The Road Chose Me: Driving a Jeep from Alaska to Argentina

[adidas]

Came across this cool story and figured id share with everyone.

Dan is on a trip of a lifetime, hes driving from the furthest northern tip to the most southern tip where a car can go. All in all, around 50,000km. The best thing is he lived in Calgary for 2 years before trekking on such an adventure.

I will try an get him to post on here.

http://dangrec.com/an-adventure-begins

[ekguy]

pretty sweet. I've been browsing on there for a little bit here and he's seen some really amazing spots.

[Grecy]

Hey Everyone,

I'm Dan, driving my Jeep TJ from Alaska to Tierra Del Fuego.

I'm currently in Colombia, having driven about 33 000kms in nine and a half months, with about 20 000kms to go which I think will be about 7 - 10 more months.

If you guys have any specific questions, I'll do my best to answer them.
If there is enough interest here I'll post updates regularly.

-Dan

[rage2]

That is awesome. How are the roads so far? How's the jeep holding up?

[kaput]

.

[darthVWader]

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rage2]

You can tell this is a car forum when all we care about is the Jeep and gas... :rofl:

[kaput]

.

[rinny]

How did you get over the darien gap? Ship or fly your jeep over??

[corsvette]

Awesome adventure,please keep us updated!

[ryanallan]

Why are you avoiding California?
The PCH would have been the best part of your trip.

[adidas]

Originally posted by ryanallan
Why are you avoiding California?
The PCH would have been the best part of your trip.

Not sure how you could say so unless you have done the entire trip yourself. Im pretty sure there is better parts in the world then the PCH.

And someone asked about the jeep, i believe he had it shipped and that it took a week.

[barmanjay]

Originally posted by Grecy
.... having driven about 33 000kms in nine and a half months,....


Hey Dan

If you find yourself in any kind of major city with a chrysler/dodge/jeep dealership,.. I would highly reccomend you have your transfercase oils changed and your front and rear diff oils changed.

Wouldn't hurt to change your tranny oils aswell.

They are supposed to be done every 35k. It would be devastating if your trip was cut short because your t-case exploded or a diff blew out.


Good Luck!

Sounds like a great adventure.

If I was single, no-kids, and looking for adventure,.. this would definitely be in the top 5 of my list. - I envy :D

[Grecy]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the great words of encouragement - it really helps :)

I'll try to answer all those questions as best I can:

Roads & Jeep:
The pan-am highway is sealed the whole way, so except for major pot holes and speed bumps its not bad at all.
As soon as I venture offroad things just get worse and worse, though nothing the Jeep can't handle. Usually just very rutted/pot holed gravel.
The Jeep is holding up amazingly, with nothing of note going wrong.

Gas:
Average price is pretty close to $1/liter or $3.80/gal.
I plan to drive 50,000kms at I get around 13.5 l/100 kms

Money:
I saved for 2 years for the trip, and will probably live on my credit card at the end (worth it). I don't like to talk too much about money, but I'm sure I'll do a detailed post on my budget and costs when the trip is over.

Darien Gap:
I shipped the Jeep around for $770. Read about it here : http://dangrec.com/shipping-across-the-darien-gap-pt-1

California:
I lived in CA for about a year a while back and have seen most of it many times. I wanted to go somewhere new and really love hot springs and hiking, so Idaho and Utah were perfect.

Oils:
Yep, I changed them all before I set out and am carrying oils on board to do it myself sooner or later.

I'm happy to answer any more questions anyone has.

-Dan

[Grecy]

The whole episode of shipping the Jeep from Panama to Colombia around the Darien Gap has come to an end.
Final price was $770.

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/lashed_and_closing-240x320.jpg

http://dangrec.com/shipping-across-the-darien-gap-pt-1
http://dangrec.com/shipping-across-the-darien-gap-pt-2
http://dangrec.com/shipping-across-the-darien-gap-pt-3
http://dangrec.com/shipping-across-the-darien-gap-pt-4

I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about the whole process.

-Dan

[Cody D]

Have you talked to anyone from Dodge about this? Maybe their PR department? I wonder if they would sponsor you in any way, this makes me want to buy a Jeep TJ, haha.

[Grecy]

Originally posted by Cody D
Have you talked to anyone from Dodge about this? Maybe their PR department? I wonder if they would sponsor you in any way, this makes me want to buy a Jeep TJ, haha.

I haven't, no.
I intentionally didn't want sponsors for this journey, to show people that a regular guy can make it happen if he so wishes.

Next time will be different :)

-Dan

[barmanjay]

Keep the pics coming

I'll life my alter-no-kids life through your pics :D

[msommers]

Very VERY cool Dan, I'm envious. Please update as often as you have time for! God such a cool trip!

[thrasher22]

This is incredibly rad. How have you felt security wise through so far? Or am I acting like an old housewife after watching 60 minutes and shouldn't be so concerned.

[Grecy]

Originally posted by thrasher22
This is incredibly rad. How have you felt security wise through so far? Or am I acting like an old housewife after watching 60 minutes and shouldn't be so concerned.

There have been a few times where I have not felt great, though not a single bad thing has happened to me.
I certainly hear stories from backpackers though, so I keep a good lookout.

On a lighter note I did a bunch of cool dives to get my PADI Open Water certification in Taganaga, then hiked and camped in Parque Nacional Tayrona

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/tayrona_arrecifes-320x240.jpg

http://dangrec.com/diving-in-taganga-parque-nacional-tayrona

-Dan

[Grecy]

I just did another round of Jeep stuff (oil, etc)
Read the details here:
http://dangrec.com/jeep-stuff-again

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/colombian_willys-320x240.jpg

-Dan

[Unknown303]

Man I want to do that.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Been following the blog since it was posted on JeepForum, such a seriously cool adventure!

[milesmcewing]

You guys should also check out:

www.expeditionportal.com

Great resources for a trip like this and lots of other similar trips too!

as well as:

www.horizonsunlimited.com

Horizons was actually founded by a Calgary couple who have been on the road for years now.

You may be surprised how many people in your own backyard (Calgary) who have completed some epic adventures, I know a couple who have circumnavigated Africa twice now, a guy who biked his way through Bhutan, and several people who have done the South America run.

Here is a link to Tom and Janet who have some amazing stories to tell! The live in the SW
http://www.adventurouspirits.com


Last time I was on the China/Tibet border, I met an Argentinian girl who bought a bike in Athens and was on her way to Vietnam, pedaled all the way, except some of Pakistan, where the government made her ride the train.

Get out and do it! it costs a lot less than you think.

check out www.overlandexpo.com it is a convention for travellers who travel like Dan.

Happy trails Dan! I look forward to the continued adventure,

Cheers
Miles

[ExtremeSi]

So awesome man! I've been reading up on your trip and it sounds really cool. I will be following.

[kaput]

.

[Grecy]

Great info Miles.
There are so many people out there doing amazingly huge adventures that it makes my head spin.
So, so cool.


Drove the Jeep up to 4700 meters in National Park Los Nevados in the Andes, then hiked up to 5125 meters!

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/dan_summit_los_nevados_5125_meters-320x240.jpg

http://dangrec.com/parque-nacional-natural-los-nevados

-Dan

[a social dsease]

wow looks like an amazing trip. I plan to read the entire blog when I have some time, but everything I have read so far looks super cool.
when you get to the end what are you going to do? sell the jeep and fly home?

[Grecy]

I have no idea what I'm going to do when I reach the bottom. I don't know if it's legal to sell the Jeep, or if I'll have enough money to drive part way back north then ship the rest.
I'll figure it out when the time comes.


I spent some time in and around Salento, a beautiful little town in Colombia

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/dan_army_guys-320x240.jpg

http://dangrec.com/salento-valle-de-cocora

-Dan

[Grecy]

Drove on some insane back roads on the way out of Tierradentro, Colombia when a main road got washed out.

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/road_of_green-320x240.jpg

http://dangrec.com/tierradentro

-Dan

[Grecy]

My time in Colombia has come to an end

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/colombian_river_crossing_jeep-320x240.jpg

You can read my parting thoughts:
http://dangrec.com/colombia-closes

-Dan

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Grecy]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak


Holy crap, good work!!

Did you feel light headed at all hiking that high up?

I felt a bit strange for sure. If I walked even 5 steps in a row quickly I would double over gasping for breath.
I ended up with a huge headache for 24 hours, but it was well worth it.

-Dan

[Grecy]

Starting to get into Ecuador and loving it!
It's absolutely beautiful here

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/dan_jeep_lagunas_de_mojanda_4000_meters-320x240.jpg

http://dangrec.com/ecuador-begins

-Dan

[Unknown303]

To cool! Keep us updated!

[Tomaz]

How much planning went into your trip? (Hours of looking into maps, legalities of your journey, etc.)

What made you decided to make such an adventure for yourself?

And how the hell do you keep finding internet connections to keep us updated?!?!?! lol

[Grecy]

Originally posted by Tomaz
How much planning went into your trip? (Hours of looking into maps, legalities of your journey, etc.)

What made you decided to make such an adventure for yourself?

And how the hell do you keep finding internet connections to keep us updated?!?!?! lol

For 7 months I knew this was the trip I wanted to do and worked towards it. I had lists and maps on my walls and slowly worked through everything.
I've met people that planned for 1 week.

Why did I decide to do this?
I wonder about that more and more every day.
I think to find myself and my place in the world. Who am I am what am I going to do with my lief - I don't know but I'm slowly figuring it out.

Internet is really common down here. Even little villages have internet cafes so highschool kids can chat on MSN ;)

-Dan

[baygirl]

When you look back years from now, what do you think is going to be the one thing that stands out in your mind?

[Grecy]

Originally posted by baygirl
When you look back years from now, what do you think is going to be the one thing that stands out in your mind?

Woah, tough question.

Lately I've been struggling a bit with being lonely and being on my own so much of the time.. I'm pretty sure I'll remember that even through rose colored glasses.

The beautiful places I've seen have been absolutely amazing, and my photos will help me remember those, but I really think the people I am meeting are number 1. From the locals living a very simple, peaceful lifestyle, to backpackers from all walks of life to other people driving/riding around all in search of something or other.

-Dan

[ExtremeSi]

Just wondering, do you ever worry about your Jeep being stolen? Do you use any anti-theft measures at all?

Wicked trip man. I have a few investments in some gold mines in Ecuador and Peru. It would be really cool to be able to check them out in person.

[scat19]

Props man!

[bignerd]

Originally posted by ExtremeSi
Just wondering, do you ever worry about your Jeep being stolen? Do you use any anti-thet measures at all?

Wicked trip man. I have a few investments in some gold mines in Ecuador and Peru. It would be really cool to be able to check them out in person.

I think the question is "Do you ever worry about being robbed/murdered/kidnapped for ransom?".

Just saw a show "Knocked up abroad" on a US man who rode his motorcycle from Arizona to Argentina and he was abducted by the ELN in Colombia for ransom and eventually released(months later).

[syeve]

Amazing story and amazing adventure. Thanks for contributing here, there have been many discussions over the years about guys on here wanting to do one great adventure.

Hopefully this spurs some action, not just talk. I know it's fresh in my mind to accomplish something big like you have done; and done it well I might add.

BIG :thumbsup:

[DENZILDON]

:clap: :thumbsup:

[Grecy]

Originally posted by bignerd


I think the question is "Do you ever worry about being robbed/murdered/kidnapped for ransom?".


Well not until you said that, no :P

haha, seriously it's something that I do think about from time to time, but I've made a decision that I'm not going to live my life in fear. I'm going to get out and give it a go and see what happens.
And yes, there is a chance that something nasty might happen to me, and I accept that as part of the bargain.

Of course, I try to be careful and keep my head about me, which is working well so far.

-Dan

[Grecy]

Originally posted by syeve
Amazing story and amazing adventure. Thanks for contributing here, there have been many discussions over the years about guys on here wanting to do one great adventure.

Hopefully this spurs some action, not just talk. I know it's fresh in my mind to accomplish something big like you have done; and done it well I might add.

BIG :thumbsup:

You're very welcome man. I truly hope I can inspire a few people to get out there and take a shot at making their dreams come true.
I'm not sure there is a better feeling in the world.

On that note, if anyone every has any questions at all, I'm more than happy to help out in any way I can.

-Dan

[Grecy]

I've crossed the Equator!
ahhh, familiar Southern Hemisphere, it's been so long.

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/dan_at_the_equator-240x320.jpg

http://dangrec.com/the-equator

-Dan

[thrasher22]

^^ I have a picture of my dad standing in that exact spot, its definitely on my bucket list

Just finished catching up on your whole blog this morning, crazy journey!

[Grecy]

Originally posted by thrasher22

Just finished catching up on your whole blog this morning, crazy journey!
Without a doubt it's the biggest, craziest, funnest thing I've ever done in my life :D

I spent a few days in the big city of Quito.

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/quito_city_view_hdr-320x240.jpg

http://dangrec.com/quito

-Dan

[bignerd]

Originally posted by Grecy


Well not until you said that, no :P

haha, seriously it's something that I do think about from time to time, but I've made a decision that I'm not going to live my life in fear. I'm going to get out and give it a go and see what happens.
And yes, there is a chance that something nasty might happen to me, and I accept that as part of the bargain.

Of course, I try to be careful and keep my head about me, which is working well so far.

-Dan

Sorry, I did not mean to suggest anything bad would happen. You will have to look the episode up when you get home safe and sound!

[CUG]

You are 110% the most serious badass I've encountered on the web. Not even Chuck Norris, not even Chuck Norris.

How has your family reacted to this? Mom/Dad/Siblings...Wife? I ask because I might fly to Spain this week to marry a girl I've only met 4 or 5 times. I'd like to "shake it up" too.

[Mazstyle]

Is it true toilets spin the other way south of the equator? I heard there was a museum in Ecuador on the equator where you can see water spinning each way on either side?...

[Grecy]

Originally posted by bignerd


Sorry, I did not mean to suggest anything bad would happen. You will have to look the episode up when you get home safe and sound!

Hey, no worries man. I was just kidding around.

-Dan

[Grecy]

Originally posted by CUG

How has your family reacted to this? Mom/Dad/Siblings...Wife? I ask because I might fly to Spain this week to marry a girl I've only met 4 or 5 times. I'd like to "shake it up" too.

Ha, thanks man. It's been a hell of a lot of fun.
We're a reasonably adventurous family, so everyone is taking it in the their stride pretty well. In fact, none of us live in our home country right now, we're scattered all over the world.

I don't have a wife or kids, so that keeps things a lot easier.

Good luck with the wedding :)

-Dan

[Grecy]

Originally posted by Mazstyle
Is it true toilets spin the other way south of the equator? I heard there was a museum in Ecuador on the equator where you can see water spinning each way on either side?...

Absolutely, water does spin the other way.
It's called the Coriolis Effect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coriolis_effect)
I've read many times that so close to the equator, in such a small container, the effect is negated by the friction of the liquid on the sides of the container. The guys on the equator are doing a neat party trick to get some tourist dollars.

-Dan

[Grecy]

I drove around the famous Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador... breathtaking.

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/dan_laguna_quilotoa-320x240.jpg

http://dangrec.com/the-quilotoa-loop

-Dan

[Grecy]

I spent a relaxing days in and around the beautiful town of Baños:

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/campsite_mount_tungurahua-240x320.jpg

http://dangrec.com

-Dan

[craigcd]

If you do decide to drive back, or part way back and make it to Nicaragua send me a private message. I will get you in touch with some Calgaryian freinds that live out side of San Juan Del Sur...... you actually passed their house on the way to Maderas beach. I wish i would have caught this location on your blog on the way down!

Craig

[jefferson2]

Wow, this is literally the coolest thing ever.

Also had no idea about the Coriolis Effect, haha thanks for teaching me something new.

Keep this up, you're giving those of us in a lousy 9 to 5 grind entertained while at work haha!

[kaput]

.

[Grecy]

Originally posted by kaput
I'm not sure if anyone is still following this, but the updates are rather sparse while Dan enjoys the simple life. In the meantime, for those who want to continue living vicariously through others, here's a site by a couple from Calgary who are riding their motorcycles through every country in the world.

http://unusvita.com/Index.html

They are currently in Russia and have about a month left of this part of the trip. Click on the photo gallery link for pictures and the blog. If the pictures don't blow your mind, seek help.

I don't want to steal from Dan's thread so if it creates much discussion then maybe it can be moved to it's own thread. Enjoy.

Thanks for the cool link.
I'll be back on the road in a couple of weeks or so, then the updates will roll on again.
I hope they have good luck through Burma - as far as I know, that is one country in the world it is 100% IMPOSSIBLE to drive a foreign plated car through. (possibly the only one)
I'm very keen to see what they do.

-Dan

[Grecy]

I climbed to the top of Cotopaxi Volcano, at 5,897 meters / 19,344 ft., absolutely the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life.
http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/dan_cotopaxi_summit_victory-320x240.jpg

You can read an account of the whole thing at http://dangrec.com/cotopaxi-summit

I'm back on the road now too, so the updates will roll once again.

-Dan

[freshprince1]

Good Luck Dan, this is a great adventure you're on and one that will stay with you for the rest of your life. It is good to have a such an experience as it helps to keep you grounded throughout the rest of your life. I lived in the jungles of the Philippines for two years almost ten years ago, and not a day goes by that I don't think about it. Good on you for taking the plunge.

Live it up, have fun and be careful out there.

[Grecy]

Ecuador has come to an end after just over 5 months!

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ecuador_final_campsite-320x240.jpg

Final thoughts here: http://www.dangrec.com/ecuador-ends

-Dan

[chrispl]

Crazy! Looks like an awesome adventure.

[Dumbass17]

i think me and a buddy might be starting to plan something like this for 2013!:nut:

[Grecy]

Originally posted by Dumbass17
i think me and a buddy might be starting to plan something like this for 2013!:nut:

If you have any specific questions or need help with anything, I'm very happy to help in any way I can, just ask.

-Dan

[Grecy]

I've moved up into the Northern mountains of Peru and am exploring the ruins of the area.

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/perimeter_wall-320x240.jpg

http://www.dangrec.com

-Dan

[projekz]

Are you still insured with an Alberta insurance company? Just curious since you're still running Alberta plates.

[Grecy]

Originally posted by projekz
Are you still insured with an Alberta insurance company? Just curious since you're still running Alberta plates.

Na, I canceled that the minute I left the US, it doesn't help one little bit down here anyway

-Dan

[Grecy]

I've been hiking around the mountains near Huarez, Peru

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/laguna_69_chacraraju-320x240.jpg

http://www.dangrec.com

-Dan

[ExtremeSi]

Awesome trip! So many cool sites. I like your last picture driving under that cliff. Sweet

And that switchback road looks like it would be tons of fun on a bike!

[Myrrinda]

http://www.argentinaalaska.com/blog/We-are

This couple drove from Argentina to Alaska in a 1928 Grand Paige Model 610. My friend and I ran into them on 12th ave SW a couple years ago when they were on their way to Vancouver Island to have their 3rd baby. They had to stop to fix the clutch, and we started talking to them, and I ended up buying their book, which they were selling out of a wooden trunk attached to the back of the car. They had their 2 older kids in the backseat, and all their belongings attached to the roof of the car. The book turned out to be amazing, including the story of how they crossed the Amazon with the car on what was essentially a wooden raft. You guys that are able to accomplish your dreams this way are really inspiring!

[Grecy]

I went for a 10 day hike around the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit in the high mountains of Peru...

http://dangrec.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/dan_glacier_valley-320x240.jpg

You can read my trip report at www.dangrec.com (http://www.dangrec.com)

-Dan

[Grecy]

I hiked in the back way to Machu Picchu to save a ton of money :)
Full report and a ton more photos are at http://theroadchoseme.com/machu-picchu

http://c0004155.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/view_from_machu_picchu_mountain-240x320.jpg

-Dan

(o yeah, I moved hosts for my website, sorry if there was some downtime, I'm pretty sure it's all sorted now, and should be a heck of a lot faster)

[projekz]

Nice to see another update. May the FORCE be with you!:thumbsup:

[craigcd]

I have been following blog from the begining, props for maintaining your account here and keeping everyone updated!

[Grecy]

Thanks for the positive comments Craigcd!

I just drove Bolivia's "Road of Death" also known at the World's Most Dangerous Road!

http://c0004155.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/safety_fog-320x240.jpg

I took a video while driving too, you can see it and more pics at my site:

http://theroadchoseme.com/driving-bolivias-road-of-death

-Dan

[msommers]

That looks scary as hell!:eek:

[thrasher22]

I've been following your site since the summer, and it was a big part of my inspiration to buy an old VW camper van in October and do something similar in the next year. Great work :thumbsup:

[n1zm0]

do you ever get some central/south americans looking at your plate asking 'where the hell is Alberta?' lol

[Grecy]

Great to here I've inspired you a little thrasher! get out there.
I'm hanging out with a couple of germans right now that have a VW camper, diesel - great great choice.

Almost every day someone asks where in hell "Alberta" is.
It's most funny when someone from Alberta sees it and freaks out - "dude, are you lost?" HAHA

and the updates roll on...
I've been playing with dynamite...

http://theroadchoseme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/dan_smoking_dynamite-320x240.jpg
(Yep, that has a lit fuse)

Get the full story here: http://theroadchoseme.com/potosi

-Dan

[n1zm0]

Will you be going through the Atacama? specifically, maybe, a pic near a certain Chilean mine shaft? :D

[JAYMEZ]

Wow just saw this thread! Seems awesome!! Its funny I have the same picture from Ecuador at the equator.. Super cool stuff man!!

[Grecy]

Originally posted by n1zm0
Will you be going through the Atacama? specifically, maybe, a pic near a certain Chilean mine shaft? :D

I got close, but Chile was so damn expensive I left after 24 hours...
(I'm typing up the updates for my site now, it's a little behind me ATM)

I'll go back in Southern Chile, but the North doesn't interest me too much.

-Dan

[Grecy]

I've just driven across The Salt Flats of Uyuni in Bolivia - without a doubt the most surreal, bizzare place I've ever driven a vehicle.

http://theroadchoseme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/the_amigos_on_the_salt_flat-320x240.jpg

Tons of pics on my site:

http://theroadchoseme.com/the-uyuni-salt-flats-to-chile-1

-Dan

[Grecy]

We continued driving south from the Salt flats, all the way down to the border with Chile.
http://c0004155.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/three_trucks_desert-320x240.jpg

Without a doubt, the most out there, full on adventure of my entire life.
I'm really proud of the photos in this one too :)

http://theroadchoseme.com/the-uyuni-salt-flats-to-chile-2

-Dan

[Unknown303]

Amazing trip. Still wishing I could abandon everything and head out on an adventure like this.

[ExtremeSi]

Wow you are getting pretty close to hitting the bottom! What are your plans once you do?

[Grecy]

Originally posted by Unknown303
Amazing trip. Still wishing I could abandon everything and head out on an adventure like this.
It's exactly what I did and I've never looked back.
If you really want to, I'm sure you can!


Originally posted by ExtremeSi
Wow you are getting pretty close to hitting the bottom! What are your plans once you do?
After BA for xmas, I'll head down to Tierra Del Fuego, then come back up through sothern Argentina/Chile.
After that, I really have no idea but it's something I'm going to have to start thinking about.

-Dan

[Afrodeziak]

I've got some friends who left not long ago from Calgary up to AK and are headed down in the same fashion. I believe they're around Baja right now. a couple of months in..

In a VW van..

[Grecy]

Originally posted by Afrodeziak
I've got some friends who left not long ago from Calgary up to AK and are headed down in the same fashion. I believe they're around Baja right now. a couple of months in..

In a VW van..

Right on, I've always thought a VW van would be a good way to go.
I'm hanging out with a German couple right now in a brand new one, diesel, 4x4, very nice.

If your friends every need a hand, or any info on the road ahead, I'd be more than happy to help out in any way I can.

-Dan

[Redlyne_mr2]

Love the pictures of the road of death in Bolivia. That road was of course featured in last seasons Top Gear. TG always likes to blow things out of proportion and exagerate but by the looks of your pics they weren't exagerating when they said that road was dangerous. Thanks for the updates!

[KandabashiDevil]

Pretty cool adventure. You'll have some interesting stories

My favorite was the picture of you and dynamite!


Originally posted by Grecy
After that, I really have no idea but it's something I'm going to have to start thinking about.

I'll bet you're going to be in a Jeep commercial! $$

[Grecy]

Originally posted by KandabashiDevil
I'll bet you're going to be in a Jeep commercial! $$

Now we're talking about dreams :D


I've crossed into Argentina, the 16th and possibly last country of the adventure.
It's a very strange feeling to be this close...

http://c0004155.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/chile_argentina_border-320x240.jpg

http://theroadchoseme.com/into-argentina

-Dan

[Redlyne_mr2]

So the adventure there is always fun and exciting but are you looking forward to the drive back?

[Grecy]

Originally posted by Redlyne_mr2
So the adventure there is always fun and exciting but are you looking forward to the drive back?

There is no drive back.
Driving back up was never part of the plan.

What am I going to do instead? I'm still working on that :D

[Unknown303]

Man that would be a rewarding trip.

[Grecy]

Originally posted by Unknown303
Man that would be a rewarding trip.
By far the most rewarding thing I've ever done in my live!

I spent a couple of days hiking around mighty Aconcagua mountain (6,962m or 22,841 ft), the tallest mountain on the continent.
Amazing is the only word for it.

http://c0004155.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/dan_mighty_aconcagua-320x240.jpg

http://theroadchoseme.com/aconcagua

-Dan