An adventure begins
Posted by Dan in BlogSherpa, Camping, Canada, Road-tripping, tags: Alaska, Arctic Ocean, Central America, Jeep, Pan American Highway, Snowboarding, South America, Tierra Del FuegoHave you ever wanted to do something to find out if you could – to see what kind of person you are?
Have you ever wanted to actually live your dreams instead of watching them hover just out of reach?
Have you ever wanted to do something so crazy you were almost afraid to say it out loud?
Next week, I’m setting out to drive my Jeep 50,000kms on The Pan American Highway from The Arctic Ocean in Northern Alaska to Tierra Del Fuego, the southernmost point of South America.
I’m going to record my whole trip here with stories and photos, but more than that, I want you guys to join in too. Remember those “choose your own adventure” books where you got to make up your own story? I’m going to make my trip the same for you. Whenever I get to a fork in the road, or I can’t decide if I should detour to see some ruins, or stick around another week, I’m going to ask you guys. The choices will be put to a vote – the choice with the most votes wins and I’ll do it.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to hike to Macha Pichu or to drive Bolivia’s “Road of Death”. Here’s your chance. If it gets voted up I’ll do it. You’ll be able to read all about it here with trip reports, adventure stories and photos.
I think the whole trip will take twelve months, but that’s just a guess – let’s say plus or minus six months to that.
Updates will come shortly on my Jeep, gear, medical requirements and more. In the mean time, checkout my completely made-up route north/south and the Jeep looking pretty excited 
-Dan
Dan and Jeep ready to go.
Completely made up.
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Hey man,ive just been through your entire blog seeing what you’ve been up to. Looks like you’ve been having an awesome time. Thats one epic trip you have planned!! Are you purposely avoiding Columbia?
If your equipment holds up, I think that you can make the journey. Have fun.
Take pics and post for us so we can see what its like. I’d love to see your photos.
I think you’re being extremely optimistic.
Your entire post goes on about a piece of plywood that’s somehow going to magically protect everything you own. I don’t know if you’ve ever been to central or south america, but you’re going to need more than plywood for protection.
What precautions have to taken with the Jeep? Any type of selectable locker or spool? Any spares? Are you still running the dana 35c in the rear? Do you know what happens when a c-clip axle shaft breaks? Do you know how difficult to find parts and how expensive it’s going to be to fix your Jeep in Honduras?
Don’t get me wrong, I wish you the best of luck.
You’re going to need it.
Thanks for the comments – You’re right, I am being extremely optimistic.
Anything can (and will) happen to me along the way, and I’m just going to have to roll with the punches.
I’m taking nothing I can’t afford to loose, so that when it all goes, I can re-assess where I’m up to and what I can do from there.
I’ve done nothing major to the Jeep – no lift, no winch, no lockers, stock diffs, etc. I’m not planning on any crazy off raoding – I mean, unsealed roads and pot holes sure – but if I need a winch, I’ve gone too far off the beaten path.
The Jeep only has 130,000kms on the clock and I’m pretty confident that if I keep the basics right (oil, water, etc) and treat it gently, it will make it with no major problems.
I’m jealous…
Any more details on the trip? Staying in hotels, with friends, campgrounds? Are you going alone? What are you taking with you? Did you quit your job, sell your house, etc to do this?
I’m planning on camping 9 nights in 10 – just stay in a hostel every now and again to do laundry and re-group food wise.
I’m going alone, only because I don’t know anyone that would come along. Hitchhikers will feature a lot I’m sure.
My next post will include my full gear list and yes, I’ve quit my job and sold everything I don’t need for the trip.
I’m already a long way from home (Australia) so I don’t have a whole lot tying me here.
who has time for that?
I want to do this, if i could do nothing else in this lifetime id take an adventure like this one over anything
Ahh, but you can. You can.
I would stop at the U.S-mexico border myself, I know a guy who attempted that several years ago when Mexico, Central and South America were a lot safer and more American friendly than they are now. He barely escaped with his life, there’s a lot of open roads with banditos out there and the federalis won’t waste any time looking for you if someone reports you missing because you also have to worry about them. Just my 2 cents but it’s sounds like fun, good luck. I’ll be checking out your trip from time to time.
The girlie man’s going up to the icy north! “What I don’t understand is how do eskimos build igloos with their paws”? (ignorant american girl) bahaha maybe you can let us all know how they do that. Wish I could be your Robin on this one Batman, maybe for christmas break I’ll travel with you for a few weeks! ps i’ve got a few travel tips for you:
1. central and south americans don’t like jeeps so its ok to leave your keys in at all times
2. take all the monies you own and keep them, along with your passport on the dash – but be sure to put them in a ziplock bag so they don’t get wet
3. what the hell is a condom???
if you need more tips, just let me know…
good luck ya bum, i’m jealous of all the street meat you’re gonna get to try
I see you’re making a detour for the Grand Canyon – well worth it!
Hey Jason – not necessarily the grand canyon. I’ve actually been there before. It’s just that I’ve done both the east and west coast entirely, so I want to go somewhere new, namely down the middle.
[...] just love it when we get these types of entries. Dan wrote in to tell us about his plan to drive a Jeep 50,000kms on the Pan American Highway from The Arctic Ocean in Northern Alaska …. Bloody hell, that’s a long drive. But how [...]
hey dan, just found your blog today. what an amazing adventure you have ahead of you!
best of luck, will keep up with this blog as to live vicariously through you, since i have no idea how to camp, and have never been :]
stay safe!
Rebecca, Thanks for the kind words – I have no idea how to camp either, I just do it anyway
Give it a go!
-Dan
Saw your thread on Jeepforum.com. I’ve wanted to drive out to Colorado from New Hampshire for so long. So far I’ve only taken the Jeep to Maine.
I take my dog with me usually I don’t know how you can go it alone. He keeps me company and it’s great to hike with a companion! Well Good luck and live it up for those who can’t! 
lol
Jessica, don´t say you can not, that is crazy talk!
If you want to, you can. That is the most important lesson I have learnt on this trip for sure!
I’m going to start reading your blog. I’m so happy i caught it quick enough that its still happening.
Like most i was brought here while reading “Into the Wild” and i’m not done with it yet but i am very moved by it so far. I’m setting out on my own cross country road trip in May from east cost to west and back again. I’m very inspired by your trek so far.
hahah! Who knows what i’ll end up doing after i finish this undergrad degree! but it seems anything is truly possible.
Reading “into the wild” and your blog are giving me crazy ideas
Julia, I’m really happy to hear I’m giving you crazy ideas! I just met a couple driving quite literally around the entire world in 2-3 years, and they’re giving me HUGE crazy ideas. haha!
Dan – do you have an email address? I’d love to get into contact with you concerning a few questions that I have. My friends and I, adventure-hungry college kids, are planning on taking a road trip from Massachusetts to Alaska next summer. We’d love to hear some advice! – Sarah