Overland Expedition
I suppose one could say my main goal in life is to reach the point in which I can begin to travel the world, overland. The problem with overland travel is the rather high cost to do so. Sure I could simply jump on a plane to Anchorage and spend a week or two there but that just doesn’t interest me at all. The journey is the goal, not the destination. Since Alaska is probably my number one goal I’ll use it for the rest of this post. Traveling from Alabama to Alaska presents an unreal set of hurdles and problems:
- Overall Cost – This is the single largest hurdle simply because everything depends on money. The vehicle, equipment, fuel costs, tolls, lodging, repairs, emergencies, souvenirs….. the list can go on forever. Overland travel is very expensive due to what is required to live on the road (or off the road in most cases) and the tremendous abuse the vehicle and gear takes. Michael Groves and Sandy Methven finished a 74,500 mile overland expedition in 2005. In case you’re wondering that’s enough to circumnavigate the earth three times.
- The Vehicle – The second most important requirement. A vehicle capable of traversing the muddiest, sandiest, snowiest, terrain on the planet cannot be purchased, it has to be built. Not only must the vehicle be capable it has to be dependable and easy to repair. You wouldn’t want to find yourself in South Africa in need of a special part only available in the U.S. or Europe. The vehicle is also home for many weeks or months so comfort and living area is a must. The ability to operate on high-sulfer diesel fuel is also very important because many countries only offer this form of diesel unlike the more refined diesel found here in the States.
- The Gear – Cooking equipment, living equipment, medical supplies, clothes, food, water, vehicle recovery gear, tools, spare parts, GPS, cameras, laptop, satellite phone. This list is virtually endless because everyone considered different equipment to be important. Perishable food is a concern in other countries but in my reading I have found most villages are more than happy to offer food and water to travelers. This makes it very important to bring along a supply of tradeables or items that the local villagers would like!
- The Knowledge – Planning, researching the villages and people along the route, being able to repair the vehicle, first aid training, and knowing how to use the equipment. Knowledge can turn a dream expedition into a nightmare if you aren’t prepared. Though it could be considered gear I’ll put passports, legal documents, etc. in this category also.
While Alaska will likely not be my first expedition it is my dream. My goal. There is so much involved it sometimes seems overwhelming, but at the same time feels so possible. I don’t know how long it will be before I can even start planning a small first adventure but I’ll keep working towards that day, and looking forward to it. I hope one day I will be updating my blog while on the back-roads of the great nations that make up this earth. There is so much most people will never see, and most will never care to, but I am not one of those. My home is adventure, and wherever it may take me.
