Ruined Adventures

11/05/2021

Are you happier? We get asked this a lot and my first reaction is, "YES!" but when I dig a little deeper I think there is more to it and saying I’m happier might do a disservice to everyone who is dreaming of making a big life change, one that they think will make them “more happy”. We as huma...

07/16/2019

Best $25 I’ve ever spent for the 4Runner. Complete electrical factory service manual for 1987 Toyotas. Sometimes the general FSM just doesn’t have what you need and I’ve been wearing this thing out lately while trying to get this old turd to pass the safety inspection.
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Complete rehab on the faulty horn circuit. It finally works again and sounds great thanks to a new clock spring, clean/shiny grounds and contacts, a little re-wiring and some new heat-shrink and soldered connectors. Spent an extra $15 on a HI/LO dual-horn upgrade . She no longer sounds like the RoadRunner being chased by Wile E. Coyote.
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Disassembled the combination headlight/turn switch assembly, cleaned all contacts and added some dielectric grease for hopefully another 30+ more years of service. My brights finally work again!
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Now to do something about the cracked exhaust manifold and the Bolivian muffler/tailpipe job that is rotting away (tailpipe fell off on the road).
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If anyone needs a photo of any electrical diagrams for an ‘87, DM me and I’ll get you what you need

12/21/2018

Cheers to this little man who recently celebrated his first journey around the sun. It’s not always easy being a winter baby, but he’s been taking it well. We’re lucky to have some great friends and family who have been here to help us celebrate and feel the love. Thanks to Toby and for the epic day at Fun Depot and Shannon’s family for all the recent funtivities. This little guy had a blast taking the Polar Express even if he had no clue what was happening. While Emmeline is still trying to decide on a daily basis whether she likes me or not, at least I can still get this little dude to crack a smile. Thank you Charlie and Emmeline for all the joy you bring to our lives. Hopefully we can make your next year even better than the last. @ Western NC Mountains

12/03/2018

Last photo dump of Baja. This old F-series camper combo reminded me of my first adventuremobile. That setup got me into loads of mischief in the deserts of SE Washington. @ Baja California, Mexico

12/03/2018

Another photo dump from Baja. @ Baja California, Mexico

12/03/2018

Couldn’t sleep last night so I watched Dust to Glory again...made me miss Baja in all it’s glory. Also really made me miss daily-ing the 4Runner. I need to give it a little TLC🔧 so we can play in the snow soon. Watching all the Trophy Trucks go fast made me drool over some Long Travel kits too.

11/12/2018

Was really nice having a few of our friends in town this weekend (mostly in one spot at the same time). Emmeline and I really enjoyed playing in the mud and Charlie was having fun making truck sounds. .e.cooper was a saint for putting up with me and I was once again reminded how much of a badass woman she is.

One of my only photos, here’s a shot of the epic Camel Trophy LR our friend and his wife Michele drove around the world (before internet & social media). Before that it was a Support Unit for Camel Trophy ‘93 in Malaysia. Pete has been kind enough once again to let us be role-players for his Interactive Border & Checkpoint Simulation, which is always a blast.

Thanks to & Toby for being our buds thru all the shenanigans. (congrats on you know what!) it was great to catch up and as always there’s never enough time. Great to finally get to know the clan .pawley . Buen viaje to new friends .the.van and countless other new friends I can’t find on the gram. Strong work and for once again bringing the fun to us. Y’all come back soon! We’ll try and get our act together in regards to the weather 🤪 Hopefully the prima-donnas didn’t cry too much about the mud & weather we had to offer. Hopefully the fall colors and good people made up for it.

02/01/2018

We figured it would only be fair to create our own MEME with a message that we can actually get behind.

10/30/2017

Further proof that your attitude dictates 99% of the experiences you have while traveling.

Dan from The Road Chose Me does an excellent job of modeling the proper attitude to have while traveling and how to behave when an official is asking for a gift or bribe.

NIGERIA BRIBERY. Many people are worried.
Here, on hidden camera, I show what it is really like to drive across Nigeria in a fancy Jeep. Grab some popcorn and see the reality!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RTlDa2cg0o

10/05/2017

Check out this seriously cool project that highlights the badass women who dare to be different against all advice.

We personally can't wait to have this book on our coffee table to inspire our fearless daughter to kick ass and take names.

Inspiration, Photography and Life-Lessons from Women Overlanding the World. | Crowdfunding is a democratic way to support the fundraising needs of your community. Make a contribution today!

09/05/2017

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4 days ago, GQ published a piece on climbing and couture clothing. In it, they have a feature of famous