Overlanding Spirit

Some people have this indomitable spirit when they travel, rarely more so than my friend Lucy Barnard travelling in South America, currently in Peru, and currently on-track to being the first woman to walk solo the length of the Pan-American. Fancy a walk of over 30,000 miles over five years? It takes heart. And vegemite. And tim-tams. You can read more about her adventures with her incredible dog, Wombat, in this recent article from Sidetracked.com, and her website at tanglesandtail.com. 

For me, I love traveling by vehicle, yet the quest for the ultimate overlander will always be a long drawn out affair. It’s the vehicle that’s right for you at the present time and the terrain/situations you’re going to find yourself in. A vehicle that would suit every terrain, weather and climate? Tough choice. I’m still plugged into the many Land Cruiser websites across the world, and the Troopcarrier, although an ugly square bucket of bolts (people may curse me for that!), is for my money still one of the best around as a two-person overlander. It’s not very spacious compared to a Mercedes Sprinter, or as a grand as an IVECO Daily 4x4 Truck, but it’s simple, easy to fix, and tougher than Superman’s jockstrap. And there are parts around the world. In saying that, I still have a soft spot for a Mitsubishi Delica, admiring them like a forbidden fruit or a pack of Jaffa Cakes I’ve just smashed in one sitting. One day I’ll break and just buy five Delica’s like some kind of crack addict.  
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Whichever method you’re travelling, whether on foot, bicycle, motorbike, horse (yup!), truck or train, take advice with a pinch of salt, find your own way and enjoy yourself. Offer guidance whenever asked, and don’t judge those that choose to ignore it. Enjoy life when you have it for tomorrow is uncertain.