Posted on by Nicolas

Sleeping up high

tent_steps In order to afford a year on the road, there was little choice but camping. I wish I could tell I have no problems with insects crawling in my shoes, and that whenever I catch a snake I’m just happy to have it for breakfast. But really, I can’t. This is why, after a bit of research, I discovered the way most over-landers in Africa camp. With a rooftop tent. Freedom to go anywhere, away from mud, pop-up in minutes are the great qualities of this kind of tent. It weights around 100 pounds, can accommodate three people, and includes a 3-inch mattress. With the cheapest models at around $850, I find these tents expensive, but there are no real alternatives.

Contact Fernando at CampingLab, he can hook you up with the cheapest models on the market.

tent_doneCan’t wait to have my first night in it, even so the weather is getting colder here, and I’m not looking forward to the first nights before reaching the South. I plan to leave before November 15, a little bit less than a month from now.

Donation

Thanks a bunch to John Balestrieri and his generous gift. He is now a proud sponsor of the expedition, and his gift was used to buy a in-board tire inflator. Thanks John, will miss the old day we worked on the elections together!

51 Replies to “Sleeping up high”

  1. Bonne chance pour ton tour du monde, c’est génial ! Mais c’est quoi les trucs rouge, des thermos de café ou des anti-missiles ?
    Marielle 😉

  2. salut Indiana Jones,
    Alors prochain achat recommandé : un chapô ? ou des tiags…
    C’est Marielle qui m’a dit, c’est génial ce big trippy… non ?
    Mais fais attention à toi quand même, par exemple, ne prends pas d’autostoppeurs,
    on ne sait jamais…
    Je vais suivre ça de près !
    Good luck
    Bises

  4. T’es en train de prendre du retard la…
    Je t’attend pour prendre un Mojito a Cartagena le week end du 19 Decembre. Ne sois pas en retard !

    1. Si tu crois que ca me fait plaisir d’etre a NY en train de voir l’hiver arriver. Mais ne t’inquietes pas, meme en retard, je descendrai des mojitos avant toi.

  5. Good Luck!!! This should be the best year of your life!! Even with all the implied perils involved…I know you will see the world in a different view after all is said and done…do you have some form of translation via device or publication…through my world travels I believe communication is the most required service needed to complete any task–mostly in an emergency!

    If I had the time to fulfill the rest of the pre-requirements — I would request to accompany you as an aide/companionship services!

    Eric Richardson

  7. why don’t you drive from Cambodia up through China, Russia, and across through Alaska? That to me is the most unique part of the world

    1. To Eric, please keep commenting and give more advises.
      To Coen, cant wait to meet with you.
      Nate, unfortunately China is not easy as you need a full time government approved guide.

  8. It’s really interesting blog. I hope to read updates till the end of your trip.
    There was one similar trip like this set in bicycle by a Nepalese guy. And by 2010, he is to climb Everest with all the countries’ flags he travelled during his 11 yrs of journey around the world.
    I really appreciate for such adventure. Wish you good luck 🙂

  9. Nick,

    Good luck to you! I look forward to reading more about your adventure throughout the year. My husband is being deployed overseas for the entire year of 2010 and This will give me something to look forward to reading about as the long year drags on! I wish I had the guts to do something like this:)

  10. Hi, we added a link of your trip in the Spanish version of IH8MUD…

    Venezuela:
    http://www.cruiserheads.com/foro/vb/showthread.php?t=13043

    Chile:
    http://www.twistedandes.com/foro/showthread.php?t=63151

    You will have more issues than expected at boarders crossing and shipping the car, takes way longer than expected… but fun 🙂

    Keep us posted, get an user ID and let us know what you need when you are there, even when you are looking for a safe place to camp…

    Those guys could help you with the translation of spare parts, and from where get them faster… you will not longer in the US, that normally after 48 hours, you could obtain anything you may need…

    from Panama to South America, choose Colombia as main port… less complicated than the Venezuelan one…

    Buen Viaje!!!
    Roberto L. Miranda

    1. Roberto,
      Thanks much, I have been using IH8MUD a lot and already have a user ID “nicolasrapp”. So much great advises, found there great info on dual battery setup, drawer system, roof tent, etc… Anyway, I will make sure to keep you guys updated.
      In fact, could you have a quick look at this map:
      Central and South America
      This is a rough road itinerary that i think may be interesting, but I would like to know what you think.
      Thanks!

  11. you need a wind cutter devise, roof tent and jerry cans don’t help with milleage…
    do a research of main spare parts that you may need…
    who have them? price? and makes notes of where you could get them, so you don’t need to bring them with you…if the spare parts are already there, plan accordingly…
    that planning helped a lot to the South African team at the Outback Challenge 2008…

  12. the map points looks great, we have people in almost main cities in South America… we can help you out!!!
    you are avoiding Venezuela and North of Brasil (jungle) so you will be OK…

  13. Hi,
    Yes I think this is great, that you are doing this, because its’ there the “world”. There will always be something “new” to be known or observed by man’s continued curiosity of this EARTH, and the stars and beyond. I have thought of doing something like this but? anyway I wish you a blessed
    adventure which WILL be a contribution to mankind. BUENA SUERTE!

  14. I look forward to reading about your trip over the next year, watching you do what I only dream of. Take and post plenty of pictures and tell us all the things you learn as you explore this amazing world of ours!

    Chuck

  15. Looking forward to meeting you on the first leg of your trip and seeing your setup first hand. Got that beer ready for you.

    Will you be geocaching your trip and updating it to Google Maps in your updates?

  16. Don’t know if it will be of help but I have a bluetooth GPS receiver I can give you, you will still need software though.

  17. Have a great trip. I have been doing some traveling since I lost my job last November. Money can’t buy what you are going to experience. I look forward to following you.

    Have a great time.

    Donna

  18. This is Awesome!!! Congrats to you for working on your bucket list!!! I will definatly be donating to your cause early Spring!!!! Please, be safe!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
    Marie from Wadsworth, OH

  19. One year of many nations, many cultures and adventures ……….New York life may never again be enough ! Take in every day to see the world through the people around you.
    You will come back a very rich man.

    Buen viaje !

    Diego

  20. Nick,

    Wishing you all the best in your trip. I will be watching your blog often. Only if I had the time and resources to go with! Should be exciting and educational. Bring back the rest of the world with you.

    Have fun and think positive!

    Johnny from Chicago,IL

  21. best of luck Nick!

    since a Fernando is already part of your adventure that will hopefully be the ‘lucky’ name that you’ll continue to run into during the Latin American portion of your journey.

    count on me for logistical support, a place to stay, or any help with resupplying or any other issues while you travel through Costa Rica.

    I did a mini version of your trip before and hosted two friends from Europe during their motorcycle journey from Tierra Del Fuego to Alaska on Honda motor bikes.

    you have my contact. if you need anything, especially while in Central America I’ll be happy to help.

    Fernando

  22. You need international license plates. There are some parts of the world you don’t want to be seen as having an American connection. Read Jim Rogers “Adventure Capitalist” for the story of his trip.

  23. I hate to break it to you, but this has already been done. Pick up “Who Needs a Road: The story of the longest and last motor journey around the world” by Harold Stephens and Albert Podell published in 1967 and 1999.

  25. Does your car have a snorkel – very useful when crossing rivers when the roads have washed out…. commonly used in Africa.
    Will be watching your travels!
    Sally – Portland Oregon

  26. I found your story on an internet news feed. You are doing exactly what I always dream I would do. I’ll follow your trip and maybe one day, I’ll do it myself. You are an inspiration!

  28. Hi Nick,

    Your adventure caught my eye today. Congrats for having the the guts to go after something that you are passionate about. I wish you the best of luck here from Michigan. Let us know if you are coming through Genesee county. I will follow your blog all year long. Be sure to take lots of pictures. I will live this journey vicarously through you 🙂

    Stay safe,
    Robin

  29. Nick, I am in South America right now having driven down in May and June of this year from Texas. I am headed to Ushuaia for New Year´s. Let´s talk.

  31. GOOD LUCK NICK !!!
    Since I am a mom…..remember to eat !!! Stay safe..take enough clean underwear and don’t drink too much beer.But have a couple for me in Europe.Remember my girls and I are watching and post alot of pics if you can.Will try to contribute to the cause when we can.
    Dana in Iowa

  32. Bonne chance!

    I have two overland travel stories to tell; both from Afganistan in the 1960’s.

    1. An American family (2nd oldest child a classmate of mine) of 6 kids and two adults crossing Afganistan in a long wheelbase Land Rover drive the desert all day on paved road. The are amazed that they see almost no one: no other vehicles, few people, some camels. As dusk approaches, they pull off the road and begin to set up their tent, get ready to cook a meal. But as they do so, people appear, apparently out of nowhere, there’s no towns nearby. As each member of the family works, items disappear: first a flashlight (torch), then a tent stake hammer. Quickly the family realizes that anything they set down will “walk”. It gets so intolerable, that they throw everything back into the Land Rover and drive off in search of a town and a place where they can camp without their stuff being pilfered.

    2. My sister, driving through the Khyber Pass with friends in a VW van come across a middle-aged Australian couple in a VW bug (this around 1966). The couple beg for petrol, as they are out. My sister points to the large — at least 30 litres, white translucent, plastic tank full of yellowish-brown liquid mounted on the roof and asks, “Isn’t that petrol?” “Oh, no,” goes the reply, “that’s tea!”

  33. I live in Seattle and came upon this article,,, WOW,,,,, I am so impressed and I am looking forward to reading for the next year your adventures,, as my motto in life LIVE LIFE TO IT’S FULLEST,,,,, and you my friend will be doing this!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK from SEATTLE

  35. Hola Nicholas!!

    I am so excited for you! I think you will need about 5 years to do the trip.
    But what a plan! And your blog is great! I am sure that you will have your
    share of challenges however if you keep your goal in mind and have the patience
    ( especially at some of the borders ) you will meet with GREAT SUCCESS!

    HAPPY TRAILS!!!

    Respect,

    Robert

  36. Hi Nick, I am incredibly excited for you and offer my support and prayers. I have friends in Karachi pakistan, Family in Lahore pakistan, In both those places I can offer you a safe place to park the jeep (please do NOT park in un corwded places), a shower, a bed (possibly) and a host who can answer questions. I can give you contact numbers.

    If you were going to Islamabad, I offer you a spot on my drive way, warm shower, a bedroom and ofcourse food and advise.

    I live in toronto Canada. Contact me for ANY pakistan specific advise.

    Happy travels.

    Imran

  39. Hey,
    Great preparations! I especially like the tent.
    In 1964, I did a shorter version of your trip (from Dakar, throughout West Africa, across N. Africa, across Europe) in about a year. This was after having spent 2 years in the Peace Corps in Senegal. My mode of transport was an Ariel motorcycle I had set up with all sorts of custom racks, etc. You are obviously smarter and better prepared than I was.
    You will find that all people everywhere are willing to help you and will be on “your side”. You will, as I do 45 years later, forever remember and relive your day-to-day experiences of this trip.
    Have a woderful time, and i’m looking forward to following your blog.
    Mike

  40. Good luck to you. Maybe one thing you will learn along the way is how much you are missing out on by creating this safe and insulated world for yourself to travel within. Isn’t the point of travel to have adventures, and meet new people, to test your ability to survive? Seems like you are going out of your way to AVOID all that. Well, to each his own. Have a nice, safe journey.

  42. Hi Nicolas,

    Will be looking forward to your updates on your adventures!!! Good luck, oh will you be carrying a laptop? or will you need to make stops for access to computers at cafe shops ?……. GO FOR IT!! your are an inspiration!!

  43. Pingback: Trans World Expedition

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