More About Overland Expo

Just to loop back a bit, the Expo was both more and less than I expected. The less part was the organization. The event attracted many more people than expected, and so services were almost overwhelmed. When the Sanikans run out of TP, an error has occurred.  

None the less, the programs were even more than I expected, and I learned a lot about this type of travel. By way of example, the seminar (1 hour, I wish it had been more) on medical issues in overland travel was a bonanza. Great experts we're on the panel, from ER docs to Wilderness EMTs and First Responders to people who ran companies providing worldwide medical services to governments and industry. Most frequent wilderness illness/injury? Giardiasis, followed by sprain, followed by cuts. Most overlooked item in wilderness first aid kit: an anti-emetic (you can survive severe emesis or diarrhea, but not both at the same time). Single most important element for wilderness survival of medical emergency is training. The two day First Responder course is a great introduction. Of course there was a great deal more, and it was all fascinating.

 

Another great talk was by a couple who have travelled Africa and the Americas. They explained in simple terms how to make appropriate choices for trip planning, destination planning, and enjoyment of the adventure. In simplest terms, as anxiety increases, pleasure and joy decrease. I have found that to be true, but also have found that after the fear and anxiety abate, then you can feel good about what you have accomplished. Of course, it sometimes takes a bit for the fear to abate. . .

 

Chris Scott, who adventures in and writes about Africa and overland travel in general, took the planning concept to another level, with a complex but complete flow chart of the planning process, from destination to departure. I attended several seminars where he presented and he is a very knowledgable guy. One great idea he has is that of the disposable vehicle. Something like an old diesel Mercedes sedan or station wagon can get you most places in the world, without the expense of a truck/land rover/motorcycle that has been customized for such travel. Heck, I could have purchased two or three for what I have in this motorcycle!

 

Anyway, I have discovered many new ways to approach this over landing, and I look forward to some more trips next year. Or even this summer in Alaska.

 

But some pictures. Here is the "camp" Eric and I set up. It is In a parking area for stock trailers, across from a pasture. The nearest Sanikan is several hundred yards away. What kind of planning is that? Lines started forming at 6:00 a.m.

This is a modest sized custom overland vehicle.

Overland Gourmet and Bundu Gear hosted a gourmet meal for 15 winners and guests. Both Eric and I were winners, and I will post the meal pictures separately.

 

These trailers with tents on top and slide out kitchens were everywhere. The small trailer, I'm told, can be pulled by an Outback.

 

Tiffany Coates and her bike Thelma. Ms. Coates rides the world solo, except when she takes along one of her mother's friends. She gave an excellent lecture on traveling in Central Asia, and was on a panel discussing Borders, Ceckpoints and Bribes. She was rather proud of not ever paying a bribe, and the recounted how she paid one. She is hilarious, as you can imagine.