Hourless Life: Documenting Our Global Overland Adventure

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

I remember watching them prior to my time in Peru. But had not gone back and rewatched it after I had been there, I am glad I did. For a mix of triggering my own memories, as well as being able to see some portions I was unable to do when there but now being able to place them. (* Like the cathedrals in Cusco). And even how my own perspective changed.

And I realized we ate in the same restaurant, (the view and food were great, after Machu Picchu). And of course, a lot of the same roads.

My Lake Titicaca, experience was different as well. It was cool, and worth seeing. But got the feeling we were just tourist dollars being herded to each booth.

I do not feel like that came through the videos, I just re watched. But maybe it was my own recollection,
Hopefully you will be able to "go back" with the memories and videos eventually and see it in another light.

 

[Hourless Life]

I remember watching them prior to my time in Peru. But had not gone back and rewatched it after I had been there, I am glad I did. For a mix of triggering my own memories, as well as being able to see some portions I was unable to do when there but now being able to place them. (* Like the cathedrals in Cusco). And even how my own perspective changed.

And I realized we ate in the same restaurant, (the view and food were great, after Machu Picchu). And of course, a lot of the same roads.

My Lake Titicaca, experience was different as well. It was cool, and worth seeing. But got the feeling we were just tourist dollars being herded to each booth.

I do not feel like that came through the videos, I just re watched. But maybe it was my own recollection,
Hopefully you will be able to "go back" with the memories and videos eventually and see it in another light.

One of our big surprises in Peru was Chavin de Huantar. So glad we did this "side trip" as we were blown away by the archeological site. We captured it in this video Not sure if you watched that one. But if you haven't been to the ruins there, I HIGHLY recommend them. They were outstanding!

I know many people love Peru and claim it as one of their favorites. I honestly don't feel I was able to give it a fair shake so to speak, and would enjoy returning someday. Thanks for the encouragement. ~ Eric

 

[Hourless Life]

It is still surreal to us that we drove to Patagonia in our Jeep Gladiator as a family. On our way back up the South American continent, we drove to a glacier and saw one of the most amazing natural spectacles on earth, the calving of a glacier. AND we caught it on camera! This is a moment we'll never forget and hope you enjoy it with us.


If we can do this, anyone can. We're just a regular family with a dream to see the world. We took a shot and it has been an indescribably amazing journey. I'm so glad we take the time to catch it on video. I hope you enjoy this section of the journey with us and if you have any questions, I'm here for it. ~ Eric

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Thanks for posting,

That museum looked great! Is it relatively new?

Seeing the glacier took me right back, I swear I could feel the wind and sun on my face, like I was there again. 1k % worth it, we splurged and kayaked down to the glacier. It was amazing, one of those pictures now hangs in my living room. Having to take a bus down there is “new” from when we visited.

 

[Hourless Life]

Thanks for posting,

That museum looked great! Is it relatively new?

Seeing the glacier took me right back, I swear I could feel the wind and sun on my face, like I was there again. 1k % worth it, we splurged and kayaked down to the glacier. It was amazing, one of those pictures now hangs in my living room. Having to take a bus down there is “new” from when we visited.

It must have been fairly new. All of the exhibits were great and in good working order. Very well organized, informative and clean. Really made us appreciate the trip to Moreno Glacier that much more. So glad you got to do the kayak! That must have been incredible. Glad we could take you back to those memories! ~ E

 

[14JKURX]

What is next on this wonderful adventure?

 

[Reconsnake]

I've watched several videos, read much of this, but I have a question regarding maintenance/upkeep that I didn't find anywhere yet. With a journey spanning 10-15 years, besides normal maintenance, do you have a contingency plan for the possible single points of failure on the vehicle itself? I don't know how available spare parts for the gladiator are globally, or do you have specific countries you plan to schedule replacement of starter, alternator, waterpump, brake rotors, timing chain, hoses, bearings etc? Or do you carry some of these items?

 

[Hourless Life]

What is next on this wonderful adventure?

We just finished South America and we're taking 4 months in the USA currently. (About half way through) in January we plan to start our journey in Africa next!

 

[Hourless Life]

I've watched several videos, read much of this, but I have a question regarding maintenance/upkeep that I didn't find anywhere yet. With a journey spanning 10-15 years, besides normal maintenance, do you have a contingency plan for the possible single points of failure on the vehicle itself? I don't know how available spare parts for the gladiator are globally, or do you have specific countries you plan to schedule replacement of starter, alternator, waterpump, brake rotors, timing chain, hoses, bearings etc? Or do you carry some of these items?

Great question. We carry a few known to fail parts that are small and light weight. We take advantage of Jeep dealerships whenever we can. We've seen them in various places in Latin America. Most recently in memory was one in Porto Alegre Brazil! With that said we also pay close attention and whenever we fly back to the States if there is a part we need to bring back we do. And DHL is a global option. So there is no perfect solution, but there are ways in which you can mitigate the needs. Every now and then we'll be in an area that has full on capability, like we've heard that Capetown, South Africa does. While there we'll do a complete once over. Hope that makes sense!

 

[Hourless Life]

Our final night at camp before our vacation!! Y’all were so excited!

People often think we are constantly on vacation because we travel full-time. They think we are just out there living a care free and easy life.

This is not true.

Think about it this way.

We’re on our 12th year of full-time travel.
We live in about 20 square feet of space.
We are constantly subject to weather as we mostly live outside.
And we still have to do all the “normal” things like grocery shopping, laundry, school, paying taxes, voting, doctors and dentist visits, all the things.

Quite often we are navigating all of this from a far away land, in a different language, using a different currency, under different laws and regulations.

This is NOT a constant vacation. It is just LIFE differently.

We are currently in the USA taking a 4 month "break" from our global journey. We're driving around in our OG rig "GUARDIAN" visiting family and friends. So far on our break we've been from California to Florida and everywhere in between during the past 2 months. So we're still overlanding... just here in the country right now.

With that said, just like many of our peers, we DO take vacation from time to time and that vacation STARTS NOW!

We are in Brittany and Caspian’s “happy place” which is Disney World. We are staying in Kissimmee for the next 3 weeks!

We are so excited.

It is nice to have a roof and four walls. Endless running, hot, and potable water. Climate control. Room to spread out. A bathtub! Endless electricity. Constant power options. A washer and dryer! Steady internet. Heck we even have a giant pool!

All that to say that reflecting on these luxuries makes me realize just how blessed and spoiled so many of us are.
We’ll enjoy every ounce.

Africa is just around the corner for us. So we better soak in these things while we can!

#hourlesslife

 

[The Kombi Chronicles]

We just finished South America and we're taking 4 months in the USA currently. (About half way through) in January we plan to start our journey in Africa next!

Hope your time back in the US has provided you time to spend with friends and family and to recharge your souls before your next adventure.

Do you guys feel torn about leaving the familiarity of the US after spending a length of time back? Or are you feeling raring to start your next adventure in uncharted lands?

 

[SimplyAnAdventure]

We just finished South America and we're taking 4 months in the USA currently. (About half way through) in January we plan to start our journey in Africa next!

Eric, if you pass through upstate NY again we’ve got a place for you to stay. I’m sure if you saw me in person you’d remember but we have camped together a few different times.

I brought doughnuts to Caspian after a night shift when we camped on the lake in central NY. Anyway if you need a place you all are welcome here. Just shoot me a DM.