We finally have met some fellow travellers heading for South America, traveling from Switzerland in a Land Cruiser. We all plan to be in South America by the end of 2011 so am sure we will link up again on route. They don't have a website so can't share that with the forum.
We are currently in New Mexico and have enjoyed exploring the Carlsbad Caverns and yesterday had fun hiking across the White Sand National Park's dunes. Today we are heading to Arizona, we had some snow in New Mexico so it is a signal we need to speed up and start heading due south soon.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-13.jpg Nissan in White Sands National Park

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-12.jpg Exploring the White Sands

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-5.jpg Carlsbad Caverns

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-11.jpg Carlsbad Caverns

Travel safe all

[Jnich77]

As Tom is geologist there are not many rocks we miss on our way so did go to the enchanting rock and had a lovely time. It reminded us a bit of place in Zimbabwe where Tom once worked.

We had a lovely lunch meeting with Doug and Stephanie Hackney in Austin yesterday. Sharing overland stories, adventures, thrills and spills. We are now heading for New Mexico for more geological locations, Carlsbad caverns and the white sands.

Safe travels all

White sands is awesome... and just so happens to be out side of my home town.

[geovalue]

We finally have made it to Vegas and are camped on a large very large asphalt parking lot. So this is Vegas for overlanders!!

We have updated our blog from Texas and New Mexico. We have been without internet connection as we traveled the back roads across Arizona and into Nevada. Discovered some amazing places and had fun with the locals on the "historical route 66" (for a later blog)

Had a fun time with Doug and Stephanie Hackney in Austin sharing lots of travel stories, adventures, and challenges of long distance extended travel. Overlanding has lots of highs but it is not without its challenges.

Met with Scott and Stephanie Brady in Prescott who gave us excellent information and details for our route planning heading south. We are now anxious to begin our travels across Central and South America.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7-4.jpg Fellow overlanders

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-5.jpg An Overlanders Retreat

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/white-sands-and-caves-geological-wonders/

[targa88]

The Caverns are definitely on my "bucket list"...

[geovalue]

The Caverns are definitely on my "bucket list"...
Yes they are worth the trip we were so lucky that so few people were in the caverns, as the silence alone was wonderful. We are moving on having left Las Vegas our first and last time I am sure. Today we spent a wonderful day at the Red Rock National Park and had an opportunity to do some off roading it felt so good to be back in the wilderness. The sky above and the mountains embracing us, just the two of us back exploring the natural wonders of the world. Red Rock is another must see place.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-14.jpg Off roading in Red Rock Park

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-7.jpg Some happy overlanders

Tomorrow we are heading into Death Valley California and are really looking forward to that

[VicHanson]

Hi Janet and Tom, you are getting near me. I am at Slab City, just east of Niland on California highway 111, by the Salton Sea. Lots of snowbirds here, including a group from Canada. Not much of an overlander spot, but there is a popular hot springs and the world famous "Salvation Mountain". It is out in the desert, no utilities but free parking for as long as you want!

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/waters/slabcity.htm

Vic

[geovalue]

Hi Janet and Tom, you are getting near me. I am at Slab City, just east of Niland on California highway 111, by the Salton Sea. Lots of snowbirds here, including a group from Canada. Not much of an overlander spot, but there is a popular hot springs and the world famous "Salvation Mountain". It is out in the desert, no utilities but free parking for as long as you want!

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/waters/slabcity.htm

Vic

Thanks we are now in Santa Barbara getting ready to enter into Mexico and head south. Insurances, getting maps etc.
We plan to head to Joshua Tree and will be passing through so will definitely be in contact if we are anywhere near Slab City.

We absolutely loved Death Valley and hope to be back one day to explore the entire area. Unfortunately we need to keep moving so could not do it justice.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-16.jpg Death Valley

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-17.jpg Camping in Death Valley

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We cleaned out the truck yesterday its first huge clean since leaving Calgary. The truck packing system is working really well and we are proud that we don't seem to have over or under packed. We have only what we need for 18 month of travel. It is always a big question what to take and what do you really need. Still have a few recovery gear stuff to buy before we head into Mexico. Our trip across the USA which we call our detour on the way south, was mainly to experience the America culture and learn about the history and meet people. But our days in the USA are now very numbered we will be leaving shortly and heading into Mexico.

We have updated our blog about Route 66 and heading across the Hoover Dam into Nevada and visiting Lake Mead.

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/life-on-route-66-across-arizona/


http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-15.jpg Route 66

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhHyDaGt3Tc

[Bad Karma]

AWESOME!!! we took a pic of our Jeep late June at the EXACT same sign!!! :):):)
really enjoying your trip updates!

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l8/mikeczj/Scrambler%20Adventure%202010/P6230257.jpg

[geovalue]

AWESOME!!! we took a pic of our Jeep late June at the EXACT same sign!!! :):):)
really enjoying your trip updates!

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l8/mikeczj/Scrambler%20Adventure%202010/P6230257.jpg
"Great minds think a like and great overlanders travel a like" That is too funny

[geovalue]

We spent a few days with friends in Santa Barbara. We actually met them on a ferry and invited us to stay with them a few days so we took them up on their offer. It was wonderful to have a real bed again how soon we forget. But the urge to hit the road soon had us back on the road. We are now at Desert Hot Springs and tomorrow we will be heading into Joshua Tree.

We have updated our blog on Vegas to Death Valley. Did not like Vegas but loved Death Valley.

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/las-vegas-to-death-valley/

Could not get enough of Death Valley so am looking forward to exploring the desert around Joshua Tree.

Safe travels all

[targa88]

Janet & Tom,
I hope you will not be disappointed. JT is nothing compare to DV - IMHO....
I would keep visiting DV again and again.

[geovalue]

Well you were right about Joshua Tree being very different to Death Valley and yet we loved Joshua Tree especially the Western section. The Joshua trees are ridiculous looking not exactly pretty and look like they are still figuring out how they want to present themselves to the world. We drove the "geology route" which was very interesting. It is actually surprising how different the West and the East side of the park are from each other.

But look what we woke up to this morning. Morning light in Joshua Tree

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/12-4.jpg Morning light

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-8.jpg Joshua Tree

We will be saying "good bye" to the USA within a few days

Safe travels all

[CanuckMariner]

Tom/Janet, by east side west of JT being different, are you referring to the Dale Mining area, then definitely so! Actually, the largest and most dense Joshua forest in the USA is in the NE corner of Mojave, very much larger and denser than JT. I too loved JT, very much different than DV. Just like Italian and French food neither is better, just different!

Stay in touch while in Baja, will be good to hear your version of how "dangerous" it really is compared to all the media hype.:costumed-smiley-007

[SnowZone]

But look what we woke up to this morning. Morning light in Joshua Tree

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/12-4.jpg Morning light


Wow! I am more than a little jealous, but I look forward to your pictures after coming in from blowing out the driveway (again!).

Safe travels, and keep up the great updates.

[VicHanson]

Thanks for sharing the beautiful morning in JT! I'm down at Holtville now, east of El Centro, CA. Looks like a rainy couple of days!

[geovalue]

Yes it is raining in California and guess where we are at the moment.
We have updated our blog and bid the USA farewell. We are looking forward to exploring Mexico and hopefully to some sunny weather. Our plan is to travel down Baja before heading into mainland Mexico.
We loved our travels in the USA saw and learnt so much but the very best was the wonderful people we met along the way. We plan to be back again one day in the meantime we are off once again on the road.

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/farewell-usa-thanks-for-the-memories/

We have also put together a short video of Steps Across America. See how many locations you can identify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hykLufSAJRw

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

Ok so we made it to Mexico but not quite as planned. We entered at Tecate only to be told we had to go to Tijuana to get a permit for the truck. So we set off driving along the Mexican USA border watching the USA border control on the other side of the fence watching us watching them. We entered Tijuana with no map, no address, no directions and using all our African driving and navigational skills we worked our way across the chaotic city and finally found the office for the permit. Again not as planned we headed down the coast from San Felipe only to get stuck in the sand and had to be rescued by the Mexican military oh well all in the day of an overlander.

We have updated our blog with photos and more details
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/how-not-to-cross-a-border-into-mexico/

Safe travels all

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-9.jpg Mexican Military to the Rescue

[geovalue]

We continue to explore Baja California. We are amazed at how many Canadians there are we have met more Canadians here than we met in the USA. Also surprised at how chilly it has been especially in Baja North. We spent a wonderful New Years Eve on the beach in the Bahia of Concepcion with of course Canadians and Americans. Enjoyed roasted pig and margaritas and boy do the Mexicans know how to make a real Margarita!
Tom has completed his geology video from our trip across the USA anyone who loves a rock, a desert or any other natural wonder will enjoy his video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qDtbX_O5i0

We are now in La Paz and enjoying hot weather and are busy planning our route across mainland Mexico but will not be leaving Baja until sometime the end of this month

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We woke up to a tire that was going down slowly, not a puncture but a faulty valve. So we called in the tire man and it was a struggle to communicate with them. So we are back in Spanish school in La Paz. We had planned to spent a month in Guatemala at Spanish school but have decided we need some serious studying before we get there. We had taken Spanish in Calgary but obviously did not retain much!! although it was fun in our first class and it is slowly coming back.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-20.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-19.jpg Having lunch between Spanish lessons.

We have met several overlanders both going down to Central or South American and several coming back. Lots of sharing of information. La Paz is a good place to meet overlanders as they all come through here if shipping from mainland Mexico

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We are continuing to learn Spanish in La Paz. I read in the newspaper about a dog that knows 1022 words in English. That is more words than I know in Spanish. What does that tell you? I am not a dog :)

We also had the most amazing experience diving with whale sharks in the bay in La Paz. We heard they were out there so we hopped on a boat and headed out. After an hour of seeing nothing there it was a huge shadow in the water. We jumped into the sea and it swam right past us. It was hard work not like the documentaries we have seen with diver and the whale shark. As there is no way one can swim as fast as the whale shark so you have to clamber back on the boat and head off in front of the whale, jump back in and swim, it passes us again and we jump back on the boat and so the exercise is repeated until one is exhausted but exhilarated by the experience of swimming alongside a whale shark. Another must do for anyone who loves nature. There were actually several whale sharks swimming around both a little one and a really huge one. They are the largest fish in the world.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-9.jpg approaching whale shark

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/3-8.jpg passing whale shark

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-21.jpg
going whale shark

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We are still in La Paz leaving this weekend to explore the southern most tip of Baja. We have been attending Spanish classes and if I have learned one thing it is that is is painfully hard to learn a 2nd language but we are committed to do so.

I have attached the video of our highlight of La Paz swimming with the whale shark. An amazing experience. Tom has been scuba diving for over 40 years and this was the first time he had seen a whale shark. He was ecstatic, one would have thought he was the first ever to see one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_Mi9PT8aPE

[Every Miles A Memory]

Really enjoying the trip report Janet and Tom...Be sure to check out Los Ceritos Beach Resort just South of Todos Santos.

Great little spot at the end of a dirt road...at least it was a few years ago when we visited. I'm not sure what it'll be today as they were in the process of building something new..but I'd love to know what you think

[geovalue]

Really enjoying the trip report Janet and Tom...Be sure to check out Los Ceritos Beach Resort just South of Todos Santos.

Great little spot at the end of a dirt road...at least it was a few years ago when we visited. I'm not sure what it'll be today as they were in the process of building something new..but I'd love to know what you think

Thanks we are leaving La Paz today and heading south so will definitely check out Los Ceritos and let you know what we think.

[geovalue]

We have updated our blog about our experience of diving with the whale shark and the real truth about why we had to go back to Spanish lessons. We spent 11 days in La Paz despite only planning to "pass through" but we have had a wonderful time, meeting great people, learning Spanish and diving with the whale sharks. Although the truth is now out what really happened on the boat at sea in our blog.

We are now heading south to see the south of La Paz. We will be heading back next week to take the ferry across to Matzalan. We are still debating the route to take across Mexico mainland as there is so much to see and of course we cant see it all.

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/whale-sharks-and-spanish-lessons-life-in-baja/

Safe travels all

[trailsurfer]

We are all really enjoying keeping up with your trip. Thanks for posting! You have had over 20,000 views so far!!!!!!!!

[CanuckMariner]

Gran verlo y conversar con usted, así a través de Google video chat de ayer, Tom y Janet. Tener más diversión en Baja California Sur, mantener la práctica española, confía en mí ya que lo necesitará. Al tomar el ferry que le falta Barracas del Cobre, las Cataratas del Basasiachi, muchas ruinas y las chozas de barro famoso de Paquimé y la famosa cerámica de Ortiz, así como muchos otros. Disfrute de ustedes mismos.:costumed-smiley-007

[geovalue]

We arrived at Cabo Pulmo hoping to do some snorkelling and kayaking but the sea was too rough so we had to be content to just enjoy the view and a walk along the beach. However we found a lovely beach to camp on, away from the crowds.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/6-5.jpg Campsite at Cabo Pulmo

Then we headed to Cabo San Lucas with some trepidation as we had heard it is so touristy and it is. We took a panga out to Land’s End, the Arch and were dropped off at Lovers Beach.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/16-3.jpg Lovers Beach

I thought perhaps it really was a lover’s beach because Tom became so excited but I was soon brought back to earth when he exclaimed, “Just look at these beautiful weather granite rock, take my picture with these rocks!” Oh yes my romantic geologist.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-11.jpg
Tom with his love on Lovers Beach
The beach, the sand and the sea (and the rocks) were spectacular and I can see why people fall in love here. The sea was full of life with large colourful fish swimming about and we can not wait to go diving and kayaking here.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/17-1.jpg The Arch

We will be here until Saturday and then we are heading back to La Paz via Todas Santos. We will take the ferry from La Paz to Mazatlan. All the Mexicans we have met have told us that we will only see the real Mexico once we cross over to the mainland so are looking forward to exploring that part of the world.

For those of you who have not yet been to Baja start planning it is fun, safe, beautiful and great weather
Safe travels all

[brushogger]

Great trip report! We were in San Antonio the same time you were. I'll have to start keeping a close eye out for you guys on the return trip. If you happen to be coming through Oklahoma on the way back, pm me and we'll fix you dinner and have a few cool ones. Have a safe trip.

[PJPR01]

I just read all 15 pages at one sitting...what a wonderful story you are weaving here on this great adventure. Some of your African videos are also quite exhilarating!

You will really enjoy South America - having lived in Argentina for 3.5 years only a few years ago, and travelled thru many other SA countries...you are in for some fun! I only wish I had made it to the Atacama desert, hoping to see pictures of your SA adventures as well.

[CanuckMariner]

Hope you and Tom get this in time, there is a art gallery/cantina on the west side of the road as you head north from Cabo San Lucas to Todas Santo. They some some different MX beers there when I was there 2 years ago. Great little spot, good food as well. I camped near there.

IIRC, I went through the area in late fall, and caught the Monarch butterfly migration. There were thousands everywhere! Have fund and find some more rocks Tom and be romantic about it as Janet will enjoy them as well then.

Tom use some big words and she will melt in your arm, like felsic, phorphry, hornfels, (don't use plutonic), feldspar, eutectic, protolith, etc. :costumed-smiley-007

[geovalue]

Thanks for all the comments. We survived the tourist packed Cabo San Lucas and actually had great fun.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/3-9.jpg back in the maddening crowds
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-23.jpg Yacht Anyone?

The snorkelling was unbelievable although Tom managed to add some excitement when he "forgot" to take his money out of his pocket before he went snorkelling resulting in him having to dive deep to recover it all.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/6-4.jpg Fish and more fish

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/cabosnorkeling.jpg Tom diving for his money

Kayaking across the bay to The Arch was great despite being swamped by waves from all the boats.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-22.jpg Kayaking across to The Arch at Cabo San Lucas

We have also updated our blog with more pictures and stories.
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/tom-dives-deep-for-money-in-cabo-san-lucas/

We are now back in La Paz and are heading across to Mazatlan this week

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We said good bye to Baja and are now in Mazatlan.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7-7.jpg Good bye Baja
We took the TMC ferry rather than the Baja Ferry which saved us a significant amount of money. The TMC ferry is a cargo ferry and so we could also sleep in the camper while making the 17 hour journey across the ocean. It was a bit noisy but I loved the gently rocking of the ship as we crossed.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/6-6.jpg TMC Cargo Ferry
On board the ferry we traveled with fellow overlanders Roger and Mirjam from Switzerland who are also heading for Argentina
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-11.jpg Overlanders heading for Mazatlan
It was a pretty tight squeeze but we were comfortable and our tickets included supper and breakfast with all fellow truckers
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/9-5.jpg Can you spot the bikes on our camper
We are looking forward to our travels across Mexico
Safe travels all

[ccarm]

What a fantastic trip report so far. I love the beautiful country that you are getting to experience. The pictures of the ocean and beaches are stunning.

[geovalue]

What a fantastic trip report so far. I love the beautiful country that you are getting to experience. The pictures of the ocean and beaches are stunning.
Thanks for the comment. We have now left the Pacific Ocean and are heading east across Mexico. We said goodbye to Mazatlan and arrived in Guadalajara this afternoon.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/15-2.jpg Sad to say good bye

The road was excellent as we took the toll road. However the campsite here is empty, there are no tourists just us. It is quite sad as the locals tell us that many campsite will close this year which is not good news for overlanders.
Tomorrow we heading to explore the historical district of Guadalajara should be fascinating

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/16-4.jpg The view from our camper last night a farewell sunset over the ocean

Safe travels all

[CanuckMariner]

Too bad Janet/Tom, as you missed all the little towns/villages on the coast road. Tons of beautiful beaches, great camping and food. Hope you catch these on your way back north.

South of Guadalajara is Ajijic a small town with retired expats on the north shore of Laguna Chapala. Easy to get around I have some friends who live there. Let me know if you need their contact info will email it to you.:costumed-smiley-007

[geovalue]

Too bad Janet/Tom, as you missed all the little towns/villages on the coast road. Tons of beautiful beaches, great camping and food. Hope you catch these on your way back north.

South of Guadalajara is Ajijic a small town with retired expats on the north shore of Laguna Chapala. Easy to get around I have some friends who live there. Let me know if you need their contact info will email it to you.:costumed-smiley-007
Thanks yes we have had to make many choices of what to see as we travel but decided we wanted to see some of the Mexican culture, colonial cities etc. There is just so much to see in Mexico we will definitely have to come back one to explore more of the amazing country

[geovalue]

We are now in San Miguel de Allende and have great internet so it is a good time to catch up on blogs etc

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/3-10.jpg A Restaurant that cooks in the "engine" of an old car and they made great hamburgers


We have updated our final blog from Baja and one of the highlights was the humpback whales we saw off the coast of Todos Santos, they were amazing

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/a-whale-of-a-time-in-mexico/

Tom also made a summary of our journey across Baja from the time we entered Mexico, if you want to see the whales and of course the incredible deep dive Tom had to do to recover his money this is it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCDSLD5KIFw

There is a very different feel on mainland Mexico compared to Baja. After heading inland we stopped at Guadalajara where we planned to spend a few days. But there was an edgy feeling with lots of police and military around during the day

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-24.jpg Tom in Guadalajara on Tuesday morning.

That night we heard the explosions and gunfire and wondered how close the action was to us and decided we would leave. Next day the headlines read

"Guadalajara Erupts in Violence"
http://guadalajarareporter.com/news-mainmenu-82/guadalajara/28337-guadalajara-erupts-in-violence-.html

We had to change our route and decided to head through Guadalajara and then out west heading for Leon. We actually had to get to the bridge before turning west. But we were fine and once we got to Guanajuato we relaxed and enjoyed this stunningly beautiful city
Safe travels all

[SafariPacific]

Mainland Mexico definately has a different feel than Baja.

Glad to hear you guys are safe in Guanajuato. Great town.

[geovalue]

We are finally ready to enter Mexico City, which we will do tomorrow. We plan to park the truck just north of the city and then take a bus to the train station and hopefully get on the right train to Mexico city and then take the subway to a hotel.

We have loved the colonial cities especially Guanajuato and even San Miguel de Allende was charming. But our highlight to date was hiking up the mountains in Michoacan to see the Monarch Butterflies. It was a grunt of a hike due to the steepness and altitude but well worth it. It was incredible, it is estimated over 150 million butterflies make their way to Mexico from Canada and Northern USA each year. With no GPS I cant even begin to imagine how they find their way here. Makes our journey seem so simple and easy.

We have updated our website
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/exploring-colonial-cities-guadalajara-guanajuato-san-miguel-de-allende/

I will try update some photos but we dont have great internet access
Safe travels all

[geovalue]

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/10-2.jpg Guanajuato City a UNESCO site and truly beautiful

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/20.jpg Balloon Sellers in San Miguel de Allende

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/MonarchButterfly.jpg Monarch Butterfly

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/MillionsofButterflies.jpg Millions and millions of butterflies take flight

Start planning everyone you have to see Guanajuato and the Monarch butterflies

[SafariPacific]

We are finally ready to enter Mexico City, which we will do tomorrow. We plan to park the truck just north of the city and then take a bus to the train station and hopefully get on the right train to Mexico city and then take the subway to a hotel.

Good idea taking the bus. Lots of good things to see in Mexico City I hear. Be careful not to get on the loop highway around greater Mexico City. There's a limitation on who can drive on the highways for traffic control. I got a ticked for that, $500 USD, because I didn't have a Mexican license plate starting with the allowed number/letter combo for the day.

Great photos so far! Keep them coming and enjoy the city.

[geovalue]

We survived Mexico city, and it was amazing. Although we knew it was built on a lake we had no idea it was sinking. What strikes one is the lack of skyscrapers in a city with over 20 million people and yes the air pollution is horrible. Traffic is quite restricted so we left our truck north of the city and took a hotel for several days. Our highlight for the area was the Teotihuacan ruins which are just north of Mexico city. But the city is vibrating and a mosaic of colour, cultures, music, traditions and beliefs.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-25.jpg Tom admiring the Sun Pyramid before hiking to the top.

We have posted a video of our journey from Baja across to mainland Mexico on the TMC ferry, which incidentally was a 1/3 cheaper than crossing by Baja Ferries. The video is of our experiences in some colonial cities of Mexico.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBAyTnkO-5U

We are now just south of Veracruz and will most probably be going into Belize next week.

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We spent the day planning our route through Central America and searching the web for overlanders who are ahead of us. It is always helpful to gather information of travellers who are ahead of us. We have managed to update our blog of our impressions of Mexico City, certainly worth a trip although would not recommend driving into Mexico City. It is a fascinating city quite unlike other major cities in the world, it has a beat of its very own.

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/mexico-city-and-teotihuacan/

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-26.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/9-6.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/16-5.jpg Puebla City

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We have finally reached the border of Belize and will be crossing the border today. We are leaving Mexico after traveling for nearly 2 months when our original plan was only be in Mexico for 2 weeks, well so much for that plan!. Mexico is certainly a diverse and fascinating country. there is just so much to see. Despite what the media says, we did not have any challenges or issues ok so that is not really true I still cant speak Spanish, man it is hard to learn a language at my age. Our last stop was the Palenque Mayan Ruins which are fantastic, well worth a visit.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-27.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-28.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-12.jpg

Safe travels all

[idaxj97]

WOW:Wow1: what a awsome trip stay safe and most of all have fun.

[haven]

"nearly 2 months when our original plan was only be in Mexico for 2 weeks"

A great example of why the best travel plans are flexible. When you don't have a fixed schedule, you can take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.

Thanks for your great web site, http://www.adventurouspirits.com/

[unURBAN]

We have finally reached the border of Belize and will be crossing the border today.

What??? We must have passed each other on the road?!?!? We crossed back into Mexico on the 25th... :-)

Okay, we'll catch up sometime late March!

E&M

[geovalue]

Appreciate the comments.
We are now in the southern most town of Belize Punta Gorda. Belize is such a tiny country especially after traveling across Mexico. But it still has a ton to offer from great scuba diving and to hiking in the jungles so we have been doing a lot of exploring and more off-roading than we have done in a long time. It also has some amazing Mayan ruins as well.
Here are some photos of life on the road everyday happenings

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/28.jpg Buying Food and supplies from a local

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/27.jpg Getting directions from a local

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/33.jpg and more and more driving

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/9-7.jpg exploring the wonders of nature

We also have updated our blog
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/belize-is-divers-heaven/

We will now be heading up north again and will be crossing into Guatemala within a week

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

What??? We must have passed each other on the road?!?!? We crossed back into Mexico on the 25th... :-)

Okay, we'll catch up sometime late March!

E&M
Sorry we missed you we will be in Guatemala for several weeks as we will be taking SPanish lessons in Antigua, hope to meet you soon

[unURBAN]

If you haven't heard already, you can camp for free at the Tourist Police compound in the city center of Antigua. It is located just south of the main market (the street is 6A Calle Poniente). Not the nicest and cleanest campground we've seen, but they have flush toilets, cold showers, and you can even use their WiFi.

E&M

[geovalue]

If you haven't heard already, you can camp for free at the Tourist Police compound in the city center of Antigua. It is located just south of the main market (the street is 6A Calle Poniente). Not the nicest and cleanest campground we've seen, but they have flush toilets, cold showers, and you can even use their WiFi.

E&M
Thanks we had heard you could camp there but had no other information. We are heading into Guatemala tomorrow and going to see Tikal and then heading south.

Safe travels

[geovalue]

"nearly 2 months when our original plan was only be in Mexico for 2 weeks"

A great example of why the best travel plans are flexible. When you don't have a fixed schedule, you can take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.

Thanks for your great web site, http://www.adventurouspirits.com/

You are so right about the importance of being flexible when traveling. We do detail planning but always with the thought the plan serves as a guide not as the goal.

Your comment got me thinking about why we have been able to do as much overlanding and traveling as we have over the past 38 years of marriage and there are several reasons one of which is the flexibility not only to change the plan but to leap at opportunities to travel. We have been really fortunate that we both love to travel without the need for comforts and sometimes even security. I have gone 6 weeks without a shower, eaten things that are too awful to write home about. Experienced a travelers worst nightmare and had some real scary moments but we continue to keep going because in the end the rewards are worth it. And yes you can travel with kids as we did when they were young. Our youngest had his first backpack put on him when he was 3 years old to carry his own load. They learnt to sleep anywhere and eat anything.

Today we enter Guatemala our 72nd country to visit. We have traveled 36,432km (22,638 miles) since we start on this current trip and it is only just beginning.

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

Wow what else can I say, but Tikal the mayan ruins in the jungles of Guatemala are fabulous. Crossing the border from Belize into Guatemala was one of our easiest border crossings ever. Then we headed towards Tikal and got up early and in the morning mist with the animals and birds waking up we walked around the ruins. It was really amazing and well worth a visit.

We actually met another Swiss couple also on route to Argentina and I am sure we wil meet up again, They are traveling in a Land Rover with a pop up roof.

Below Tom is looking at the Temple 1 in the grand Plaza
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-13.jpg

Temples higher than the jungle reaching up into the sky
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-9.jpg

More Tikal Ruins there are over 3000 buildings in Tikal
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/3-12.jpg

We are now heading south and towards Antigua to see if we can manage to learn a few more words in Spanish

Safe travels all

[trailsurfer]

Thanks again for the update.

[CanuckMariner]

Tom/Janet and other Central American travellers: FYI

World court bars all personnel from disputed Nicaragua-Costa Rica border region
March 08, 2011 - 09:54

The Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands - The International Court of Justice has ordered both Costa Rica and Nicaragua to keep all military, police and civilian personnel out of a disputed border region along the San Juan river that separates them.

Costa Rica had asked the court to bar Nicaraguan troops from the disputed region and order it to halt dredging and tree felling in the region where the San Juan river emptied into the Atlantic Ocean.

Costa Rica in January appealed to the world court to order Nicaraguan troops away from the mouth of the San Juan river that runs along the countries' border and halt dredging there. Costa Rica claimed the troops illegally set up camp on its territory in October as part of a dredging project.

Instead, the court on Tuesday ordered both Costa Rican and Nicaraguan forces out, and told both countries to "refrain from any actions which might aggravate or extend the dispute."

Costa Rica went to the court last year claiming Nicaragua illegally sent troops and engineers into Costa Rican territory to dredge part of the river.
:costumed-smiley-007

[geovalue]

[QUOTE=CanuckMariner;838481]Tom/Janet and other Central American travellers: FYI

World court bars all personnel from disputed Nicaragua-Costa Rica border region
March 08, 2011 - 09:54

Thanks for the concern and yes we have been watching this for a long time. It has been an ongoing issue for several years now and we are not planning to cross anywhere near the conflict area.

[geovalue]

Don't you just hate it when things go on fire!! we had a little issue with lots of smoke pouring into our camper yesterday. Our battery terminals had shaken loose on the bad roads and when we plugged in the camper to external electrical power it must have caused some shorting at the loose terminals which then caused the dirt to catch fire. Fortunately we were in the camper but caused a stir because I was not fully dressed when I leaped out to unplug the camper from the external source. A reminder again we have to check everyday for loose bolts etc. Oh well things happen when on the road

We have updated our blog http://www.adventurouspirits.com/tikal-and-then-near-disaster-in-rio-dulce-guatemala/

We are in Rio Dulce camping under a bridge at the marina. Word of warning to anyone planning to do this. Bring HUGE ear plugs and perhaps a bottle of wine we never slept a wink just lay there listening to HUGE trucks all night.

But had a super time on Rio Dulce and the trip to Livingston a must do if in this vicinity

Rio Dulce
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/15-4.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/13-2.jpg

El Paraiso a HOT waterfall in Guatemala
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/10-3.jpg

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

Driving in Guatemala is an experience, it seems everybody passes when there are solid lines on the road regardless of oncoming traffic. It is hairy. We arrived in Antigua a pretty little town full of gringos, us included studying Spanish. We parked our truck at the tourist police and have moved in with a Guatemala family who do not speak a word of English. So far we have met 11 overlanders in Antigua all heading south. Except for us everyone is from Europe, we are the token North Americans, where is everyone??

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/23-1.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-29.jpg

We visited the famous Lago De Atitlan and yes it is beautiful surrounded by several volcanoes. The market at Chichicatenango is fantastic and we have seen many markets this is the best. We were privileged to watch a Mayan ceremony there.

Sunrise over Lago De Atitlan
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7-9.jpg

Sunset over Lago De Atitlan
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/6-7.jpg

We will be in Antigua for 2 weeks and then heading for Honduras. Still debating where to go to El Salvador. But for now our priority is to learn some more Spanish, it is very challenging.

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We are both sick with bronchitis and flu so are feeling quite miserable. Such is life. But I thought I would share with you some of our fellow overlanders and neighbours in Antigua

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7-10.jpg
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/6-8.jpg
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/5-8.jpg
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-30.jpg
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-11.jpg
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/3-14.jpg

and many more are here. It seems we have all arrived here for a mini overland conference. Lots of sharing to travel tales and fun.

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We left Antigua but not before experiencing one of their most famous Lent celebrations and processions. For several Sundays before their ultimate Good Friday celebrations, they make decorative carpets on the roads for the processions which walk over the hand made carpets destroying them. It is a true labour of faith. The carpets are made of coloured sawdust, flowers, vegetables and other natural products. It take hours of meticulous work to create one of these carpets.
Volcan watches over the Antigua Celebrations
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/19.jpg
Sawdust Carpet
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/18-1.jpg
Procession late into the Night
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/20-1.jpg

We decided to drive through El Salvador along the Pacific coast and see where all the surfers hang out surfing the magnificent surf of the Pacific. It meant we had to face the infamous El Amatillo crossing and the notorious Honduras police road blocks driving towards Nicaragua. The El Amatillo is not our worst border crossing that honour still rests with the Sudan Egypt crossing but it is right up there that is for sure.

We have updated our blog on Guatemala a wonderful country with even more wonderful people

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/guatemala-and-a-story-of-faith/

Have fun at EXPO everyone there we will miss you all and perhaps we will make it back from South America in time for Expo 2012

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We drove across Honduras towards Nicaragua going through 8 police road blocks. This stretch of road is the worst we have experienced on this trip, for police harassing tourists and demanding payment for this and for that. We stood our grounds and refused to pay any money and I had to create a scene to get my drivers licence back, which I did without having to pay. It makes traveling in such countries unpleasant and certainly does not encourage tourism. It is sad that the very people who need tourism to help the country recovery try so hard to make traveling in their country difficult.

We arrived in Nicaragua and are now in Granada and are excited to be able to explore this part of the world before heading for Costa Rica.

only a mother could love this face. These are sold along the road side
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/18-2.jpg

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

Thanks again for the update. Thanks, it is a real privilege to travel and hopefully we can encourage others to follow their dreams of overlanding

[geovalue]

It is such fun to meet up with fellow overlanders especially those we have been following and emailing in the hopes of meeting up. We finally met up with Espen and Malin in Nicaragua I am not sure who was more surprised when we bumped into each other at Laguana Apoyo and Tom yelled out, " You must be the Unurbans" as he recognized them from photos. We spent several great days together with them and Alex and Monica from Switzerland who had met several times.
Camping together on lake Apoyo
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-33.jpg

Laguana Apoyo
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/c.jpg

Route Planning together
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/b1.jpg

We camped together on the shores of Laguana Apoyo swimming, trading GPS coordinates and stories. We explored Volcano Masaya and the 6 of us stood gazing down into the volcano debating whether the thunder we were hearing was the volcano roaring into action or lightening. In fact at the parking lot you are told to park with the front of the vehicle pointing down hill in case one has to make a speedy escape. It was lightening.
On the Road
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/d1.jpg
Volcano Masaya
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/a1.jpg
Park Ready for Quick Get Away
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-32.jpg

We said a sad to part ways but I am sure we will meet up again as we all travel south to South America.

Pointing to the Place on the Globe where we were 6 Overlanders
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-31.jpg

Safe travels all

PS we videotaped a message to all at Expo from the top of the mountain, but with no internet access it could not be posted but will so just be patient

[geovalue]

We left Apoyo Lake and headed for the Pacific Ocean found a great campsite on the beach and were joined again by Espen and Malin (unurban), Monika and Alex and Frank and Isabel (Swiss overlanders) Had a great time swimming to cool off in the searing heat, Tom made us overlanders Apple Pie for desert in the evening.

Pacific Ocean Campite
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-34.jpg

Sunset over Ocean
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-16.jpg

Turtle Joins us all for a Swim
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Turtle.jpg

We have updated our blog on Nicaragua and will be heading for Costa Rica soon where we are hoping to catch up with Sprinter.

We had a funny experience at a road block in Honduras, one of our funniest yet.

We have been through hundreds of police and military roadblocks on our travels. We have heard every excuse in the book as to why we need to pay the police officers. We have been arrested; threatened to have our car impounded, guns pointed at us, and blatant demands made for payments before we will be allowed to continue. We have never yet paid a bribe or given into a demand. However, we are always anxious heading out onto a road, which is known for corrupt police officials who demand payment for various reasons. The road between El Salvador and Nicaragua that passes through Honduras has a bad reputation, so bad that often travellers will make a several hundred km detour just to avoid facing the Honduran police. We knew there would be eight police roadblocks on that stretch of road and it is less than 100km, but we were ready. We had a fire extinguisher, red triangles, and reflective vests, red and white reflective tape on the truck and spare tape because we knew they would tell us that the tape was in the wrong place. No problem we have extra where would you like us to put it. We felt we were ready for anything they might demand to see. We also knew the oldest trick in the book was to ask to see our driver’s licence then refuse to give it back unless we pay them. We travel with several drivers’ licences and never ever hand over our originals.
When we know there will be police road blocks I always drive so Tom can focus on the negotiation, as it would never occur them that I could negotiate. It leaves me to focus on the driving and ready for a quick pull off.

Read more on our blog
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/nicaragua-volcanoes-lakes-and-wonderful-people/

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

Finally we have managed to post our video of our experiences with the Monarch Butterflies in Mexico. It is a nature miracle and we loved being surrounded by millions and millions of butterflies. To all the nature lovers enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHWaeEsixT0

[targa88]

Janet & Tom,
The monarchs are awesome. Just another thing I want to do when I get down to MX.
Planning for 2012...

[geovalue]

Costa Rica has changed since we were last here in 1997. Then travel was difficult, mostly impossible without a 4X4. We stayed at a B&B on the beach at Tamarindo, a dusty little town and watched the leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beach. Today the roads are tarred, Tamarindo is a fancy beach resort and the turtle long gone. This they call "progress"

We headed to the Rincon De la Vieja National Park and found a delightful campsite just minutes from the entrance to the park. We settled down for a few days of hiking and swimming in the nearby river. It was wonderful.
http://www.elsolverde.com/

The swimming pool in the river was an easy hike from the campsite and the most amazing colour of blue.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7-11.jpg

It was so lovely to swim and cool off in the heat of the day. Tom in his element swimming in the pool
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/5-9.jpg

I tried fishing but with no luck
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-14.jpg

The Rincon de la Vieja is a delightful place for experiencing some thermally active areas,
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/12-5.jpg

with mud bubbling in the ponds, steam shooting out of vents and water bubbling in the river.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/17-3.jpg

And little critters along the way
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/22-2.jpg

We are most thrilled with the arrival of our son Derek who is joined us yesterday and will spend a week with us before returning to Canada. It is so wonderful to have family around again. Always the hardest part of overlanding is not having family and dear friends around. So we will make the most of our time together

[geovalue]

Happiness for every overlander is having family join you for a vacation. We are so happy to have our son Derek from Canada join us for week in Costa Rica. We actually booked into a hotel and OMG we are going to find it hard to go back to life on the road after CLEAN flushing toilets with doors, hot shower with water that is not a trickle, a real bed with real clean sheets. Life is good.

Tom and Derek our son kayaking in Costa Rica
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-35.jpg

We have also updated our blog and our verdict is out. Central America border crossings have the most scam artists and are the most corrupt borders we have ever experienced. We spent a year overlanding in Europe and crossed 34 border crossing as overlanders in Africa and have never experienced such aggressive men trying to get us to pay for assistance to cross a border.

Logan and Brianna fellow overlanders and Expo Portal contributors from PanAmNotes may soon put these scam artist out of work with their excellent how to notes for borders crossing.
http://panamnotes.com/

There needs to be more resources available and sharing to overlanders in Central and North America. It seems surprising that there are actually more resources available to overlanders crossing Africa than there are resources for overlanders crossing Central America. I think Logan and Brianna have started an excellent trend. Great job you two. When we meet we will have to put our thinking caps on and get a resource system going for overlanders in Central and South America.

Our latest blog http://www.adventurouspirits.com/our-son-derek-arrives-in-costa-rica-to-visit-us/

Safe Travels All

[geovalue]

Today we say good bye to our son Derek who is flying back to Canada and we are heading south towards Panama, It has been wonderful to be with family, hiking, scuba diving, swimming in the ocean and kayaking and of course eating and drinking.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/10-5.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-17.jpg

Now it is back to reality and overlanding. However we missed sleeping in our camper, and are looking forward to exploring more of Costa Rica before Panama. We are also hoping to meet up with some fellow overlanders in Costa Rica which is always fun

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-12.jpg

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We are heading to see Volcano Arenal today and are hoping to meet up with Tree and Stevie from Sprinterlife. It is always fun to meet fellow overlanders especially those on the same route as us.

We loved Mexico and have finally finished our video of Mexico City Ancient to Modern. For anyone considering overlanding across this country this would be interesting, so hope you enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jnCKYevZLg

Safe travels

[CanuckMariner]

There is a sky trek/tram at the south end of the Laguna, which is really fun. Hope you have to time to take it in. Also the Blue Mountain (?) coffee plantations on the way up from San Jose are great to tour and stop for a coffee along the way. Enjoy! :costumed-smiley-007

[geovalue]

Volcano Arenal did not disappoint, we saw the peak without clouds, the scarred sides of the volcano from repeated eruptions and lava flow. Will we ever tire of seeing the worlds best geological wonders.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/15-6.jpg

Costa Rica is stunningly beautiful and I especially love the vegetation and trees. We stopped for lunch at this site even had a little wooden table and chair under the tree

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/12-6.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/13-4.jpg

We stopped at a campsite which is in a beautiful location but unfortunately Tom had a really bad fall down a well like hole and smashed his chest into a cement beam in across the hole. He is now in a lot of pain but there is not much one can do for a fractured or bruised ribs so we are now continuing slowly to Panama.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/16-7.jpg

We are leaving Costa Rica soon and have loved this country but it is time to move on so will be heading into Panama tomorrow.

We have updated our web. http://www.adventurouspirits.com/tom-injured-in-costa-rica/

Safe travels all

[Ray Hyland]

Goodness, I hope he feels better soon.

Are you going to visit or stay at the Panama Passage when you are there?

www.panamapassage.com

Christian posted some pictures in another thread, it looks pretty cool.

[geovalue]

Goodness, I hope he feels better soon.

Are you going to visit or stay at the Panama Passage when you are there?

www.panamapassage.com

Christian posted some pictures in another thread, it looks pretty cool.

Thanks for the comment. Yes we are staying in Panama Passage and Shaun has been extremely helpful especially as the orthopedic surgeon confirmed yesterday that Tom has fractured 2 ribs. So we have to lay low for a while so that healing can take place and Panama Passage makes for an excellent place to hang out. We get to meet some fellow travellers and hear about their adventures.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-18.jpg

Panama Passage
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/5-11.jpg

We will use this down time to catch up on lots of stuff and researching the shipping of our truck to Colombia. We heard it can be challenging hope we are up to it.

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

Our stay at Panama Passage in Panama City has been perfect. Tom is able to rest and heal those wonky ribs, Shaun is extremely helpful, and the guests lots of fun.
Tom, Shaun and Lucas
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/10-6.jpg

Tom Relaxes and Catches up with Skyping with Family and Friends
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/9-10.jpg

It has also been time to research and book our shipping from Panama to Colombia. As luck would have it Logan and Brianne (PanAmNotes) are here and we are sharing a 40' container. Time for measuring, will both vehicles fit into the container?

Will these 2 Camper Truck Fit into a Container
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/4-14.jpg

We Measure
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/7-13.jpg

And Remeasure
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/8-16.jpg

We contact several agencies and get quotes and make the decision. The process will begin on Tuesday when we go to the Police to get clearance to take the trucks out the country and Wed we head for the ports and hopefully at that time the trucks and us will be separated, they go into a container and we find our way to Colombia

We also have taken sometime to see a bit of the city. What is amazing us is just how huge it it but lovely and very very hot.

Panama City
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/12-7.jpg

Safe travels all

[trailsurfer]

Thanks again for the update.

[geovalue]

Panama City was not just our last stop in Central America and a milestone for us it was also my birthday. So we gathered some old and new friends and had a wonderful party hosted by Panama Passage

Shaun and Tom discuss Party Plans
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/1-38.jpg

I love Land Cruisers as that was the first vehicle that I learnt to drive off road and we drove a Land Cruiser overland across Africa so it was fitting that my cake had a Land Cruiser painted on, bull bar, snorkel and RTT. I called our Land Cruiser Chinook

My 60th Birthday Cake "You Go Gal"
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/3-17.jpg

No candles... No problem ask any overlander and they can make fire

Lets Burn this Cake
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/1-37.jpg

And then There Was Fire
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/2-19.jpg

Can you recognize familiar Expedition Portal Overlanders without their vehicle? I will give you a hint there are 3 couples and 2 individuals in the photo

Overlanders at Panama Passage
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/4-15.jpg

The party was a blast thanks to Tom, Shaun, Logan, Brianne, Monika, Alec, Lucas, Jeremy and others

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

The process of getting our truck to Colombia started today. We were off to the police to get clearance to take the truck out of Panama and then to the car wash making sure that it looked all clean and spiffy for its journey.

But first we had to visit the Panama Canal. We arrived just as an oil tanker and car transporter were passing through the locks. What an amazing sight. I loved it.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/1-39.jpg

We have updated our blog, Panama City is huge and we have been amazed at the city. But now we have to focus on shipping and after all the stories we have heard we are somewhat anxious.

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/milestones-reached-in-panama-city/

Safe travels all

[DiploStrat]

expensive.

Don't be too fixated on Colombia; might be cheaper to ship to Ecuador, Peru, or even Chile and drive from there. There used to be a lot of Panama shippers who preyed on people who insisted on shipping only to Colombia.

If you go to Colombia, check the reputations of ports; at one time, Cartagena was considered easier/safer than Barranquilla.

Finally, I assume you have read this; http://www.travelin-tortuga.com/Site/Shipping_the_Vehicle.html It is only a few years old.

Safe journeys!

[geovalue]

expensive.

Don't be too fixated on Colombia; might be cheaper to ship to Ecuador, Peru, or even Chile and drive from there. There used to be a lot of Panama shippers who preyed on people who insisted on shipping only to Colombia.

If you go to Colombia, check the reputations of ports; at one time, Cartagena was considered easier/safer than Barranquilla.

Finally, I assume you have read this; http://www.travelin-tortuga.com/Site/Shipping_the_Vehicle.html It is only a few years old.

Safe journeys!

Thanks today we took the trucks to the port for shipping in a container, we are now just waiting for conformation that both trucks fit into the 40' container

[geovalue]

We have finally uploaded our video of Belize. This tiny country of Central America has the worlds 2nd largest coral reef so we scuba dived and snorkelled exploring this part of the world. If you are a scuba diver or a wanna be scuba diver or a snorkeler this is a destination you have to put on your bucket list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz9XDwr4xTk

We are still at Panama Passage which is packed to the rafters with travellers going both north and south. There is no more room at this inn but a ton of information sharing. Last night we all headed to a restaurant which the 20 of took over. Overlanders are very noisy no one talks quietly!!! and the loud laughter sets off alarms

Safe travels

[DiploStrat]

Let us hope they fit safely and that you have a great trip! :wings:

[geovalue]

Let us hope they fit safely and that you have a great trip! :wings:
We are still stuck here in Panama with our trucks held hostage by port workers. Life of an overlander is never boring and appreciate your good wishes

[geovalue]

Shipping Panama to Colombia -Trucks Stuck in Port

Scientists can get men to the moon but can’t get a truck across the Darien Gap. They can build a shipping canal 77km (48 miles) linking the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean that takes oil tankers, container and cruiser ships over the continental divide lifting them 85 feet above sea level but they can’t build a road across the Darien Gap.

The Darien Gap is a large undeveloped mixture of swampland and forest linking Central and South America. It measures just over 160km (99 miles) long and 50km (31 miles) wide. There is no road across this swath of land, that joins Central and South America. The only way to cross from Central America to South America is to ship one’s vehicle. The most common route is shipping from Panama to Colombia, which is not long, it only takes a day to cross the Atlantic Ocean however, to arrange this shipping can take up to several days even weeks.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/21-3.jpg
There are several shipping companies and several options for shipping. Our first choice was to ship the Nissan and camper in a container. The other options are either RORO (roll on roll off) and LOLO (Lift on lift off). The cheapest and safest option is a container. Logan and Brianna who are also driving to Argentina were looking for someone to share a 40’ high cube container with, and we were ready so agreed to share a container with them.

Our shipping from Panama to Colombia has turned into an adventure with our trucks held hostage in the port by workers this is our story.

Step 1 We measure and remeasure the trucks and campers to make sure they will fit into a container.

Step 2; Choose an Agent. With our measurements done the next step is to get quotes from several shipping companies and agencies. Emails are flying, phone calls are made and finally a decision; we choose our agent Julio C Sanchez of PSLI - Panama Soluciones Logisticas SA. He comes to meet us and Logan and Brianna at Panama Passage and we discuss the process. PanAmNotes)

Step 3; Police inspection and clearance. They only check vehicles between 10-11am, so we head there early to ensure we make it. They check all our truck permits and documents.

Police Inspection

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/2-21.jpg

Step 4; We head to have the trucks washed for some reason they need to be cleaned if going into a container. We have lunch in a grimy restaurant while we wait for the vehicles to be washed. Cost US$5.00 a good deal as both trucks were dirty.

Waiting to be Washed
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/3-19.jpg
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/4-17.jpg
Well Deserved Wash and Much Needed
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/5-13.jpg

Step 5; We head back to the Secretary General for final police clearance we have to be there at 1430. We get the all clear no traffic violations or accidents registered against the trucks.

Julio phones to say we are booked to load the trucks on Tuesday and will be heading to the Colon Port located on the Atlantic side of Panama.

Step 6; Prepare the trucks and camper to fit into a shipping container. Recently Panama Ports decided that owners cannot drive their vehicles into the container. We have to hand over the truck keys to port workers. So we move everything from the truck cab into the camper. We remove the roof rack, dismantle it to fit into the camper. It takes a day to organize this

Removing and Dismantling Roof Rack
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/6-12.jpg

Logan Decreases Height by Lowering Tires
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/20-3.jpg

Step 7; We all drive to Colon, following Julio. Once we arrive at the port, we learn there are actually 3 separate ports in Colon, each privately owned with their own rules and regulations. We park our trucks at the port all climb into Julio’s car and head off to do the paperwork and documentation.

Julio and Tom
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/7-14.jpg

Step 8; Documentation is taken care of by Julio, we get our permits to load and obtain our container seal, we get permission to go to customs , get our permits to drive the trucks in Panama cancelled in our passports.

Heading into Customs
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/10-7.jpg

We Wait Tom Brianna and Logan
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/12-8.jpg

Step 9; Final preparation of truck we remove the fuel carrier from the Nissan truck and place it in the cab. We had to wait to do this as we could not drive far with the fuel carrier in the cab. Oops we have problem, the jacks to support the camper had been removed for shipping and we needed them back on to remove the fuel carrier. Logan and Tom make a stout effort to quickly reconnect the jacks, remove the fuel carrier and then remove the jacks. We are ready!

OH **** Jacks Need to Go Back On
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/13-5.jpg
Reattaching Jacks
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/14-5.jpg
Unbolting Fuel Carrier
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/15-7.jpg

Step 10; We drive to customs. It is now lunch time and so we wait in the sweltering sticky heat of Colon. Finally the customs officials arrive, they clear us and now the final step before handing over the keys. The drug dog arrives to sniff for illegal substances. The best part of the day I get to pat a lovely German Shepherd dog.

Arriving at Port Customs for Checks
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/16-8.jpg
Waiting Until Lunch is Over
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/17-5.jpg
Drug Dog Arrives
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/18-4.jpg
No Drugs Found
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/19-2.jpg
Step 11; We hand over the keys and leave the port with Julio head back to Panama for a celebration supper.

NOW THE GLITCH

We go out for supper with other Overlanders from Panama Passage and while waiting for our orders to arrive we get the phone call to say the port workers are refusing to drive our trucks into the containers and no we cannot drive our trucks into the containers (port rules). The reason given is they feel it is too tight a squeeze and are afraid of damaging the vehicles. Our trucks are stuck in “no mans land” in the port and we will miss the loading onto the ship.

Shauan and Tom Celebrate in Restaurant
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/22-3.jpg
Step 13. We review our options with Julio. We can try to load at another port and book onto another ship, but wait a minute we no longer have permits to drive the trucks in Panama and we would have to retrieve our trucks from Manzanillo port and drive to another port. There is no guarantee the other port would allow us to try drive the trucks into the container ourselves, however Julio can hire his own team to drive the trucks into the container. Other option is to go RORO.

Peter, Essepen and Vincent Celebrating
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/23-3.jpg
Malin, Janet and Andrea
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/24.jpg
Heading Home After News of No Go
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/25-1.jpg

Step 14 Decision made we will try to go to another port and get onto a ship scheduled to leave on the 16th if that does not work we will go RORO on a ship scheduled to leave on the 20th. Julio agrees to undo and redo paperwork and books us onto both ships. We will cancel the RORO if we manage to get our trucks onto the ship on the 16th.

Step 15 We wait to hear from Julio when we will be allowed to move our trucks to other port and try reload.

Step 16 Drink beers, eat, sleep, watch movies and wait: will we or will we not get onto the ship leaving on the 16th?

Are We Having Fun Yet in Panama?
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/26.jpg

Overlander Friends in Pictures

Logan and Brianna USA heading south to Argentina (Toyota)
Blog PanAmNotes
http://panamnotes.com/

Espen and Malin Norwegian driving from Alaska to Argentina (Nissan)
Blog UnUrban
http://www.unurban.no/

George and Andrea Germans driving south to Argentina (Toyota)
Blog Toyotours
http://www.toyotours.com/Weltreise/Home.html

Peter UK Driving south on motorbike to Argentina
Blog 2continents2wheels
http://s271805707.websitehome.co.uk/2w2c/2w2c.html

Vince USA Heading back north on Motorbike, spent nearly 2 yrs in South America
Blog South on Two Wheels
http://www.rattlesnakeobservatory.com/wordpress/

Shaun Manager of Panama Passage Overlander Resource Centre in Panama
http://www.PanamaPassage.com

We are grateful for all the friendship and support from Shaun at Panama Passage and all the other fellow overlanders. Keep the jokes coming we need to maintain our sense of humour.

Safe travels all

[DiploStrat]

Arica, Chile is a nice, quiet and modern port. Allows car to be imported to Chile or directly to Boliva.

In the end, I can only offer distant best wishes. (The Mamfe road looking better yet? :) )

[trailsurfer]

Good luck all! It sounds like quite a mess, but all part of the fun of international overlanding. Thanks again for the great update!

[Christian P.]

If it was easy, it wouldn't really be an adventure...

:)

You guys must keep Shaun pretty busy, I haven't heard from him in a few days....

[geovalue]

If it was easy, it wouldn't really be an adventure...

:)

You guys must keep Shaun pretty busy, I haven't heard from him in a few days....

Shaun is currently in Colon at the port with Logan (PanAmNotes) and Tom trying to load the trucks into a container and as you said it is an adventure. You are missing all the fun at Panama Passage, it is busy here right now lots of happenings and lots of fun and laughter. I think there are 6 overland vehicles being prepared for shipping

[VicHanson]

Hi Janet and Tom,

Glad to hear that you are among good company and keeping a good attitude through it all. I hope it works out for you soon.

I'm visiting with my family in Minnesota, I'm in Minneapolis right now so taking time off from traveling for awhile. Had a hail storm late yesterday afternoon, still need to go look and make sure my solar panels weren't damaged. The Twins baseball game was delayed for around an hour due to golf ball sized hail!

I hope you soon get to continue your travels and enjoy your time in S. America.

Vic

[geovalue]

Our trucks and campers were loaded into the shipping container an hour ago. We are so thrilled Colombia here we come!!

We have some heroes in this shipping story, Logan (PanAmNotes) who drove our Nissan into the container and had to squeeze himself out (Toms' still healing broken ribs) Shaun (Panama Passage) for all his help and advice and our agent Julio who persisted when many others would have given up.

Still one little glitch though according to Panama Customs the trucks left Panama several days ago on a ship! so now they are sorting that out. Never a dull moment but celebrations are in order tonight.

Safe travels all

[DiploStrat]

Will be in Colombia later this month; I'll wave! :wavey:

[geovalue]

Will be in Colombia later this month; I'll wave! :wavey:
Where you gonna be perhaps we can meet for a beer

[VicHanson]

Yeah!! I hope your trucks catch up with their paperwork! And that all goes well in Columbia.

[DiploStrat]

Just a brief stopover, sorry.

[geovalue]

We have our tickets to Cartegena Colombia and fly there tomorrow. Our shipping experience has been amazing and we have had lots of anxious moments but also a lot of fun. We named our team the Squeeze Team as that is what they had to do to get the two trucks into a container.

Suddenly the truck looks so big next to the container. Will we really fit the Nissan into this
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/5.jpg

Logan is chosen as the designated driver as getting out of the truck and container is going to require some gymnastic skills.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/10.jpg

Waiting to See if Logan Can Make it Out
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/15.jpg

Happy Overlanders Trucks in Container and Colombia Here We Come
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/19.jpg

Happy Shaun from Panama Passage for Helping Make This Happen
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/20.jpg

We have updated our blog with more photos and details
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/trucks-held-hostage-in-port-freed-by-squeeze-team/

But for the real excitement watch the trucks going into the container needing to be in LOW RANGE an amazing video shot by Shaun and edited by Tom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsu59Ii6hQ8

SOUTH AMERICA HERE WE COME :wings:

Safe travels all

[shortbus4x4]

Wow, did you have the grease the sides of the campers so they wouldn't get stuck.:Wow1: That is a tight fit.

[VanGo]

Safe travel guys! Great video and problem solving!

[BEVAN]

For some reason.. I really enjoyed that video !!

[Christian P.]

This video has to be on the list of Top 10 Overlander shipping adventure...

:)

awesome work guys!

[Christian P.]

I love Shaun's line:

"I've got one thing to tell you - make it happens"

[DiploStrat]

Here's praying for calm seas and gentle crane operators! :)

[SChandler]

Wow, I guess now I know what it will look like if I ever ship my truck by container.:Wow1: Any reason you drove them in head first vs. backing in? I'd guess that it was easier to get them all the way to the back without actually using the Braille method to find the back wall? Safe travels and good luck unloading them.

[geovalue]

Thanks for all the comments and good wishes. We drove it in as we have a rear view camera on the back for ease of getting it out by reversing, so hopefully that will work.
But we still dont have our truck out of the port in Cartagena.

Hey Panama Passage you need to open up a resource centre in Cartagena. It has been a week of frustration for all of the 10 overlander who shipped their 5 vehicle last week. We need you here with us!

We still dont have our trucks but Tom and Logan (PanAmNotes) are back at the port today so hopefully they will return with our trucks this evening

I have updated our blog of our waiting in Colombia with the question Where are our trucks?

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/colombia-where-are-our-trucks/

Safe travels

[cellularsteve2]

It is 320 AM and I just got caught up reading your posts. Thanks again for sharing. Very enjoyable.

steve

[geovalue]

Stranger things have happened, yet no one could have dreamed up what happened to us at the port. There are tales of a Chinese conspiracy, requests for bribes, required documents produced or missing, demands for more money and finally when we think our agent has the final required piece of paper she disappears. We wait knowing the port is closing within minutes, she said she would only be a minute, people start leaving, and an ambulance arrives and then departs. We wait; it is now beginning to get dark, offices are closing and our agent has disappeared with our final piece of paper. We ask around, does anyone know what happened to our agent. Finally, they break the news to us; she has been taken to hospital by ambulance! OMG where is our final piece of paper. She fell down the stairs and they think she might have broken her arm. We go home without our trucks. We hope she is okay and wonder if we will ever see her again or our trucks.

Is that our container ship I see
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/ContainerShip.jpg
Nothing could have prepared us for the shipping drama that has unfolded in Colombia. We thought the loading of the trucks by the Squeeze Team in Panama was interesting but that was only the beginning of what must surely be the most jinxed Panama Colombia shipping event. With Bills of Lading the most important document lost at sea, and finally when we have the clearance to get our truck we are told there is no room at the port to unload it and anyway our container is at another port. This has become a comedy of errors only it is not funny anymore. We want our truck! Maybe today everyone hold thumbs we get it today.

We decided to drown our misery in mud on Sunday naturally the port is closed for business. It was fun however and a reminder of why overlanding is all about adventure, mishaps and good times.

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-37.jpg

We updated our blog today
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/still-no-truck-but-we-get-closer/

Safe travels all

[Christian P.]

Hey Panama Passage you need to open up a resource centre in Cartagena. It has been a week of frustration for all of the 10 overlander who shipped their 5 vehicle last week. We need you here with us!




You can be sure that this is already in the planning...sorry we weren't ready yet for you...

:)

[geovalue]

Finally we managed to free our trucks from the Cartagena Port Authority in Colombia. I did not know that so many things could go wrong with one shipping event. We have enough shipping stories to last our life time and I just keep thinking, "We have to do this again and ship the truck back home!!" This was our 4th shipping of a vehicle and certainly the most disorganized and complicated but despite it all we are still smiling. Thanks to all for your good wishes.

Tom, Logan and Antonia our translator
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-19.jpg

Happy to have our truck back
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-14.jpg

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

Trucks in Good Condition
To those who watched the Squeeze Team putting the trucks into the container, this is just to let you know they came out fine. Logan had a little light broken but otherwise it there were no problems. The video of this shipping will follow soon

[DiploStrat]

Was in Cartagena today. Thought of you! Great news on the trucks! Hope you have a great visit to Colombia and beyond. :wings:

[geovalue]

Was in Cartagena today. Thought of you! Great news on the trucks! Hope you have a great visit to Colombia and beyond. :wings:

Thanks sorry we missed you. YOu could have joined us for a celebration drink

[geovalue]

With our truck freed from the Port Authority and we have been told the reason there is so much red tape is to cut down on corruption. Although while we were trying to get our truck out of the Cartagena Port, Colombia made one of its biggest drug bust 12 TONS of cocaine and we were there.

We have been on the road a year now, having driven over 40,000km through 11 countries so it is time to take a break and head to see family again.

We drove our truck to Medellin and found a great place to store our truck while we are off to visit our son David, our daughter in law and 2 grandchildren who live in Milan. We anticipate being away for one month.

Our finally days of getting the truck out of the port were not without incidents and included Tom sneaking through security to videotape the removal of the trucks from the containers. So the sequel to the Squeeze Team Loading the containers should follow shortly.

The drive to Medellin was hairy with high mountain passes, fog, rain, washed out roads and Colombian truck drivers. But we made it safely and are now just excited to be going to see family especially our 2 grandchildren

We have updated our blog
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/truck-freed-and-we-fly-to-milan/

Trucks Passing Colombian Style over solid double lines
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/16-9.jpg

Miles and Miles of Trucks
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7-13.jpg

Foggy Mountain Pass
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/14-5.jpg

Safe travels all

[DiploStrat]

Sadly, I was only on the ground long enough to transfer to/from a smaller plane. The Howes (http://www.travelin-tortuga.com/Site/Home_Page.html) are already busting my chops for spending less than 48 hours in country. Especially such a pretty country, but sadly, I am still working for a living.

Things may have changed, but Peruvians used to be the worst truckers on the continent! :Wow1:

Safe travels!

[suntinez]

This is such a great story. Amazing pics.

Enjoy your time in Italy but don't let the squeeze team get chubby - you have to get back!

[cigarluvr]

Attentively awaiting your return from Europe...

[geovalue]

Travel is wonderful but I have a confession to make, nothing is as wonderful as the hugs of grandchildren. Being away from family is always the worst part of overlanding for extended periods. Do we appreciate our family more because we are apart? Go ahead and hug a family a friend today.

We have uploaded our video of us retrieving our trucks from the ports of Cartagena in Colombia. What an interesting process. We were told that there is lots of paperwork in an attempt to decrease the opportunity for corruption. Hope it is working.

Enjoy the follow up to the Squeeze Team video.
Logan and Brianna from PanAmNotes were with us during this shipping episode as we shared a container. We both decided next time RORO, container shipping is more difficult even if it is supposedly safer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WS6eviYYNM

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We are already getting ready to return to Colombia this weekend to continue our journey south. Reconnecting with family and friends has been such a treat, confirmation as to how much we miss them all. Although very grateful for all the fellow overland friends we have met to date on route. We loved our previous stay in Colombia and really hope we can get an extension on our vehicle permit so we can stay much longer and explore the countryside. We loved the people, food, landscape and birds.

Flying Over Bogota
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/12-9.jpg

Introduction to Colombia Food
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-15.jpg

Bird of Colombia
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/5-12.jpg

We are flying back to Bogota on Sunday and will be heading back to Medellin where our truck is being stored. We cant wait to get back on the road

What we found really interesting in Italy was reconnecting with our grandchildren who are growing up knowing us through Skype. We were concerned they would not know us but it was as if we stepped out of the computer they immediately recognized us and were excited to see us. I love this new technology and the ability to stay in contact with family. I think our grandchildren believe, "Grandpa and Grandma live in Computer"

Updated blog
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/travelogue/

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

We arrived back in Colombia and spent a few days exploring Bogota before flying back to Medellin to pick up our truck which we had in storage there. We knew immediately driving from the airport in Medellin, something had happened, there was a change and military and police were everywhere. We soon learnt that there had been an FARC guerrilla attack on the Pan Am highway north of Medellin buses and a truck attacked and burnt and when the police arrived a car bomb exploded killing the police and injuring others. We felt sick it was the road we had driven on from Cartagena to Medellin. IN fact if we had been successful in storing our truck in Cartagena we would have not been able to drive the Pan Am to Medellin. The locals were "rattled" and there were concerns about driving south on the Pan Am Highway.

We asked the locals how they manage such situations when having to get back on the road. We were told that should we not see a vehicle for 15 minutes to pull over as there maybe a road block ahead. We decided to proceed to Ecuador, no driving after sunset and no camping. We would stay in truck stops and keep with the traffic. There were military and police stops everywhere but when pulled over they were so nice to us and welcomed us as tourists to their country.

We are now in Ecuador having crossed the border. The drive was spectacular, Colombia certainly has to be one of the most stunning countries we have driven. It was unfortunate timing for us, that we could not spend more time as we had planned. It takes some of the fun out of overlanding when always having to stay alert for challenges, whether it was landmines in Angola, conflicts in the Congo, rebels in Nigeria, or sudden increase in guerrilla attacks. We have traveled through such countries and now decided life is too short and the world still has so much to offer and explore so we hurry through and move on.

ON to a happier note Tom uploaded his video on Guatemala a country that blew our socks off with all it had to offer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6aLCHR5l40

We also updated our blog from Bogota

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/bogota-colombia-we-are-back/

We will post video soon off our drive south from Medellin to Ecuador until then

Safe travels all

[rockandroll]

We arrived back in Colombia and spent a few days exploring Bogota before flying back to Medellin to pick up our truck which we had in storage there. We knew immediately driving from the airport in Medellin, something had happened, there was a change and military and police were everywhere. We soon learnt that there had been an FARC guerrilla attack on the Pan Am highway north of Medellin buses and a truck attacked and burnt and when the police arrived a car bomb exploded killing the police and injuring others. We felt sick it was the road we had driven on from Cartagena to Medellin. IN fact if we had been successful in storing our truck in Cartagena we would have not been able to drive the Pan Am to Medellin. The locals were "rattled" and there were concerns about driving south on the Pan Am Highway.

We asked the locals how they manage such situations when having to get back on the road. We were told that should we not see a vehicle for 15 minutes to pull over as there maybe a road block ahead. We decided to proceed to Ecuador, no driving after sunset and no camping. We would stay in truck stops and keep with the traffic. There were military and police stops everywhere but when pulled over they were so nice to us and welcomed us as tourists to their country.

We are now in Ecuador having crossed the border. The drive was spectacular, Colombia certainly has to be one of the most stunning countries we have driven. It was unfortunate timing for us, that we could not spend more time as we had planned. It takes some of the fun out of overlanding when always having to stay alert for challenges, whether it was landmines in Angola, conflicts in the Congo, rebels in Nigeria, or sudden increase in guerrilla attacks. We have traveled through such countries and now decided life is too short and the world still has so much to offer and explore so we hurry through and move on.


:Wow1::Wow1::Wow1:

Glad you two made it out of there safe! Goes to show you how quickly things can change in a place like Colombia!

[trailsurfer]

Thanks for the Update.

[geovalue]

:Wow1::Wow1::Wow1:

Glad you two made it out of there safe! Goes to show you how quickly things can change in a place like Colombia!

Yes we had some anxious moments deciding on best course of action. Fortunately the regular Colombians have to be one of the nicest people on the planet!

We have updated our blog of our drive south from Medellin

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/panpanam-highway-closed-due-to-farc-attacks/

Heading South on Pan Am Highway
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Colombia/3.jpg
Locals Heading South on Pan Am Highway
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Colombia/5.jpg
Beautiful Colombia
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Colombia/4.jpg

We are now in Ecuador and had a delightful surprise when we entered Quito an email from Luis and Lacey from Lost World Expedition saying they were in Quito and could we meet. Finally we were able to meet them after following them on their blog. They had notice our SPOT indicating we were in Quito don't you just love technology.

Safe Travels all

[trailsurfer]

Great Photos

[geovalue]

It felt great to be crossing the equator and entering into the Southern Hemisphere. It is a long way and seems long ago that we dipped our toes into the arctic ocean in Alaska.
Unfortunately when we arrived in Ecuador it was very foggy and wet so we did not explore the area as planned

Where does this road lead to?
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-16.jpg

So we decided to head for Quito and arrange a last minute deal on a cruise to the Galapagos Islands. Quito is a huge city and we were quickly able to find secure parking for our truck and a cruise to the Galapagos

Quito
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/13-7.jpg

We arrived at Santa Cruz a few days before we to board the boat as Tom wanted to do some Scuba diving.

Welcome Committee on Island
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/16-10.jpg

Soon Tom was scuba diving
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/18-4.jpg

I have updated our blog of crossing into the Southern Hemisphere and arriving on the island

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/crossing-the-equator-into-southern-hemisphere/

Then it was time to board our boat for an 8 day cruise. I will let you know when I have posted on our experiences in the Galapagos, the islands and wildlife were amazing.

Safe travels all

[trailsurfer]

Great stuff!

[geovalue]

Well there is no way to overland to the Galapagos Islands, but it is a place everyone should try to see and experience. The wilderness, wildlife, birds and marine life is truly amazing.

We took an 8 day cruise a last minute deal and there seems to be a lot of them at present. The wildlife was what I loved the most, especially the creatures unique to the islands
A Marine Iguana
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/63.jpg

A Blue Boobie
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/65.jpg

Sea Lion
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/62.jpg

Two Unique Creatures
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/55.jpg

We updated our blog of our experiences in the Galapagos
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/galapagos-islands-just-a-drop-in-the-ocean/

We now back on the mainland of Ecuador and today headed for Cotopaxi National Park. We headed off road and it was so great to be off the beaten track again.

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

Despite the amazing mountain ranges, the volcanoes and valleys we have been str
uggling with fog and rain. However we did make it to Cotopaxi National Park and it was fabulous to be off road again and traveling in the wilderness. We did not do any hiking as planned as it was raining and foggy. But still wonderful.

Road into Cotopaxi National Park
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/10-8.jpg
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/6-13.jpg

Cotopaxi Volcano
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/5-14.jpg
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/9-12.jpg

I am giving eating guinea pig a miss despite it being a Ecuadorian tradition. I had a guinea pig as a pet and just cant bring myself to eat something I loved.
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/19-3.jpg

We stayed at a great overlander campsite Pequeno Paradiso, which has parking for large overland trucks. It is just west of Banos outside Rio Verde.

We are currently in Cuenca and are hoping to make it to Peru this week.

We have updated our blog

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/volcanoes-and-guinea-pigs-in-ecuador/

[trailsurfer]

Thanks again!. Great photos.

[geovalue]

We are in the final days of being in Ecuador. We have been pouring over maps of Peru trying to decide what we want to see and route planning around that. It is a big country with lots to see so we have lots of options but also lots of decisions.

Lots of Landslides when driving through Mountain Passes
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-46.jpg

Locals Chatting in Loja
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-19.jpg

Typical Road Conditions during Rains
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-24.jpg

We are now in Vilcabamba a village which is famous for the long lives the locals apparently live. Seems now however the village has been invaded by tourists and foreigners all seeking the secrets of a long life.

Vilcabamba
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/17-6.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/15-10.jpg

I meet a small local women who looked ancient although I did not ask her age. I always love meeting the locals, but Maria was different and after meeting her I was left with lots of thoughts about my life and aging.

Maria
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/20-4.jpg

We have updated our blog
http://www.adventurouspirits.com/a-lesson-in-growing-old-from-ecuador/

Safe travels all

[geovalue]

The Peruvian border officials were so pleased to see tourists and we called the Peru border the Happy Border Crossing. Surprised as to how dusty and dry the Northern Peru is. We cross the Sechura desert fighting blowing sand and wind. It is a huge track of land to cross but roads in good condition although desolate with no gas stations, tiny little settlements for 100's of km. Without the litter it would have been spectacular. We have been shocked at the amount of litter covering the landscape of Northern Peru, the worst we have seen since Alaska.

PERU BORDER
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/1-47.jpg

PERU TRAFFIC JAM
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-20.jpg

SECHURA DESERT
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/2-25.jpg

We stayed on a Peruvian farm for several days and it was fascinating to see how simple they live in this dry part of the world which also has the largest dry forest in the world. We went horse riding to visit some archeological ruins, in an area known as the Valley of Pyramids in Peru.

PERUVIAN FARMER
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/3-22.jpg

Then to the coast where we watched fishermen bring in their catch of the day on tiny little boats called Caballitos, which are made of reeds. They have been using this type of boat for generations.

FISHERMEN RETURNING WITH CATCH
http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/7-17.jpg

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/8-20.jpg

Coming into Peru we cross over a mountain which I named the Ecuadorion road of death it was terrifying!! but we still have to upload the video of this drive. So will let you know when we post it.

Safe travels all

[Every Miles A Memory]

Good to see you're into Peru where it looks like they enjoy tourism! Love those boats!

[geovalue]

Celebrating my birthday at Panama Passage with overlanders was the best!! We had cake with a picture of our Land Cruiser that took us across Africa, the best cake. My first ever falling in love with a vehicle, I loved that cruiser.

Thanks to Panama Passage and especially Shawn for making my day so special. For all the fellow overlanders who shared the day with me, thanks for making it so memorable.

For those who missed my 60th birthday you can join me on my 65th birthday on the silk road see you there.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Y2mNrw11Q

[geovalue]

Traveling overland always offers one unique experiences, some experiences one loves others not so much. One thing I really don't like are roads that seem narrower than the truck and are wrapped around mountains with precipitous drops 1000 feet down. I hate it when I can hear the edge of the road crumbling away as we pass, when I glance out the window and see over the edge with no road in sight. This video is one of those roads.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoeCtmAJerY

We drove this terrifying road to reach Peru. Sometimes short cuts are not that short!

We have found Peru amazing and it is not what we anticipated, from deserts, archaeological ruins, beaches and more. We have updated our blog

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/peru-desert-ruins-beaches-and-more/

Safe travels all and stay off the Roads of Death