We woke up at 4 a.m. on Monday to make sure we would be on location when the shop where I was schedule to get additional off-road equipment would open.
At 10, after crossing central Texas in the fog, we arrived at Wimberley Four Wheels Drive, close to New Braunfels, in the northeast of San Antonio. Jim jackson, the who represents ARB in the U.S. called me after reading my story in the newspaper. He offered to help with some equipment he thinks I will need.
At 1 p.m., the staff down there was done fitting a snorkel on the truck, and after pilling up some recovery tools in the back, we were heading to San Antonio.
It is now way warmer, for which I am grateful, since I still remember the first cold nights. In San Antonio, we parked and spent some time in the city, which seems to be more pedestrian friendly than Houston. We took the riverside walk, probably the city most famous tourist attraction.
I still had few things to do on the Toyota (I know, by now you guys are tired of the mechanical things), and we were on our way to meet with some new friends who from San Antonio and Austin who sent me an email few days ago after reading about my trip.
After trying some Texan red wine, Brant took us for dinner with his mother Audrey and his friend Will. We had Tex-Mex for the last time before passing the border.
Then, we welcomed warmly few drinks in a local sports bar.
We plan to get some paperwork done tomorrow, and arrive in Mexico in the afternoon. In the next few days, we will continue to get ready for the more serious part of the expedition, but I swear, after that, you will get great pictures of more exotic places.
Other countries will have hard time matching the hospitality of the families we met since we left New York. Already, I feel this trip will be so great, because of all the people I will meet. Stuck behind my computer, I probably met as many people in the last year than in the last week.
travel boy what do you need a snorkel for? You plan on driving across the ocean. Boy you better tough up, grow a beard before going into Mexico. You got to be mean and tough in Mex & South America. Also keep eye on your lady friend, she may run off with a Mexican. Becareful and good luck. Joe bama
Is there a map that pinpoints your location as you make progress or tracks your journey?
Sounds the car has been beefed-up. The power of connections made through Internet.
I’ve seen you guys changing as the trip gies on. And adapting to all people following you on the net, family, old friends (young at heart like me) and new friends. Have fun and be safe.
Oh, no, Nick! I actually love the mechanical updates. I am curious to see how this 13yo vehicle with 100,000 miles on it makes it around the world.
Now that you are soon leaving the US behind, your real adventures can begin. I am looking forward to every “banal” and graphic update.
Enjoy Mexico!
Nick,
Please quit apologizing to the naysayers. This is your trip and you’ve got to be your own person in every aspect of same. How you report it and what you have to say and show is “You” and that’s what the people out here watching, listening and following you want to see. This is your baby… don’t let some pot shot artist sway you in any way! So far you’re batting 1.000!
I’m following you on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4i8E6WMtKs
Cheers,
Harvey
Don’t mind reading about your Toyota’s mechanical challenges Nick….as she will be an extension of self for a long time. Oh yes, seems like Nadia has recovered nicely. Great.
Nicolas, I am kind of worried about car’s condition. There are places ahead where you will not be able to fix it that easily :-/
Great job on the blog! Thanks for keeping us all updated like this, it sounds like you are starting an amazing journey.
-JJ
Postcard Films
looks and sounds awesome
world boy, Joe here from bama, good morning, once again grow a breard and get rid of the Burt Reynolds/ 70’s porn mustache. because the mexicans will want you to star in one of their porn movies and i have only one word to say Donkey. Also on the toyota with 100,000 miles that ok, it is just broke in good. It should do great. Remember no donkey shows, tey can be kinda sick. be safe Joe
You’re driving yourself by car as opposed to flying. To me the Toyota is an integral part of the entire story. Please continue to write about it.
As one travel blogger to another, don’t feel compelled to write or capture what you think people want to see. All aspects of the trip, from the exotic to the “mundane”, are what make the trip great. Document and blog the trip the way you want.
“Stuck behind my computer, I probably met as many people in the last year than in the last week.”
This more than anything is why I would take on such an expedition. Be prepared to have your life changed by the people you meet and the places you see. I’m glad to see you moving along so well. Keep it up!
Congratulations on your adventures to come. It’s an awesome excursion. Best of luck to you. You’ve got a place in South Dakota to stay when you pass through.
Enjoy the world..
To bad that there always seems to at least one jerk on every message board. Looks like Joe bama the troll on this board.
Good luck, Nicolaus. We look forward to hearing every detail of your trip.
I think it is great what you are doing and NO we are not tired of hearing about all of the mechanical repairs and new parts. The mechanicals are a huge part of this journey so keep us informed.
Also, snorkels are really only for diesel engines. If water levels get higher than the top of a gas engine then all of the electronics (distributor, spark plugs etc.) will shut your rig down.
In the summer of 2010 I plan on driving from the arctic circle in Alaska all the way down to Patagonia in my 1995 Land Rover Discovery Tdi. The trip has been years in planning. I’m glad to see your commitment to the experience.
TA