The special gift.
A child's heart is the last great place of innocence and purity.
I decided, last minute, to try and get a vendor's booth at Cajun Fest - here in Wichita Falls. This event is a Louisiana style festival with cuisine and day long Cajun music. Having lived in Louisiana for much of my life, I must say that Downtown Proud, the event promoters, do a great job of bringing a true Louisiana experience to North West Texas.
Cynthia and Kelly, from Downtown Proud, were gracious enough to provide me with a 20x20 booth space large enough for me to setup my Outlander Trailer and Jeep for all to see. The festival is small having only 12 vendors and only moderate foot traffic. But it provides a change in pace from what a typical north west Texas town might consider routine. There are also different, fun things for kids to do as well as a car and motorcycle show.
Boiled crawfish, fried catfish and alligator, and of course jambalaya and etouffee (prepared by my new friends) was plentiful lending a painful reminder to what I miss most about Louisiana.
My primary goal in attending the event was actually two fold. One, the ever present fund raising for EA and the ALD Foundation and second was to introduce EA to my local community with the latter being most important at this junction. The first, I despise, the latter, I am growing comfortable with. Anyone that knows me, will tell you that I hate to ask for anything.... and making the number one spot on that list is money. It just turns my stomach. I have had to swallow my pride in this respect and am still learning how to do this.
I am asked everywhere I go here in "the Falls", when people see my Jeep, what Expedition Awareness is about. I have our logo on the side of my jeep in a large vinyl vehicle style wrap. I want people to ask. That is the point! Flashy, maybe. But with an awareness core mission, flashy gets attention and I want to stand out. I need to stand out!
I was setup by 10am with time to spare before the event opened to the general public. The mood was already light and -- ohhh, there is that lovely aroma of boiled crawfish again... The day shaping up to be absolutely beautiful in the low 70's and uncharacteristically light winds.
By 2 o'clock my booth had already attracted a lot of attention and a few people were making donations for t-shirts and hats. The rest of the day progressed much the same. A steady pace of interested individuals brimming with curiosity.
Wichita Falls received EA with open arms and by the end of the day, I had lost my voice from sharing my story time and again. A decent measure of how successful an awareness campaign is, I now know, is how in tact my voice is at the end of the day.
Can you spare a few more moments while I share a couple of experiences with you?
At one point an elderly couple approached my booth with curious eyes. As is the case it seems much of the time, they assumed I had a shop that either built Jeeps for off roading or sold trailers for the same reason. An overland trailer with big mud tires and a tent pitched on top of it attracts a great deal of attention. Excellent. They soon learned that my purpose was much different.
Once I completed my now well rehearsed explanation that is Expedition Awareness, the elderly woman asked me if I was taking donations for my cause. I told her that I was. "Yes mam. A $15 donation gets you a t-shirt and for $10 I will give you one of these hats." They declined the goods and she handed me a couple well worn, folded bills. I did not count the money only cupping it my hand as I thanked them for contributing to my cause. She flashed a weary smile that I took to mean she wished it could be more.
When the nice couple left, I walked over to the old wooden recipe box I kept in my Jeep to hold money from the days transactions. I counted out two, wrinkled one dollar bills.
These were obviously not people of means and I very nearly teared up knowing they gave what they could. This is an example of giving.
Here was two individuals that not only gave me their undivided attention as I shared my story with them, but they gave me the very thing that I am sure must have been hard to come by. Two single bills that looked as though had been carried around for a while.
A young man and his friends walked over to my Jeep. They performed the cursory walk around inspection with wide eyes and even wider smiles. I saw a little bit of myself in one of those young men. Next comes the trailer. This is the normal routine. I fielded a few of the typical questions like, "Do you take that Jeep off road?" and "How much does that trailer cost?" After answering the questions they then asked me what Expedition Awareness was.
After giving them the same answer with attention to detail that I would anyone that asked me about EA one boy spoke up.
"And your kid has this disease?"
"Yes", I replied.
"Is he ok?" another boy asked.
"Yes, he is not showing any symptoms right now and the earliest recorded case of a child becoming symptomatic is around three years old. My son is seven months old and I am working within a small window of opportunity to make a difference."
He smiled, happy that Brooks was ok and reached into his pocket and counted out his 6 $1 bills then handed them to me.
I have no doubt this was his allowance to buy candy, ride the trampoline-jump thing, or purchase those snap-pop wads of paper kids like to throw at your feet yielding a small report. But he gave me, a stranger to him, those 6 dollar bills because he wanted to make a difference. I gave him a hat which he promptly sized down to fit his shaggy head.
Later a fella walked over with his girlfriend in tow. He must have been about 25 or so. He was very interested in the Outlander trailer I setup. Sometimes I feel like a sales rep for Outlander. And this I don't mind as I purposely keep a stack of Robert's cards with me and have already handed out - since I picked up the loaner trailer, at least fifty.
Once we were done with the trailer, he asked me about EA. Once I explained everything, this man, full of youth and with his life's puzzle pieces finding their way into place had to turn his head to hide his tears. Probably not from me, but his girlfriend. Now this is not my goal. I am not looking to stir this kind of emotion. In fact, I am careful to share a message of hope because I BELIEVE in hope and BELIEVE my son will be ok. I really do.
He donated $30 for two t-shirts for him and his girlfriend. But what is really astounding is that after he left, he came back with his friends and family who also donated to my project. Some even rejecting the free hat or shirt.
And this was to be the way of things. Word began to spread throughout the those attending the event and more would come by. It spread like wildfire. No sooner than I had finished speaking with one group that another would walk up.
"I heard you have a good cause. Can you tell me about it?"
"I was told I needed to come by and donate some money to help your project along. Do you mind telling about Adreno...leek..o..?"
"Of course, Adrenoleukodystrophy, and this disease....." I would explain to them.
It was as if I had my own shiny zeppelin flying high above, dropping leaflets into the crowd spreading my message before I had a chance to.
At one point another man in his twenties stopped by because he had heard of my project from someone else. He told me straight away that I was an inspiration to him before I could even tell him what I was doing. Though he "liked" my Jeep and trailer he was not interested in them. He gave me $10 and said he would be back.
And you know what, soon thereafter, he was with his friends marching along side of him who in turn had friends of their own. They donated money for shirts or hats or both often not wanting change.
It was social networking in the flesh.
I met all kinds from all walks of life at Wichita Falls' Cajun Fest and the majority that approached my booth either donated to my project or intently listened as I explained the details promising to follow along with our progress on my website and telling their friends. I believe they will.
I want to share one more story with you that to this moment still stirs me inside like nothing else.
Three teenagers (two girls and one guy) stopped by my Jeep and trailer "booth". They wanted to know what I was doing. After I explained my purpose two of them donated $10 for EA hats and the other only had a five dollar bill. I gave her a hat all the same but her friend counted out five $1 bills to make up the difference.
I soon learned that two of the girls (cousins) lost a family member dear to them to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease which is similar to ALD. The young women left and soon returned, with parents and her 12 year old sister. My wife and kids had joined me at the festival by now. The girls took turns holding Brooks and I noticed them wiping the tears from their eyes as I frantically answered questions with no time to council them. I also noticed that Brooks was rather taken by one of the young ladies allowing me a brief but surreal moment of foreshadowing.
Donations were made to support my project but one that really stands out will stay with me for, I can only hope, forever. In fact, I am moved deep inside so much so, I cannot put it into words.
The cute 12 year old girl who had worked a full day at one of the booths aiding her peers in strapping on safety harnesses required for the trampoline turned bungee jump. She asked me how much it would cost to find a cure for my son, Brooks. How do you answer a question so deep and asked with so much sincerity? This little voice covered by so much conversation and music from the days festivities carried with it an undeniable tone of maturity that later I would learn came through the loss of her uncle. A very dear man to her. I knelt down and looked her in the eyes and explained to her that things like this take a lot money and people to make possible. I told her however, that I have hope for my son and all the little boys affected by ALD.
She confidently jut out her hand and said as I remember with pristine clarity, "Well here is $50 and I want to help."
I don't have to tell you the myriad of emotions that came over my wife and I. Her own father, standing right next to me turned away to hide what could only be tears of pride. She lost her uncle to ALS and she did not want me to lose my son. It was simple to her. It turns out, this $50 was the money she earned from working all day and what must have been a lot of money to her. She could have purchased so many things that a kid of her age would like to have. But she donated her hard earned money - all of it - to help me and my family.
For a very brief second, I was torn between accepting her money and politely declining her contribution but looking in her innocent eyes, and seeing her unwavering determination to "do her part" the answer was clear. I gave her a big hug and a pink Expedition Awareness t-shirt which she immediately pulled over her other shirt.
At that moment, I felt a sense of determination that I had not felt in some time. A renewed sense of purpose and the undeniable feeling that I was on the right path. While I try to remain positive and keep my hope alive, it is not without stumbling. I think this is natural and to be expected.
"A child's heart is the last great place of innocence and purity. And as it turns out, sometimes, selflessness." I am going to make that my own quote. It was given to me as a priceless gift from a 12 year old human being. My special gift.
As a father, I now have a clear target for the way I hope to raise my kids. And to her father, Sir, you have accomplished what many parents should strive for.
She and her sister stayed with me at my booth the rest of the evening. And these young women, far more mature than I was only a few years ago, and I shared wonderful conversation.
I feel privileged to become friends with this family.
In my own backyard surrounded by people that mostly knew nothing of ALD and expedition travel, I felt at home. People of all ages gave me their attention and shared stories ranging from miracle cures to tragic loss. We were all brothers and sisters in this great fight that is the human condition.
Phil
Our Overland Expo Experience – the final installment
Our time at the Expo was a rewarding experience.
To put it simply that is. But often behind what is simple, can be found a delicate web spun from cause and effect.
To bring it all into prospective for you, we started this project several months ago with a clear direction chartered to an area unfamiliar. A place that if I were asked to go, I would have refused with all my being. I don't mean Amado Arizona, the meeting place for overlanders to hang their hats and share stories for a short while, I mean the darkness that consumes anyone too close to a project that is too close to what we fear most.
For me, Expedition Awareness was necessity not a choice. And for me, when facing an impossible set of circumstances, I reach for clarity and answers through past experience. Stir in a little hard work and a lot of determination and hope that the dish served is palatable. But not only palatable, but also filling enough to sustain strength and well being.
So with that in consideration my friend and I devised a plan focusing on our combined strengths and what we knew. And to birth this plan into reality we knew we had to do the work ourselves - all of it. At least that is what we thought. From EA's website, PR, and marketing to installing all of the modifications needed to my Jeep to make the expedition safe and a success, we did ourselves.
There are quite a few needy causes out there. I have since learned, what I should have guessed but blinded my naivety that some are just looking for a free ride. Matter of fact this was spoken to me bluntly. In a different conversation I was told that this person only asked about my project so they could dissect it and tear it apart. When I asked why they would do such a thing, they said because they did not know it was "real". "REAL" they said. Let that sink in for a moment, then continue reading....
This saddens me. Not the statements or their delivery but the reality of it. Misuse of trust makes it difficult for those sincere in their project, I mean really sincere, to gain the trust of strangers.
I need everyone that cares to know - to understand that - I am doing this not of my free will. And to do what I am doing is very difficult. And I don't mean the actual expedition. However, I am not special. Ask yourself what you would do to save the life of your child. No matter the odds? What would you do? It is a simple question. Think about it. My guess is you would do everything you could. From the ashes of this desperation, EA was born. My wife and I sold the "toys" we had. I gave up my passion of riding motorcycles - my therapy. We downgraded from a nice SUV to a 6 year old Chevy sedan in order to purchase my used Jeep. We have borrowed money from my parents. At 37 years old, that was the hardest. I am prepared, my wife and I have discussed this, to sell our house and move in with my parents if that has to be the case to see this through. We had to confront that decision before we could move forward with this. What would you do for your child? We will do anything.
And after that, hours was spent trying to build my reputation through unrelated experience and finding just the right avenue to gain approval. Not for me, but through me for my project. Why do I need approval? Because I need people to believe. I need people to tell their friends to believe. I need people - everyone in the World - to HATE adrenoleukodystrophy and I NEED them to find a way to stop it. I believe EA could make the difference between life and death. Literally. If not for my own son, maybe someones. And if you can't see how, please don't turn away. I welcome you to contact me. I make public my phone number and welcome the opportunity to explain what is all too difficult from behind this keyboard. 940-228-4543. I have nothing to hide. I do this because I have been told that jeeps and vacations don't have anything in common with curing a disease. "Vacations." That one was tough to hear but once I was able to explain the big picture, this person had a new outlook on things, maybe life in general..... But probably not. Cynicism dies hard. But with the good, comes the bad. The short-sided, small thinkers will make assumptions that are just not true. This is life.
In short, it takes one person to make a difference. Just one. And depending on your desired outcome, finding that person could be easy or it could be very, very difficult.
It could be raising enough money for your child's museum field trip... a worthy cause. For me it is saving my son's life. Also, a worthy cause.
So with months of work, looking for what I believed the very best way to introduce my project to the world, I chose Overland Expo 2010. Roseann made this possible. If you want to learn how to weld, to be the best, you surround yourself with welders. If you want to learn how to bake, you surround yourself with bakers. I wanted to surround myself with travelers... not to learn how but to educate them to the importance of my cause in a place we had in common.
While there, I was consumed by a torrent of emotions. Telling my story over and over, what I signed up to do, proved even more difficult than I could have imagined. At times I would leave the booth to find a quiet corner and reflect on everything.
I took away from the experience a few different things:
** First, a gaggle of new friends and contacts that would have been otherwise impossible. For this I am most grateful.
** Second was the general mood surrounding "causes". The mood and what the general public have come to expect (at least within the expedition community) became clear. That being said, around every corner of the world, there is a cause. I saw this in the eyes of some passers by. Subtle in some, not so much in others, but there all the same for those of us tuned to the human condition to observe.
** Third and quite unexpected, was a little bout of depression. This I have now come to expect from task of sharing my story and am now more mentally prepared for what is inevitable.
The Overland Expo was a gift for our project for reasons I had not planned. Not so much in others. It gave me an opportunity educate many to the perils of ALD. And a few parents even asked me with clear concern in their eyes - "What signs do we as parents need to be aware of?" Not only that, but it gave me the opportunity to prove, at least in some small way, that there is a person behind the website. That we are real and that just maybe, our project is important.
What I had hoped for was legitimization for my project in the eyes of the community majority - not minority. Judging from the general lack of support - people walking away literally while I was in the middle of a sentence and disinterested in what my family is doing, I just don't think this was the case. This I blame on what I spoke about earlier... not the people themselves.
I regret not having the time to stay for the after event BBQ but Chris and I had many miles to make before settling back into the day-to-day routine that is work and family. I hope people did not think us rude.
Finally, let me take a moment to thank Roseann and her staff for making attending the Expo a reality for us. Through her generosity, we were able to have a presence. And if I had it to do over again - with OE2010, knowing what I know now, I would be there in a heart beat!!!
The relationships built and since nurtured mean so very much to me. Many people I met at the Expo, I consider friends. And I want to thank the people that gave me a moment of their lives to educate them about Adrenoleukodystrophy and Expedition Awareness.
THANK YOU.
Phil
Let me pause for a moment.
It was unmanned sitting in somewhat solitude like a wild Mustang grazing from one of America's still uncharted grass lands. Its mane being tossed left and right from the light desert breeze. Tired from the days travels but poised to sprint the moment anyone got too close. Or perhaps, not a wild Mustang at all, but a gentle American saddle horse, its reigns loosely tied around a fence post with ears flickering in anticipation of its rider to come strolling up gently patting his back with words of loving approval. Of which, I can't be sure.
This steed I speak of is not of typical flesh and blood at all, but a motorcycle. Not just any steel horse but the one belonging to a kindred soul and its companion. Ara Gureghian and Spirit. My friend knows all too well what monsters lurk in the dark and through his strength and teaching, I strive for greater understanding.
Now for my silent promise... these inner thoughts on display for all to see.
I was only away from my family for a couple days during the Expo and it was very difficult. It is puzzling to understand how I can be away from them for nearly two months in the near future. Those that count on me for protection, food, shelter, and guidance. No small burden but one any good father and husband lovingly provides as best they can.
Someone, help me to understand why, knowing the pain of being away from my wife and small children, that I feel the call for solitude. This must be what the chosen few feel when they leave everything they know and love for the trials and hardships that only a difficult journey can bring. Some may say these travelers are running away from what troubles them. I know now, that some are actually running to what troubles them. For in the silence of loneliness, one will most assuredly confront their demons. The fortunate know this and they set out dressed for battle.
I also know from my own adventure a few months ago that like a knife's edge to a wet rock, solitude hones the senses. It also has a way of clearing ones mind if only for a little while setting aside the cobwebs of doubt. While at the time, I had no monsters to run from (or to), the adventure of man and cycle for days in remote country brought focus to what is important in life. The same could be said for man on foot, man in car, man on a boat. The mode of travel is not important - nor is the destination. It is the journey. A cliche that rings more true than much of what I have read in textbooks.
Things are different this time. Now I find myself on the hunt with snarling teeth. Man and blade in search of the demon monster that lurks behind father time... waiting to pounce on my, so very precious to me, son. Let me, find you... terrible monster that is adrenoleukodystrophy. God, let me take this burden and let me fight the good fight and please let me win or die trying. Let it be me. This a prayer that is common place for me as I try to sneak away to sleep each night.
Maybe in my own mind, the trials and tribulations of an incredible journey would open that door for me and make it possible. Somehow. I would welcome it with open arms.
But even as I, most days, have the fight in me, today was one of the bad ones. So bad that even the dimpled smile of my seven month old boy could not bring me out of. Nor could the innocent embrace of my 2 year old daughter screaming "Daddy", "Daddy" as she ran toward me as best she could. You know you are in a dark place when moments like these leave you in the fog. Dizzy. I do have the fight in me, but even the strongest warrior must feel the wind knocked from them time to time. And, please, I am no warrior. I am just a man with an impossible set of circumstances and no choice. What would you do? Probably the same thing.
So here I am, this man feeling more like a scared boy. Wondering what I can do to make not A difference, but THE difference. What else can I do? Where is the line between financial ruin and the chance of saving your son's life? And then, is it enough? Is it ever enough? In the end do I want to look around and see that I put my family in the purgatory that is tremendous debt or see that I did not do enough? Do I look back and wonder where I was while my child was still healthy? Or do I stay close to him relying on the work of others to rid him of this disease? Haunting questions like so many ghosts.
When you are the one that your family looks to for strength and you have none left, what do you do? I can tell you what I do, right or wrong, and that is push back the guilt (yes. there is much guilt) and worry and press on. I cry when I am alone. I call my Mother. I hold my children and embrace my wife. And then when they smile and go about their business, I worry, frantically. I am frightened beyond belief and I don't let it show. At least, I don't think I do.
This is the place I am at now as I sit here behind this keyboard uncomfortably.
I know what must be done. And I knew it 9 months ago when I started this project with my friend Chris. I chose to put myself in the path of constant reality of what is. Time and time again reliving the facts from a medical journal standpoint stifling my core's need to run away screaming like a mad man. Like a Bugs Bunny doll I had as a child that repeated "What's up Doc?" each time the string was pulled, I tirelessly repeat my story to educate others every time my string is pulled. I would be remiss if I did not say that sometimes I wish I could just forget about the present for a couple days at a time but all in all, to me, those days could be missed opportunities to make THE difference.
Tomorrow will be another day and hopefully a nights rest will put the fight back in me. If not, then maybe the next day. It will come back or if need be, drug back. I don't have the luxury...
Ara, thank you for encouraging me to write about this. I am not sure it makes sense or even helps. But it is something. I am not certain anyone will even read this. And that is not the point. As you said, your words are for you. By that, I suppose, my words are for me - at least this time.
Part II – Raw Spinach – Not all it is cracked up to be.
We don't have signs. Oh no... we don't have signs. That is what I thought as I setup our meager exhibitor's booth that Thursday. I looked around me and so many people had so many nice exhibits. And here we were with a table, and Easy Up, and a Jeep/Trailer. How could I be so stupid.
In comparison, our booth must have been the laughing stock of the entire exhibit. I really had not idea what to expect. And we did not need much. Hopefully we would sell a few t-shirts to raise some money, maybe some hats, but most importantly tell our story.
But we still needed signs. What to do... what to do....
The phone rang at 7:00am with our courtesy wake up call. That is a contradiction in terms right there my friends. I have never believed being woken up was a courtesy. Nevertheless, it was go time and Jeep was waiting patiently. Not surprisingly, Chris was already up, and clambering about making coffee, catching up on the headlines. "Volcano erupts. UK air travel halts." My first thought is of my friend Kevin from MudUK. Will he be able to make it? Turns out the answer is no. And what a shame that was.
The next few minutes are filled with some assimilation of my normal routine and 20 minutes later we were loading into the Jeep. Next stop... Propane. Two, no three failed stops later we arrive at a propane store opening in 20 mins. After a short plea to the gentleman running the pumps, he opens up early and fills our tanks. Catch is we have to pay with debit since he has no change for cash. There is a nod to the electronic age. . . in times past it would have been the other way around.
Still he fills our tanks and I pay with cash. When he looks at me somewhat confused, I say the rest is for you my friend... not much but maybe lunch can be on us. He flashes a clean healthy smile and we are on our way.
Minutes down the road, we meet up with Robert and Eric Sheppard and Dave Frazier of Outlander Trailer. Good guys that group. Robert has agreed to supply our expedition with two state of the art trailers and a loaner trailer in the meantime. I can't speak highly enough of Robert and his son Eric... Same goes for Dave. They all live minutes from where I grew up and, well... we all can relate. Finding Robert when searching for a trailer sponsor was a small miracle.
We filled our fuel tanks and coffee cups and put tire to tarmac for Amado, AZ.
Sometime along the way, I think it was crossing the NM/AZ border I realized I had not eaten anything. Chris and I pulled into a roadside, Mom and Pop station from what looked on the outside, post apocalyptic remains of some desert gas station what might be seen in a Joan Vinge novel. I am not joking... the GPS referred to this establishment as a "Subway 3.2 miles" that-a-way. In reality, Subway had not had any kind of corporate presence there for years and years. Imagine half of a hanging sign, two meager fuel pumps, and the strangest band of all black wearing, long hair dudes you have seen.
Unfazed, I walk into the joint expected the worse. Once I got inside, I was met by the nicest gas station interior I had ever seen. Beautiful tile work, a fantastic mural on the ceiling, clean almost luxurious counter tops. Nice neat shelving not overstuffed with dusty merchandise. It literally stopped me in my tracks as I took in my unexpected environment. I order a sandwich in much the same fashion you would at a Subway and hit the road.
The sandwich was good and "tasted funny" at the same time. But I still ate it. Perhaps the spinach leaves were not as fresh as they looked... but who cares... I was hungry. What amounted to about 20 minutes later, your truly got a severe case of the bends. Thankfully, about that time Robert and crew exited for the rest area. Just as quickly as the pain started, it subsided after taking care of business. A rifling through the proverbial medicine cabinet yielded a couple of Imodium and we were as they say, "Right as rain."
Several miles down the road, we found ourselves in Green Valley, AZ and in a Walmart for supplies.
Chris and I are filming a documentary of our entire expedition from Jeep build to final mile home. We decided to shoot a small instructional bit on grinding your own coffee for camp - Walmart style when were approached by a rather over excited manager type. He cautioned us to turn the camera off and when we explained what we were doing and for what purpose he remained unfazed offering the suggestion to contact Bentonville for approval. Little does he know that his Walmart will make our film but not in quite the same light as it would have before... corporate bullshit. I can't stand it. Maybe this is why I do better outdoors. Educating sick children on how Dad and son can make their own campfire coffee on the cheap was just more than the mega chain store could handle. So be it.
We press on.
Chris tapped in the address to the OX and we were on our way after Robert and crew left with out us. I was surprised by this move, but we are grown ups... no big deal. The only problem was the GPS led us to a horse ranch some 6 miles away from the event on a dead end gravel road. The road was narrow and quite fun. But soon, very soon, we knew that we must be in the wrong area.
To the bin with the GPS and we will just follow directions we had written down earlier.
Soon we arrive no worse for ware where we would be for the next couple of days.
Second installment. Images of our experience will be posted in our SmugMug gallery once we have compiled everything. Follow our blog/facebook/twitter for links.
Overland Expo – There and Back…Our Experience – Part 1 “The Hail Storm”
The day began as any other with groggy eyes and a self-inflicted scolding for not hitting the sack sooner. The sound of conversation and sizzling bacon were not far away. It was cool but comfortable. Something was very different. As I knuckle rubbed my subconscious state back into the shadows, I began to realize that the previous night's stay was in a tent perched atop a ruggedized, overlanding trailer. And if that was not strange enough, yes, now I remember, the evening before was spent laughing and eating with new friends willing to share stories amassed from miles and miles of world travel in some of the most remote places carved into, strike that, carved out of existence. "Out of" because, well.... it takes a special breed of folks to find such places. It takes Overlanders.
These people are adventurers. Travelers. Film makers. Hikers. Chefs. Market owners. Writers. Good-Doers. IT Professionals. Families and more... these people are our new friends.
This would be a recurring theme. While not all new friendships were sealed with a few drinks, one pan entrees, and hours of conversation, we had our fair share.
We are not special either. Don't go thinking that for a second. This was the case at many exhibitor's booth turned camp sites each and every night. If you were not sitting with friends, new or old, as the stars came out above Amado, Arizona, then it was your own fault.
Most invitations were open and while I so wish I would have been able to spend more time wandering around the different exhibitor's booths after hours, truth was, Chris and I had came prepared ourselves with more food than we needed. As it turned out, we also sent out invitations of our own and were happy to share what we had.
Of course, that was once we got there... Where you ask? Overland Expo 2010 of course.
Hail piled on the road, the hills, some 6 inches deep in what would be called later, the largest hail storm that area of New Mexico had seen in a long, long time. Water feverishly gushed down the mountains, hillsides and road we were currently on creating miniature white caps all along the way. I had never seen so much hail and never that much water down a perfectly nice 5 lane highway.
Water across a road was a way of life growing up in South Arkansas with two ways "to town." Rain almost always closed off one of those ways down at Moro Bottoms. That was different with slow moving water and depressingly bad roads. A bayou might be the word for it had I grown up a few miles more south. There and then, we called it the "bottoms." Perhaps it was because water collects in the bottom of things.... and when it rained, water collected there.
However, this road was a nice, new, shiny creation forged from the belly of some huge lumbering beast and beat into submission by men and women clad in safety orange. A far cry from the washboard, wooden bridge, pot hole laiden "road" that stretched lazily through the Bottoms. This slice of tarmac was huge and plenty wide. And now it was a river of ice and water. Fantastic.
Soon, I noticed a "pull off" on the side of the road and could not pass up the opportunity to document some of what was going on around us. We obviously missed the hail storm but the rain water and melting ice was creating a problem of its own. I quickly grabbed some camera gear, as did Chris and we began to document what had just occurred. Seconds after Chris got out of the Jeep, he found a gentleman's wallet containing cash, credit cards, insurance info, driver's license, etc.
After grabbing some interesting images both still and moving, we climbed back in the Jeep and started back up the mountain pass towards Ruidoso. The precipitation began as rain but quickly the marble to walnut sized hail began to fall creating a deafening sound in our overland vehicle. Maybe we did not miss it I thought as I negotiated the climb through flowing water and ice. With hazard flashers and rear roof lighting on, we and trusty Jeep pressed up the mountain pass road. Every inch of the way just knowing the nice new AEV heat reduction hood was getting hammered. Did I mention the noise was immense. LOUD.
I began to wonder if we should turn around, retreating to the subjectively safe (after all there was flash flooding mere feet from where we parked) area just a few hundred yards behind us. Not our style really... after all the Jeep was already damaged what would be the use.
Just then an 18 wheeler came around the curve above us as we were still climbing.
"East bound freight hauler, how is the weather behind you? Does this hail get worse or what?"
My CB came alive with "Keep on truckin' it's clear just around the bend. You are all set."
I squeezed the mic's transmit button, "Well you have about 6 inches of hail and fast moving water on the road about 400 yards ahead of you. Be careful."
Turns out it was more hail than that. We learned later that near a foot fell and much of it was washed down.
"10-4" was the last thing I heard from my fellow "overlander" as we rounded the curve into breaking sunlight.
Not much further down the road was the small town of Ruidoso. What you will soon learn is what we were to learn over the next hour of conversation with Dr. Lowrance of Ruidoso, New Mexico. He was a chiropractor turned builder and real estate broker. It was Dr. Lowrance to which the wallet and vital contents belonged to.
Some time back, I outfitted my Jeep with many necessities and some niceties. One of the latter being a Ram Laptop Mount and Panasonic Toughbook. The Ram mount was new and the Toughbook is old. But both work well together. Chris, my buddy, being ever so resourceful had the idea to tether his phone and utilize high speed 3G cell coverage to "surf" the internet as we traveled.
Luckily, he had 3G coverage... something that is lacking most everywhere I go since I have AT&T and an iPhone. But that is the way usually with Chris and I. What I have, he does not. We he can do, I usually can't. When he has it, I don't need it and if it is mine, it is his. This is one reason we work so well together. There could be an entire entry based on that philosophy, but I digress.
As IT Professionals, we are pretty accustom to such things.. tethering, technology, and gadgets in general.... Internet gumshoeing is a great way to source information and one of my favorite pass-times. Turns out Chris not only locates Dr. Lowrance in The Blue Nowhere (Thank you Mr. Deaver) but manages to find his cell phone number... Where you might ask? Google Images. The last place you would think to find this type of information.
We call the good Doc and leave a voice mail.
About 10 minutes later, we find ourselves in Ruidoso. A beautiful and quaint mountain side town nestled in what must be about 49 bazillion fur an Douglas pine trees (perhaps Aspine too?) The smell was so crisp and vibrant. Like fresh cut grass; not the smell per se, but the sharp contrast to what is usually noticeable. Simply put, the fresh air was amazing. We pulled over to assess the damage from the hail when Chris' phone rings. It was Dr. Lowrance. He was 20 minutes away and asked if we could meet him for dinner.
Chris and I had not eaten since 10 am central time and it was then 8 pm mountain. It was not a tough sell.
Consequently, I was relieved to find the AEV hood and the rest of the Jeep took no damage from the hail.
On the short side of 20 minutes later, Dr. Lowrance showed up where we exchanged greetings, shared conversation and a small booth in the local mom and pop Mexican restaurant. It was a refreshing conversation and one I won't forget. Before leaving and absolutely not having it any other way, Jim (as it was strictly first names now) paid for the meal and left Chris and I to our adventure. You see, he too had somewhere to be and a time to be there. This, again, is its own story.
A few long hours later we found ourselves in Las Cruces tucked away in a Marriott suite for which reward points footed the bill. This was the end of our first day. There were several more to come. Would they be as interesting? Some how I thought they would.
First installment. Images of our experience will be posted in our SmugMug gallery once we have compiled everything. Follow our blog/facebook/twitter for links.
A personal note
Forgive the back to back posts, but I need to get some things off of my chest.
I would like to take a moment now and just express how stressful all of this is. I don't mean working to get the Jeeps ready for such a large undertaking OR the event and film schedule we have to keep on track either.
What I am referring to is the constant repetitive need to always be reminded of my son's condition. I have typed out or told the story in detail no less than a hundred times. I chose to do this and I knew in the beginning that there would not be an escape for me in all this. The problem is always there, no denying that. But if I were not engaged in this project, perhaps I could simply enjoy some moments with Brooks and let the reality slip away for a while. Even though I am glad Chris and I have chosen to take this responsibility upon ourselves, it is the constant nails on my chalkboard from time to time.
I fear sometimes I will look back on all of this and wonder if I ended up letting my family down more than helping.
Every so often the proverbial straw breaks the camel's back and all the emotion just gets the best of me. I must thank my family and friends for being strong where I fail to be.
Thanks,
Phil
Build updates…
Hello All,
Chris came in last weekend and we worked feverishly to get our long list of to-do's done in a short amount of time. Everything went pretty smooth for the most part. In fact we were making fantastic time until I decided to drill a 1" hole where a 7/8" hole should be. Ooops! Lesson: don't trust the labels in your drill bit set. Read the size on the bit itself!!!
After a few hours of patch work, we had a solution allowing us to continue with the lift kit install. It got late and cold so we decided to pick up where we left off Sunday morning. A quick trip to Harbor Freight for an air saw to do some necessary cutting and in a couple hours we were done. Chris had to leave soon there after but we managed get the Kilby Radio Rack and the Kilby Evac Canister relocation kit installed.
Where we lost time on the lift, we gained on the other installs and managed to get our list accomplished with Chris rolling into Shreveport about 11pm Sunday night.
Next weekend, I am driving to Shreveport if plans come to pass for a gear install at ORI of Monroe.
Stay tuned for a follow up personal thought.
Phil
Work weekend ahead of us…
Progress update and upcoming plans.... A hodgepodge of thoughts.
Chris will be driving in again to finish the install of the JK's lift and high steer kit.
Earlier this week, the AEV Savegre wheels came in with my final shipment of AEV parts for the Jeep. Big thanks to Mike at AEV for working diligently with our tight time line. Discount Tire of Wichita Falls, was kind enough to mount and balance the Goodyear MTR Kevlar tires on the new wheels. So they will also find their way on the Jeep this weekend.
In addition to that stuff, a B&M transmission cooler, Kilby radio rack and Kilby evap relocation kit came in. That stuff will also be added this weekend time permitting. Chris may have to bail back to Shreveport before it is all done but I should be able to finish up late Sunday.
Tonight, I applied the Lamin-X yellow filters to my stock fog lamps and the results were quite impressive given the $7 price tag. You can check out the install images by clicking on the below link.
I *hope* there is time to get the radio rack installed as well because as soon as it is in place, I can begin the process of mounting comm and routing the necessary wiring to a switch panel.
So lots to do still yet... and once this weekend is done, there will still be lots to do by the first week of April. Keep checking back for more updates.
Thanks,
Phil
Work and more work…
I knew back when we started planning this entire adventure, even though we were giving ourselves ample time to organize everything, when it came down to it, we would be crunching the clock to get everything done.
Sure 'nuff, it came to pass.
Here we are with a grocery list of things that need be done and little time to do it. I have parts coming in daily now and am working nightly to get everything done. It does not help that my Jeep has to go into the shop for an oil leak either.
I will be updating the blog with each accomplishment/task done. Keep checking back!
Phil
Kilby Enterprises
If you consider yourself an "off-roader" whether it be recreational or competitively, you have heard of Kilby Enterprises. There is a reason for that. Kilby has gone great lengths to engineer some of the most reliable products available. For over 10 years, Kilby has created a reputation for quality and customer support.
Their product line includes secure storage solutions, armor protection, front and year bumpers, self contained on board air systems and much more.
Our experience with Kilby goes back about 6 years.
When I first sought out after protection plating form my then Jeep TJ, I researched the full spectrum of manufacturers. It did not take long reading reviews from happy customers to know that Kilby was the right choice. Seeing the intimate interaction between Brad Kilby and customers in open forum sealed the deal. And I can honestly say after bolting on Kilby products and running through some of the most vehicle pounding terrain I could find, I never experienced a single failure.
Our overland expedition is a different kind of test and we will be utilizing a different set of Kilby products, but we do so with 100% confidence. Kilby was our first choice.
It goes without saying, but Kilby provides more than just industry topping products. They are a company that cares.
The off-roading/expeditionary community is a tight knit group. Whether it be individuals or companies. When it matters everyone comes together for a good cause. I have seen it many times. This is one reason I chose our particular venue for awareness raising.
Thanks to Brad and Mike for supporting our cause.
If you are looking for products for your next build, check out Kilby's website and then compare their products with others in the industry. Do you due diligence and you will come to same conclusion that many, many of us have. Not only will you end up with products you can count on but you will be helping Kilby continue to give back to the community that supports them.
http://www.kilbyenterprises.com
Be safe,
Phil