- Home
- About Nick
- Maps
- People helping the expedition
- Expenses breakdown
- Truck and equipment (Sept. 16)
THE ROUTE
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Night at the haunted campground
So finally, even if not completely ready, it was time to go. I have to pass the Mexican border before the end of the month, and have to stop in few places, including Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas and Houston. So I left on November 14 at 10:30 in the morning after piling way too much things in the truck.Pix 177 leffertsI said good-bye to the guys of my block, including Jay, my Brooklyn landlord (on the right), and Smash from Global Block (Yellow jacket) who may meet me somewhere in Central America where he is traveling regularly to host hip-hop events.Nadia, the woman in the middle, is an old friend from childhood, and decided few days ago to come with me across South America, until she runs out of money.Pix BKI also stopped at the BK mechanic shop to say goodbye to Mike and Singh, two guys who helped me a lot with the few vehicles I owned in Brooklyn, including a vintage Mercedes 280SL I had to sell to finance the trip.Pix BridgeThen, along with my new passenger, we passed the Manhattan Bridge, went across Chinatown, and took the tunnel to New Jersey.Pix NJAfter crossing Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, we arrived in Virginia, and as the night was already here, after grabbing something quick to eat, we tried to find a campground. Difficult goal, it turned out, as it is kind of late in the season. As the night went darker, few miles outside of Front Royal, we found a mysterious place populated only by remains of broken cars. We went to the office, but nobody was there, and a glance by the window revealed an incredible mess. As a thick fog came down on us, we agreed we had to stay here, even so we could not decide if the place was open for business or not. We opened the tent, and the light was off by 9 p.m.Pix tentSo finally, even if not completely ready, it was time to go. I have to pass the Mexican border before the end of the month, and have to stop in few places, including Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas and Houston. So I left on November 14 at 10:30 in the morning after piling way too much things in the truck.
The crew from Lefferts place wishes good luck to the expedition
I said good-bye to the guys of my block, including Jay, my Brooklyn landlord (on the right), and Smash from Global Block (Yellow jacket) who may meet me somewhere in Central America where he is traveling regularly to host hip-hop events.
Nadia, the woman in the middle, is an old friend from childhood, and decided few days ago to come with me across South America, until she runs out of money.
Mike and Singh say good-bye after checking the car one last time
I also stopped at the BK mechanic shop to say goodbye to Mike and Singh, two guys who helped me a lot with the few vehicles I owned in Brooklyn, including a vintage Mercedes 280SL I had to sell to finance the trip.
Crossing the Manhattan Bridge
Then, along with my new passenger, we passed the Manhattan Bridge, went across Chinatown, and took the tunnel to New Jersey.
Entering New Jersey
Pennsylvania
After crossing Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, we arrived in Virginia, and as the night was already here, after grabbing something quick to eat, we tried to find a campground. Difficult goal, it turned out, as it is kind of late in the season. As the night went darker, few miles outside of Front Royal, we found a mysterious place populated only by remains of broken cars. We went to the office, but nobody was there, and a glance by the window revealed an incredible mess. As a thick fog came down on us, we agreed we had to stay here, even so we could not decide if the place was open for business or not. We opened the tent, and the light was off by 9 p.m.
The haunted campground
25 Responses to “Night at the haunted campground”
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Grandma Joy November 15th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Looking forward to the next 364 days of following your adventures. Good for you Nadia.
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JoeInAtlanta November 15th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Congratulations on getting started. I love the pictures and descriptions. I sure hope you can keep that coming.
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Great to see you off! The best of luck….we will be following your efforts!
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Now you are talking. Liked the classy place you chose to spend the night. Keep it rolling.
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Am sure you must be really excited to finally take off, Wish you good luck! Can’t wait to read your stories from all over!
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Congratulations for starting your trip. I read about you and your adventures a few weeks ago in the Seattle paper. I will be living vicariously through you for the next year and look forward to all your updates.
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Brad Ewing November 15th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Great stuff….will enjoy following your trip!
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Kim Barton November 15th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I would love to hear more about the haunted campground! The picture looks so CREEPY! I am so glad to see the photos you posted. How real does it seem for you so far? An extremely long ROADTRIP! I wish there was some kind of tracker to see your progress… Kinda feels like where’s Waldo! Happy Roadtripping! Kim from MD
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Artem Frolov November 16th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Interesting things started to happen, and you did not even leave U.S.! Good luck! 🙂
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That campground is a bit spooky. Love the rooftop tent though! Is it comfy?
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You’re finally on your way! Having company for the first part of the trip will be a great way to start off. What’s the reason for getting to the border by the end of the month?
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Good luck Nicolas, I will definitley follow your amazing journey. Please keep up your blog as much as you can.
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chtrich November 16th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Good luck! Keep the updates coming.
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I’m sure I’m just reading into things, but Nadia’s body language in the photo does not flatter you.
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When will you be in Houston? If you would like you are welcome to stay at my house! I can’t donate for gas b/c money’s tight but I can offer a couch/shower/food.
I am loving your blog so far! Why was the campground haunted? Was it just creepy?
It’s really great that you are blogging along your journey. It gives those of us who are unable to do something like that the chance to live vicariously through you! So please, if I can help, let me know!
-Emily
Houston, Tx -
I will be following your trip and pray over your safety my friends good to see you have company now to make the adventure for fun 4 sure. Remember Fear nothing, putting on the Full amor of God. Take Care
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Alex Robinson November 16th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
i have told all of my family about your incredible trip and they are as intrested as i am to keep up with you through your blogs. i will be doing my best to read up and see your progress especially through the many hostile locations you will be encountering.
best of luck to you.
-Alex
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Travis M Buysse November 16th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
You are a brave man, I hope your trip runs seamlessly. I would also like to take an adventure like this someday, I think many of us would. I love that wet sleeping bag, my back kind of hurts but I have my flannel and my favorite cup of coffee feeling you get when you wake up from a short night of camping sleep. Be safe and I look forward to your trip updates.
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Best of luck. I am looking forward to hearing of your adventures I think it is amazing what you are doing. Keep the pics coming too. Cheers!
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nauvlet November 17th, 2009 at 12:36 am
I am feeling like a mom! When I first read your story, my first thought was wow you are doing this trip alone but i was happy to find out that you have a friend with you. Keep the posts coming i am looking forward my trip 🙂 around the world. Safe travels.
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Ray Manalo November 17th, 2009 at 1:18 am
Hi Nick,
It is going to be an awesome adventure I will keep up with you on your journey . I too used to own a Land Cruiser like yours and the same color. When I read the article here in Seattle times I was just amazed on what kinds of things you will encounter because some of the places that you will be stopping I too have been there. By the way the truck you are driving will definitely be put to the test , because the LC NEVER BROKE DOWN ON ME. I owned my LC for 4 years and I punished it and put it to the test from cold to extreme heat and it just keeps on driving. Just keep it maintain from all of the vital fluids and IT WILL TAKE YOU BACK TO NEW YORK.But when you get back here in the state on the west coast stop by here in Seattle and you guys can stop by for a good meal , shower , and take a day off if you like. Again god bless and play it safe. Ray Manalo
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[…] he had planned, Nicolas Rapp set out on his trans world expedition on November 14th at 10:30am. After two days of traveling and following the Appalachain Trail for more than a hundred miles, he […]
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Haydee G. November 17th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Hi Nick,
I came across your story on msn and I was hooked. I love to travel and this adventure you are taking is a dream of mine, but for know I plan to take baby steps by traveling a little locally. I was born and raised in L.A. but my parents are from Peru, so I’ve been there many times. I have a cousin that lives in N.Y. and we have traveled a lot together up until 6 yrs ago when my son was born. That slowed down my traveling days but know that he is old enough to carry his own backpack I am planning on taking him on a couple of trips, including Peru next year. I look forward to seeing your pictures and reading your blog. Good luck and be safe out there.
Sincerely,
Haydee -
jeff mignon November 18th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Good luck my friend. Sorry for not being able to come seeing you. We will be following you… and put some gas in the tank. We’re going to miss you man! The Mignon.
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I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?
