Expeditions West

There’s no denying that the world has become a smaller place. Modern communications technology allows us to interact with people and places across the globe on a regular basis. This has been largely a good thing for most of the world’s population. Even so, it’s good to know there are still remote places in the world - even in the US - where one can get away from the masses of humanity.

It turns out the most remote place in the US is right in our (figurative) backyard: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5813252

Day 1 was a success. The afternoon had a more relaxed pace then the morning. The Expo floor was open during the afternoon, which allowed every to catch glimpses of what each company is offering.

Once 5 PM rolled around, everyone wanted to relax a little bit. ARB and Sportsmobile sponsored a Landshark party with a luau theme. Nothing like some free beer to really take the edge off after a day in the sun.

At 7:45 Scott Brady took the stage and delivered a fascinating presentation. The presentation detailed the two completed sections of his “Ends of the Earth” expedition: all the way to the Arctic Ocean and down to the end of the road in Panama.  It was extremely interesting and the photos were amazing.

I’m going to leave you guys with another gallery. Enjoy!

The inaugural Overland Expo is off to a great start. Things got off to a tremendous start this morning - Roseann, Jonathon, and Graham all contributed to what was a very fitting opening ceremony. The highlight was the hoisting of the official Overland Expo flag. At the end of the Expo, a name will be selected and they will get to keep the flag for a year. Hopefully, the flag will travel to parts unknown with a lucky overlander, who will then return next year to pass the flag on to another traveller.

The seminars have all been very interesting - everything I’ve witnessed myself or overheard has been nothing but positive.  The level of access is one of the most enjoyable aspects - it’s possible to have an in-depth conversation with just about anyone. It’s great to be able to meet a lot of the stars of the overland industry and discover that they’re still as passionate as those just discovering how enjoyable it can be.

Of course, for many attendees the main attractions are the vehicles. The trucks here are a testament to the creativity, ingenuity, and dedication of overlanders. Every truck has at least one idea that makes one think “why didn’t I think of that?”.  The sheer variety of vehicles means that there really is something for everyone.

Education is an important component of the Expo too. Courses cover everything from Four-Wheel Recovery to Overlanding with Infants. I’ve been lucky enough to poke my head in and they have all been well-attended.

One of my favorite aspects is the social one - it’s great to see familiar faces and encounter some new ones. Everyone here has an interesting story to tell.

That’s all for now - I’ve got more photos to take. Stay tuned for additional updates - photos will be posted at the end of the day.

-Chuck

Wow, it’s been a busy day at the Expo. Lots of set up and organization for tomorrow. Here’s a mega-gallery of photos from today. Tons of stuff going on and tons of cool trucks…and tomorrow should be even busier.

Enjoy the photos!

-Chuck

Well, it’s going to be a big day. We’ll be spending the day shuttling vehicles out to the fairgrounds, setting up booths, and generally trying to take care of a multitude of logistical details.

It’s going to be my first trip out there, so I’ll be sure to post some photos before the madness descends!

-Chuck

Well, Roseann and Jonathon Hanson have arrived. They have been instrumental in getting the Overland Expo off the ground. Lots of noise is coming from the shop - grinding, power-washing and welding all contribute to the din. The parking lot is steadily filling with all makes and models of overlanding vehicles. We’ve also got Nathan, Bobby, and Tim here pitching in (as well as the usual gang of Scott, Stephanie, Jeremy, and Graham). All the help is appreciated and everyone has been super busy.

More and more trips are being made out to the fairgrounds to prep the site for the madness that’s sure to descend this weekend.

Fortunately for those of you reading, I’ve got some photos of the recent activity around here:

Here are the guys sizing up the best method to install a new bumper on the Land Cruiser.

A nice shot of all the vehicles lined up on one side of the parking lot. Thanks to Tim and Bobby for making them look shiny.

The other side of the parking lot. There are still at least three motorcycles and a Tacoma truck around here being worked on.

I’d like to thank James & Stacey Roy for providing three dozen New York bagels for the shop - they were awesome and everyone enjoyed them.

Up close and personal with the bagel spread.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, photos, and hopefully some interviews.

Chuck

The Expeditions West parking lot is home to an impressive array of overland vehicles. Just about every popular make and model is represented here - a real melting pot of overland travel.

Here’s a brief rundown of the motor pool:

The two JP’s pictured above both completed the Central American expedition and are in dire need of some TLC. Although they may be a little worse for wear after the expedition, they performed quite admirably.  Scott’s JP will be on display at the Expo.

Above we have Jeremy’s Tacoma. Pretty nice tent on the back there.

Bobby Curtis is an Expedition Portal member who has been helping prepare for the Expo. He’s been a great help detailing vehicles and making them shine. He’s driving a really cool Cherokee - I really dig the blue color.

Tim Huber has been really helpful as well. Tim’s been focusing on the mechanical side of things - rehabbing the JP’s and providing general usefulness.

Now we’re moving into the exotic trucks. Cyril was our guide in Guatemala and Scott (being the nice guy that he is) offered to let him store his 2007 Land Rover Defender here at the shop. It’s should be on display on the Expo, where it should attract some attention.

I posted a photo or two of this truck yesterday, but here is Graham Jackson’s Range Rover. This is the truck he completed his African expedition in (it’s the vehicle on the cover of the inaugural issue of Overland Journal). Graham will be teaching a variety of courses during the Expo.

Last but not least, we have Scott’s Disco. In this photo Bobby and Tim are doing some detailing and maintenance work.

It’s a real treat to be up close and personal with all the vehicles shown above. Things are starting to ramp up here at the shop as the first Overland Expo approaches.

Thanks for reading!

Chuck