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!

Pimp my ride

side_shocks

Mike installs OME shocks
Mike installs OME shocks

To cope with the heavy load in the car as well as the difficult terrain in Africa and Central America, I knew I had to get some better suspension than the stock ones. I went wit Old Man Emu nitro charger shocks and heavy duty coil springs. This is some serious Australian equipment you need for a year of driving on rough roads. An Oregon company, metaltech4x4, import and sell OME shocks and springs in the U.S.
They shipped it to me and Mike from New BK Shop in Brooklyn took care of the installation. Count a grand for the complete setup.