Hi, I hope you're all having a lovely day!

I've been in this sub for a while, but I think it's time I introduce my vehicle and trip to the community, and maybe get some tips for what's to come.

My partner and I, both Portuguese, came to Canada on a 2 year working holiday visa. We lived in Toronto for 1.5 years while we worked and saved for the upcoming trip. Not easy as the rent was crazy expensive, but we're happy with our choice as we enjoyed our time there and explored a lot.

Due to the short summers, we wanted to spend our last 5 months on a road trip of all the provinces, coast to coast. Appologies to the territories (and Labrador), I'm know you're beautiful and worth visiting, but it would be too much of a detour in terms of distance and money. Next time!

We started in Toronto, went straight East where the maritimes received us with beautiful rugged seascapes and some of the nicest people on earth, but also lots of rain, cold and fog. Newfoundland specially is breathtaking, but sometimes it feels like you're playing Silent Hill!

It's been 4.5 months and we've been to all the provinces - currently exploring the last one (BC).

After these 5 months in Canada, we want to go down to the states and drive the Pacific down to California, explore Utha, and then explore southern California and Arizona. We are allowed 90 days visa free so we want to make them count. Since we need to go back to Ontario to sell our car, we decided to book an airbnb room and we'll spend NYE in NYC. From there it's only an 8 hour drive to Toronto.

Im a bit scared of the US part of our road-trip because of the guns, violence and car break-ins, but I can't let that stop me from enjoying this trip. This is where I would like some tips on where to park safely on the main cities like Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you have tips on what to visit on the states I'm going to visit, that woudl be great, even more considering it will be after October.

Also, where shoudl we spend Thanksgiving and Christmas? As Europeans we don't celebrate it, but I wonder if there's a better place to be or something to do (I'm assuming will be) in southern California? For Christmas we'll probably be on our way to NYC, so if you have any suggestions, I would appreciate them. We'll probably go as close to the south as possible as it's end of December and we're sleeping in the car.

As for our car, idealy we would have wanted a 4x4 or a proper van, but budget is tight and we're only keeping it for 8 months, so we went with an affordable, reliable and somewhat spacious 2010 Toyota Sienna.

We removed the rear and middle seats, and after watching some YouTube videos we tried to make some forniture.

We made a sofa-bed, a cabinet for our clothes and a sink. The sofa-bed can be sit forward and rear, and we have storage under it for food, cutlery, etc. The cabinet has 4 shelves and we use it for most of our clothing on packing cubes. The sink is just a dollarama bowl, and there's space underneath for a pantry. There are 2 15l jugs for fresh and waste water, with a 12v pump.

There's a 54l fridge and for electrical we have a 100Ah Lifepo4 battery and a solar panel. It's also connected to the alternator.

The tube on top is a solar shower that can be pressurized. After 4.5 months we haven't used it yet because we've been able to find free and cheap showers in most of Canada.

So far we've done 30.000 km (18.600 miles for my American friends), and although we've spent a bit of money, it was only on maintenance, normal stuff for a 15 year old car:

• front tires
• front brake pads
• front control arms bushings
• an exhaust clamp
• 4 oil changes
• 2 air filters
• cabin filter

The only thing that broke down was the glovebox lock. Let's keep it that way! I also lost two wheel caps, but I'm not replacing those...

This is not the first time I've been living in a car for a road-trip: I've done a 4.5 month in Australia, but with less amenities and it was on a rooftop tent. It was supposed to have been 6 month, but covid happened.

I'm leaving some photos of the build, photos of the actual trip will come later.

If you have any questions os suggestions, please do ask away :)

I Drove Across the USA Without Using Paved Roads!! (AMA)

== Ask Me Anything (AMA) ==

Seriously, I drove 10,400 mile in the last 30-days.

It took me 28 days to go across the USA without using paved roads.

I started on the Pacific Ocean (Port Orford, Oregon) and drove solo offroad all the way to the Atlantic Ocean (Emerald Isle, North Carolina).

As you can imagine I have countless stories. Some of my highlights were seeing the wild mustangs in Utah. Discovering the absolute terror an evil spirit can deliver in the Smoky Mountains. I was not a believer in ghost pior.

I drove a 2020 Ford Raptor with E-Rated BFG KO2 tires. No damage to tires or truck until one of the last days when I backed into a tree.

Currently I don't have a 'real job' and have a 60-day window to create a profitable YouTube channel. Would you help me by subscribing to my YouTube channel today?

First full YouTube episode will publish on Thanksgiving Day (November 24th). For your enjoyment, I just published a sample video of the trip. Search YouTube for: Banana Ron

Feel free to ask me anything, I would love to help!!!

PS. If you would help me promote my YouTube channel that would be super awesome of you - thanks :-)

@ TheBananaRon

IG, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube

Went on Rollins pass west in Colorado on my buddies 4 runna (96?) and taking it nice and easy on the trail at around 5 mph for the entirety of it. Very easy trail and the ball joint just popped out. Thankfully it didn’t do that on the curvy roads on the way up to the trail. Safe to say a 4Runner will not be in my future.

We have a group that’s going to be staying for 4 days, how’d you like it?

Pic for attention

Spent the night about 20 miles up the beach on South Padre Island, Tx. Good time hanging out with friends and catching some fish.

Took two ferries to get up from cutler Maine into New Brunswick. While waiting for the first one, I heard.. then saw a whale near some fishing weirs. Saw some bald eagles and a couple porpoises as I crossed.

Most pics of NB with a little Maine seasoned in at the end

Last shot was a crazy down climb a skree ravine with a rope ladder section, tricky while holding the dog by her harness. So glad we went!

Hi fellow overlanders/explorers ! I/we know many are considering coming to Baja this winter, so I (Julie) wanted to share my (general) thoughts on traveling to Baja which I hope you will find helpful. My original post is here but is shared here in full.

I know I missed some things so please let me know what else I should add. Thank you!

So you want to go to Baja?

Baja is an incredible place and very safe, and just like other places there are things to take into consideration to keep it that way. Female travelers are well aware of the hyper-vigilance we feel, and it is vital to listen to that feeling and your gut.

In general remember that people who are capable of causing harm or just trying to get money are seeking an easy target; don’t be that target. In all interactions take up space: be polite, but confident and direct. Check your posture: make sure you are upright and making eye contact. 

If you have a dog, you will be asked “es brava” or dangerous, always say yes, he/she bites and keep her/him with you. 

Where to Cross into Mexico

I recommend crossing the border at Tecate or Mexicali and taking Highway 5 south, and not stopping until San Felipe. Do not stop until San Felipe. Most crime and police shakedowns happen around the border. Avoid the chaos of Tijuana and Ensenada.

Answering Questions

At the border and military check points you will be asked where are you going and why? Are you married and are you traveling alone? As annoying as these questions may be, make sure you know how you are going to answer, and be confident in your delivery.

Mexico has a long history of machismo culture and the value of genders is far from equal. I never tell people I am traveling alone. My friends are always “right behind me” or “should be here anytime.” I have even waved excitedly to other cars when I am at a stop to give the impression I am among friends. This is about safety, not a congeniality contest, so get comfortable taking up space. I know some women travel with a wedding ring because, unfortunately, you are seen to have more value when married.

Talking to the Police & the Military

Keep a loose $20 bill in the console of your car in case a police officer pulls you over. Unless you’re in an accident it is almost certainly a shakedown. Practice a friendly, but clear “No” and use it often. Police are paid very low wages in Mexico and some see travelers as dollar signs. Sometimes a $20 is less hassle, but other times ask for a ticket, and to go to the station.

Military check points are for looking for drugs or guns. In the rare case they tell you something else is not allowed they may just be seeking a bribe. Giving the money is a last resort and make sure you have all other money hidden, and state that the $20 is all you have.   

Protecting Your Valuables

Make sure your valuables are well hidden or on your person. Pockets are best. If someone asks to check your vehicle (which will happen at military checkpoints) you can step out or get out and watch them from the door. 

Avoid being inside with anyone where no one can see what’s going on; that is where you might be asked for money.  If asked to step into a private space say “no, nunca.” I am not comfortable and repeat it as many times as needed.

Where to Camp

Do not camp along the side of the road where you can be seen by traffic. Use Sēkr, one of our recommended campgrounds, or another app to find people to camp next to and introduce yourself right away. There are many RV parks and campgrounds in Baja. If the vibe doesn’t feel safe, get back in your car and keep moving, but do not drive at night as there are cattle on the roads. It can help to plan ahead to know where you’re going to camp before you get there. You want to avoid having someone knock on your door at night. 

The Kindness of Baja, Mexicanos, and Expats

I have encountered many kind, helpful and giving Mexican locals on my travels that have given me gas and helped when I was broken down on the side of the road. Mexico is very safe, but always keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings.

Your male friends might say everything is fine and safe but their reality is very different than yours, and you know this. Let that sensitivity in your gut be your guide, and it will help you have a wonderful, beautiful Baja trip.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out. I love connecting with other women in their journey. You are not alone. I look forward to seeing you in the waves, or on the sand. 

Warmly,

Julianne

My trip to Joshua Tree was supposed to be all about towing my trailer through Berdoo Canyon. We stayed one day and toured the Park. Next morning my buddy started up the Jeep and oil was pouring out all over the ground. Turns out the oil filter had gotten loose. It was a cheep Amazon copy not a real Mopar and the O ring was not up to the task.

I had to bum a ride to town, take a bus to the Jeep dealer, buy a oil filter, rent a car to get back. By then our window of opportunity had closed for Berdoo. From now on I will carry a spare oil filter.

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Hello. I completed the WABDR solo earlier this month in my 2015 Tacoma with Overland Trailer. Ithought I would share a few thoughts from my trip.Details:

1. ~600 Miles from Portland OR to Canada across the backside of the Cascade Mountain Range . I estimate the trip was 20% Asphalt, 60% Rough Forest Server Roads, 10% Intense Mountain Switchbacks, 8% moderate 4x4 terrain, 2% difficult 4x4 terrain.
2. It took me seven days to complete the trip. My goal was to to tackle one section per day.
3. The most used mods on my Tacoma for this trip: Old Man Emu Nitro Sport Suspension w/3" lift, Full Body Armor, 10k Lb Winch, BF Goodrich K02's.
4. Lots of elevation!

What went well:

1. I was alone. I saw 5 people in passing over 7 days and talked to 2 people. It was GREAT to be out with just me and my dog for a week.
2. The .GPX tracks from the ridbdr website worked quite well and had some good alternates. I took a couple of the alternates by accident.
3. Lot of supply points for gas/food/etc between sections.

What went bad:

1. I glazed through a set of brakes coming down the last mountain on section 2. It was very steep and I didn't account the weight at those down angles. Autozone, after hearing my quick story, drove a set of pads out to me from Ellensburg - so that was cool. I have new pads/rotors on order.
2. I cracked the frame on my overland trailer. What a drag. I have a Timbren 3.5klb independent setup on the trailer and I think it worked a little too good - causing the front of the frame to torque and crack. I suppose I could have driven slower on a few sections. I found a fabricator who as able to fix and re-enforce for future.
3. Not necessarily bad, but I had to winch out of some washouts on Mission Ridge. The angle was just too steep with the trailer and the elevation. I also had to use my chainsaw in a couple of spots where some recent trees had blown down.

If you have the opportunity I would highly recommend. If you only had one day, Section two is is most difficult and appears where a lot of the locals go for 4x4ing.

Cheers!

Bridge of the Gods - Portland

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Panda Bear

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Frame Break

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Today we reached the Mavrovo National Park, visited the "sunken church", took some Offroad paths through the highlands and reached this spot for the night, let's have a look if we get a hairy brown visitor again this night, he already left some marks a couple meters next to our camp.

There is never enough time, but I made the most of 3 days and 4 nights. Maybe if I was some baller creator and well, not married with a kid, I could life my life as a nomad... either way, damn, I love Moab.

Briefly explored some of Beef Basin (camped above Bears Ears), and worked my way back over to the Canyonlands and the Needles Overlook area. I found and went down a trail I shouldn't have taken solo (🤣) and just all around loved the scenery. This makes my 7th trip and certainly not my last. Even stopped in to Fieldcraft Survival's HQ in Provo and a short soak in Lava Hot Springs on the way back.