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ABOUT THIS BLOG

In the summer of 2009, Nicolas Rapp decided to take a break from his Art Director job at The Associated Press to attempt a one-year overland travel around the world in a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. He was back in New York in February 2011 after traveling 15 months and 37,000 miles.

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  • Mountain 1 – Trans World 0

    Posted on December 13th, 2009 Nicolas No comments
    river_crossing

    Crossing river in the mountain

    Friends,
    I wish I would write today to speak about the marvelous Copan Ruinas we visited few days ago when we entered Honduras, and I will go back to the few past days in later posts, but unfortunately, the reason for the long time spent without posting is because we were stuck in the mountains after a series of unfortunate events let us in a difficult situation.

    After crossing the Honduras border and visiting Copan, we took the direction of the Caribbean coast to take some rest and enjoy the beach.

    Our map was showing that it was possible to cross through the mountains, via a small village called Tomala. It was confirmed to us that it was indeed possible, but difficult. Well, to make a long story short, the road didn’t exist after Tomala. When we arrived there, it was night, and had no choice but sleep there.

    Honduras mountain

    Honduras mountain

    We left the village before 6 in the morning, and after hours of drive through really difficult roads, our steering gear broke, forcing us into the pit on the side of the road, damaging several other elements of the car. Eventually, it turned out that the faulty part was not an original part.

    From there, everything was really difficult, and we are still trying to get the car back on road and working correctly. As soon as it will be done, I will update you on everything, including all the great things we saw here, in Honduras.

    Stuck in the mountain

    Stuck in the mountain

    We are OK, and need you guys to cross your fingers for us. It is very difficult to get straight answers on the things that seem to be damaged, but the transmission took a blow, as well as the suspension and steering elements. Our first worry right now is the financial aspect of the incident.

    But don’t worry, nothing can stop the expedition, and I will go on all round. Word.


25 Responses to “Mountain 1 – Trans World 0”

  1. I am following you as you travel and am enjoying your blogs. It appears that you are experiencing some unfortunate problems so early in your trip. I hope repairs can be done quickly with minimal expense.

  2. I hope Toyota sees this and helps you out…or better yet, decides to sponsors your trip and gives you a brand new tricked out Land Rover.

    Think of the great publicity Toyota! Cost effective marketing and a great human interest story…

    Nicolas, you’re welcome.

  3. Crossing fingers for you and hoping you will still be able to make it on time for our Christmas party on the beach…
    Are you getting all the support you need down there? I have a good friend from Honduras in France I could connect you with if you think this may help…
    Keep us posted!
    xx.
    Gwenaelle

  4. yeah, you really should have gotten a sponser 🙂
    This is so sad to see that you already have problems with your car so early .
    I hope you will fix it soon and keep updating us ;D

  5. I’ve got my fingers crossed for a speedy repair of your land cruiser. By the way, I just finished your recommendation of “who needs a road”, great book!!!, very inspiring. Best of luck to you on your trip, I love keeping up with your blog.

  6. Nick, Please do the offroading community a favor and take those pathetic soccer mom running boards off of your FJ80.

    And Brian from nodebtworldtravel.com, I seriously doubt that Toyota would support one of their largest 4×4 competitors and buy a Nick a new Land Rover.

    Nick, good luck

  7. Oh no!! I have been wondering why there were so many days between posts and hoping that nothing had gone wrong. Prayers for a speedy resolution to your problems!

  8. I’m glad you posted & hope evrything will be fine
    Hi to Nad’
    Will send an e-mail to my friends
    Helene

  9. Don’t forget to specify the parts you may need in case someone may be able to help in any way.
    We’re keeping our fingers crossed for you.

  10. Crossing our fingers for you and hoping you will still be able to make it on time for our Christmas party on the beach…
    Are you getting all the assistance you need down there? I have a good friend from Honduras in France I can connect you with if you think this may help…
    Keep us posted!
    xx.
    Gwenaelle

  11. Hey Nick,
    Just wanted to send a word of encouragement. It might be odd but its been great to get away from the daily grind and join your trip for a bit though your blog. It really is inspirational.

    Good luck moving forward

    brett

  12. I have access to any parts you need. So if you cant find it, let me know. I can get anything you need shipped out within 24 hours. Best of luck!

  13. Oh boy! I had a feeling somenthing bad was going on. Thank God you guys are OK. After all, problems are part of a great adventure. Hopefully you will get the truck fixed and contunue on with your trip.

  14. Man sorry to hear my Friends I will be sending prayers. Had a filling about it due to no post in a while.

  15. Fingers crossed!

    -Mike

  16. Now the heating problem is the least of your worries. Good to hear that you didn’t jump off a cliff and was steering into a ditch. Always ‘try’ to see the positive side in it. You will meet great people trying to solve this ‘little’ problem. Remember, nothing is impossible. All those parts you mention can be fixed by a local parts shop with knowledge. All it takes is some time. Are you willing to ‘invest’ some time, then all will be well.
    Take care, we are thinking about you and our brother Cruiser.

  17. Nick,

    You scared the bejesus out of us all. Get that thing fixed and get back on the road! How’s your copilot holding up? Will she run out of money or faith first?

    Cheers,
    Harvey

  18. you guys are a disgrace to the overland community. please just sell the truck and go home.

  19. Hang in there man. Car problems always suck even if your in a big city, I cant imagine a small town in Central America. I just pray that those ppl working on the car are honest. Glad everyone is ok… this will all make for even better stories (when) you write a book about this.

  20. I have you in my prayers. I am from Honduras and feel bad that you car got messed up there.

    It is a beautiful country.

    Good Luck and look forward to reading more of your posts.

    God Bless,
    Jovana

  21. If it was easy, anyone could do it. This is where you prove your tenacity.

  22. I told you to do it like Jesus would do: by foot. But you didn’t want to carry your backpack. Now you gotta deal with mundane problems, instead of dealing with real challenges, such as starvation, cold or the risk of being kidnapped. There’s only one solution: Sell what’s left of that junk and follow the divine call: Go by foot.

  23. Will be praying for your safety and fast, cheap repairs. Texas Hugs !!!!!

  24. I’m sorry you’re having problems with the car. Hoping for speedy answers and repairs and that you’ll be back on the road in no time.

  25. Sure hope all those repairs don’t bust your budget of $4,000!! But you are somewhere that labor should be a little less expensive. Hopefully no one will rape you on the charges for parts. You jixned yourself by saying “hopefully I won’t need repairs every week”.

    Oh my! where do you all sleep now. Guess you have to get in your budget for somewhere to stay. 🙁

    Lookn forward to you get back on the road.

    Marti