Like many of you, I once modded like a mad man. I had a slew of Land Rovers (I know, I know, hey, we all have our own error in judgement - I just made mine repeatedly) roof tents, fantasies of isolated desert vistas and wild running rivers, etc
Now that I’m a parent and despite my income being higher than I’ve ever had before - I only consider a good kitchen set up and I flirt with the idea of the hard shell roof tents just for my ten year olds would be memories
Realistically we might use it a handful of times and the money would be wasted. We can certainly get away with just sleeping under the stars in the bed if we were some place safe
ironically the overland bizz has never been bigger. It went through quite a lull andappeared to fizzle but then it made a strong come back in the last three to four years
the other thing is people. I find a lot of ex-patriot, camo loving, lone wolf types to be too abundant and the anti social immediate suspicious individuals unfriendly or even dangerous
to say nothing of all the unnecessary BS for sale - topo maps and iPads strapped to the dash, every kind of redundant gadget you’ll use maybe twice at premium prices all feels a bit much
to say nothing of the youtube “expeditions” of people driving $250k in vehicles and crap they don’t need while making long dramatic narratives like they are the first to drive to Baja or Idaho - over produced and over dramatized. Now they add sh1t like para sailing and whatever nuance to separate themselves from the other youboobers...
By all accounts if you look at the popular forums, so many people seem to be living in this fantasy movie where having a 1911 and some 40inch wheels means you are hardcore and discerning. It’s wack
Americans traveled across the country in old Fords to explore the National Parks. They spent money, increased local businesses via tourism, and got to experience American natural wonders. There is so much prejudice regardless of race or gender now, I prefer to fly outside the country to travel. I don’t find Americans friendly in contrast to Europeans, Central America, or Canada.
boy I’m bitchy today - must be the Coronavirus (wink wink)