We are driving around the world in our Jeep Gladiator we call DAUNTLESS

[HourlessLife]

No problem.

My best friend was hit at a resort by stray machine gun fire and died 6 years ago. This was Mexico City. The police took a report and said it was too dangerous to go after the people shooting.

My Dad and I were shaken down in Baja by the Federal police for *nothing*. They told us for $200 they'd ' forget about it '.

I can go on and on, but nah. I grew up in the 70s and 80s going to San Felipe 4 or 5 times per year. We had a 99 year lease on a beachfront property 7 miles south in Campo Cadena.

Point is my opinions are grounded in personal experience. Sorry to get grim but hey you asked.

It isnt the people that are the problem, it's the corrupt law enforcement and cartels.

So sorry about your best friend. That's horrible Chris. I'm genuinely sorry for the family who suffered that loss as well. Sadly, this type of horrific violence happens all over the world.

Unfortunately Mexico gets a bad rap. We have plenty of gun violence back home in the states. On July 28, 2019 3 people were killed and 17 more wounded at a Garlic Festival in Gilory, CA. On March 22, 2021 10 people were killed in a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado of all places. This is not to diminish in any way what happened to your best friend (I'm truly sorry about that. It is so sad.) It also isn't to take away from the grieving families that lost loved ones in Boulder or Gilroy or any number of other shootings that take place in our very own country. Though we never tell anyone, don't go to Boulder or Gilroy, (or Colorado or California)

Shakedowns do happen (in many parts of the world, not just Mexico) and usually patience will get you through them. I've spoken with countless people who have overlanded internationally, many who have been shaken down. Among overlanders our unwritten code is to never pay a bribe and wait them out. Believe it or not after an hour or so (sometimes less) they'll just move you along. What they are doing is illegal and they don't want to chance losing their regular income for a bit of quick cash.

Something could happen to us along our journey. We are not naive to this and we pray that it does not.

One of our personal heroes is President Theodore Roosevelt and though he wasn't without fault, just like the rest of us, he led a pretty incredible life. So much so that our son's middle name is Theodore.

There is a quote from Roosevelt that we point at ourselves (not at you or anyone else) that has really inspired us to keep moving forward on our journey:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
--Theodore Roosevelt

Appreciate your perspective and thank you for the conversation. I think it is conversations like this that help us all become better people. ~ Eric

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[ecidiego]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_murder_rate

Just sayin brah. Cool pics and videos tho. Sorry for derail.

 

[HourlessLife]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_murder_rate

Just sayin brah. Cool pics and videos tho. Sorry for derail.

From the wikipedia link you sent, the top 5 cities in the world with the highest murder rates are all in Mexico. The highest one of all being Tijuana with 134.24 people per year out of 100,000 being murdered. That equates to 0.14%. While the statistics can seem scary with those odds, and that being the worst in the world? I'll take my chances.

Seriously though Chris, I appreciate the dialogue and your input into it. This really is part of our journey. It is wrestling with these tough issues and they should be talked about. I'm thankful for the time you invested in me. Hope you are enjoying the journey that we're sharing, and I'm glad you are here. ~ E

 

[Sarge502]

Love it. Must be nice to just be able to travel the world....

I got bills and $*#!

 

[Mac Attack]

No problem.

My best friend was hit at a resort by stray machine gun fire and died 6 years ago. This was Mexico City. The police took a report and said it was too dangerous to go after the people shooting.

My Dad and I were shaken down in Baja by the Federal police for *nothing*. They told us for $200 they'd ' forget about it '.

I can go on and on, but nah. I grew up in the 70s and 80s going to San Felipe 4 or 5 times per year. We had a 99 year lease on a beachfront property 7 miles south in Campo Cadena.

Point is my opinions are grounded in personal experience. Sorry to get grim but hey you asked.

It isnt the people that are the problem, it's the corrupt law enforcement and cartels.

Well, I tune into the Jeep Gladiator forum to learn about jeeps and overlanding from my brothers and sisters...as I pray that someday I will join those traveling around the world. I don't want to think, much less concentrate, on the negative aspects of overlanding and our world and people. But, in this short passage...maybe I can shed some light on commonalities of different cultures (US, Canada, SE Asia, SW Asia and Europe) of the world that I have experienced as a Special Forces soldier for over 27 years and 5 combat/hostile fire zones (and I would imagine I have "lived" in many more places that most in this forum have visited). 1) most peoples of this world want a better life for their children than they have lived...as do I...they ain't looking to become a Bezos or Gates...they just want better 2) MONEY draws scumbags...as is evident around major US military installations in the United States (not as bad as it used to be)...same as the border towns, major cities, capital cities and regions close to the US border and borders throughout the world...stay away from areas that scumbags congregate. 3) The interior of a country, generally where earth meets people is where you will discover the country's true values, joy, beauty of its people, culture, art, food and hopefully, its nature, etc.

The American and others countries' media (greatest propaganda machines in the world...not necessarily driven by fact but more so on opinion and speculation..grey or black propaganda) thrives on fear...it sells better. Don't let this drive your decision-making. Use your common sense, consult US Embassies and Consulates, listen to others (like Hourless Life..have reviewed all of Eric and Brittany's videos that are paving the way), consult multiple media sources and ask for guidance from your higher power...you will persevere and enjoy it...that's an order!

Will hopefully see you on the road...Blessings.

 

[HourlessLife]

Love it. Must be nice to just be able to travel the world....

I got bills and $*#!

Hey Sarge. It was a LONG road to get here. But oh so worth it. And I'm not wealthy by any means. Got a small pension from having served on Active Duty in the US Military for 20 years and a tiny bit of income from our YouTube channel (about enough for a couple tanks of gas) and our Patreon helps a little too. But it isn't much believe me. Also my wife does some writing on the side.

Since we've chosen not to own any home or property, I can invest what I have in our travels.

What I don't have are things like a mortgage, property taxes, HOA fees, home maintenance, yard maintenance, a couch, a TV, a lawn mower, etc.. you get the picture. My "home" costs much less than most people's homes.

I think sometime people assume that I'm independently wealthy or a trust fund kid. The reality is that I'm about as middle class as it gets. I've just chosen to do something unconventional with what we do have to make our dreams of driving the world a reality.

I really believe that most people in the USA of average income who would want to do something like what we are doing, could do it. (Not all, but most)

But it takes a lot of sacrifice and intentional choices that most people aren't willing to make.

Hope that makes sense!

 

[Sarge502]

Hey Sarge. It was a LONG road to get here. But oh so worth it. And I'm not wealthy by any means. Got a small pension from having served on Active Duty in the US Military for 20 years and a tiny bit of income from our YouTube channel (about enough for a couple tanks of gas) and our Patreon helps a little too. But it isn't much believe me. Also my wife does some writing on the side.

Since we've chosen not to own any home or property, I can invest what I have in our travels.

What I don't have are things like a mortgage, property taxes, HOA fees, home maintenance, yard maintenance, a couch, a TV, a lawn mower, etc.. you get the picture. My "home" costs much less than most people's homes.

I think sometime people assume that I'm independently wealthy or a trust fund kid. The reality is that I'm about as middle class as it gets. I've just chosen to do something unconventional with what we do have to make our dreams of driving the world a reality.

I really believe that most people in the USA of average income who would want to do something like what we are doing, could do it. (Not all, but most)

But it takes a lot of sacrifice and intentional choices that most people aren't willing to make.

Hope that makes sense!

Definately. Makes sense. Hell of a story your kiddo will have to tell eventually when older and I'm sure tons of memories. That's what's priceless. Good stuff. Hope your and your family have the best experiences!

 

[Mac Attack]

Hey Sarge. It was a LONG road to get here. But oh so worth it. And I'm not wealthy by any means. Got a small pension from having served on Active Duty in the US Military for 20 years and a tiny bit of income from our YouTube channel (about enough for a couple tanks of gas) and our Patreon helps a little too. But it isn't much believe me. Also my wife does some writing on the side.

Since we've chosen not to own any home or property, I can invest what I have in our travels.

What I don't have are things like a mortgage, property taxes, HOA fees, home maintenance, yard maintenance, a couch, a TV, a lawn mower, etc.. you get the picture. My "home" costs much less than most people's homes.

I think sometime people assume that I'm independently wealthy or a trust fund kid. The reality is that I'm about as middle class as it gets. I've just chosen to do something unconventional with what we do have to make our dreams of driving the world a reality.

I really believe that most people in the USA of average income who would want to do something like what we are doing, could do it. (Not all, but most)

But it takes a lot of sacrifice and intentional choices that most people aren't willing to make.

Hope that makes sense!

Eric, live the life God has chosen for you. Hope to see you on the road. I'll be the guy with more grey hair than you...moves slower...passes gas more often (although, surreptitiously) and am just glad to be alive. TCGB

 

[HourlessLife]

Well, I tune into the Jeep Gladiator forum to learn about jeeps and overlanding from my brothers and sisters...as I pray that someday I will join those traveling around the world. I don't want to think, much less concentrate, on the negative aspects of overlanding and our world and people. But, in this short passage...maybe I can shed some light on commonalities of different cultures (US, Canada, SE Asia, SW Asia and Europe) of the world that I have experienced as a Special Forces soldier for over 27 years and 5 combat/hostile fire zones (and I would imagine I have "lived" in many more places that most in this forum have visited). 1) most peoples of this world want a better life for their children than they have lived...as do I...they ain't looking to become a Bezos or Gates...they just want better 2) MONEY draws scumbags...as is evident around major US military installations in the United States (not as bad as it used to be)...same as the border towns, major cities, capital cities and regions close to the US border and borders throughout the world...stay away from areas that scumbags congregate. 3) The interior of a country, generally where earth meets people is where you will discover the country's true values, joy, beauty of its people, culture, art, food and hopefully, its nature, etc.

The American and others countries' media (greatest propaganda machines in the world...not necessarily driven by fact but more so on opinion and speculation..grey or black propaganda) thrives on fear...it sells better. Don't let this drive your decision-making. Use your common sense, consult US Embassies and Consulates, listen to others (like Hourless Life..have reviewed all of Eric and Brittany's videos that are paving the way), consult multiple media sources and ask for guidance from your higher power...you will persevere and enjoy it...that's an order!

Will hopefully see you on the road...Blessings.

That's some insight and wisdom there Mac. Thank you for your service, your perspective, and your contribution to the discussion. Appreciate you taking the time to watch our videos as well. We'd share a campfire with you anytime. ~ Eric

 

[HourlessLife]

Today is my son Caspian's birthday. I posted this on my personal Facebook, but wanted to share it with those following our journey. Here is what I posted:

Happy birthday Caspian Theodore Highland. Today at 12:06AM you turned 5 in Guanajuato, Mexico on yet another adventure.

In case you are reading this someday, there are four photos here. I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you as your father.

Photo 1: Moab, Utah, USA. You were one year old at the time. Already you were in the drivers seat, a natural spot that you gravitate towards. You've always liked to lead, and for this I'm grateful. You are a natural leader son, and someday you may be called on to use this ability to help others. I have no doubt you will rise to the challenge.

Photo 2: Puebla, Puebla, Mexico. You were two years old at the time. You love reading and learning which has been proven out by you reading 1000 books before your 5th birthday. I am so incredibly proud of you son. The ability to read, and more importantly, the love of reading will bless you in life. If you love to read there is nothing you cannot learn. In this photo you are on your mother's back in Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the oldest public library in the Americas. Already at the age of two you sought out books and I pray this will always be a passion for you. You were delighted and curious here. Even at two years old you were embodying our family mission statement of "Love. Explore. Study. Share." My prayer is that you will use the knowledge you gain over your lifetime to bless others.

Photo 3: Somewhere along the Sea of Cortez in Baja California. You were three years old at the time. We were in a location so remote that it doesn't even register on Google Maps as of this writing. It just says "Mexico" on the map. But we were a good distance south of San Felipe along the water somewhere. For months we lived out of our Jeep like this, out in the wild, south of the US border and you were never afraid. You have been an explorer since the day you were born. You went straight from the birthing room of the hospital to a life on the road and have never known anything else. My prayer is that this spirit of exploration and fearlessness will never leave you. Right now you are traveling like this because your mother and father are doing so. My prayer is that you'll keep these qualities of wonder and fearlessness with you throughout your life. They will serve you well.

Photo 4: McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Texas. This photo of you by the tree was the day you turned 4 years old. This is the city of your birth. It is a very special city to your mother and I. It is where we began our full-time travels in 2014. By this time in your life we marveled at your progression. The years of experience that you had by this time were numerous. You had already spent at least one night in all of the lower 48 States in the USA. You had been into Canada, you had overlanded 2000+ miles into interior Mexico, and another 2000+ miles through the entirety of the Baja Peninsula. By the age of four you had seen more, and traveled more than most people ever will in their lifetime. With experience comes wisdom son. You are already wise beyond your years. Wisdom is what will help you to make the right decision when difficult things come your way, and they will. Lean on your experience son. Trust what you've learned and remember that usually the easy route is not the right route.

Today you are 5 years old. Today you are on a global overlanding adventure with us. There is no telling what the future holds. But we do know Who holds the future. Never forget that.

I love you son. Happy birthday.

~ Daddy

I'm hoping that someday Caspian will join this forum and comment from his perspective. Maybe he'll run across his old man's post. ~ Eric

 

[Mac Attack]

Today is my son Caspian's birthday. I posted this on my personal Facebook, but wanted to share it with those following our journey. Here is what I posted:

Happy birthday Caspian Theodore Highland. Today at 12:06AM you turned 5 in Guanajuato, Mexico on yet another adventure.

In case you are reading this someday, there are four photos here. I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you as your father.

Photo 1: Moab, Utah, USA. You were one year old at the time. Already you were in the drivers seat, a natural spot that you gravitate towards. You've always liked to lead, and for this I'm grateful. You are a natural leader son, and someday you may be called on to use this ability to help others. I have no doubt you will rise to the challenge.

Photo 2: Puebla, Puebla, Mexico. You were two years old at the time. You love reading and learning which has been proven out by you reading 1000 books before your 5th birthday. I am so incredibly proud of you son. The ability to read, and more importantly, the love of reading will bless you in life. If you love to read there is nothing you cannot learn. In this photo you are on your mother's back in Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the oldest public library in the Americas. Already at the age of two you sought out books and I pray this will always be a passion for you. You were delighted and curious here. Even at two years old you were embodying our family mission statement of "Love. Explore. Study. Share." My prayer is that you will use the knowledge you gain over your lifetime to bless others.

Photo 3: Somewhere along the Sea of Cortez in Baja California. You were three years old at the time. We were in a location so remote that it doesn't even register on Google Maps as of this writing. It just says "Mexico" on the map. But we were a good distance south of San Felipe along the water somewhere. For months we lived out of our Jeep like this, out in the wild, south of the US border and you were never afraid. You have been an explorer since the day you were born. You went straight from the birthing room of the hospital to a life on the road and have never known anything else. My prayer is that this spirit of exploration and fearlessness will never leave you. Right now you are traveling like this because your mother and father are doing so. My prayer is that you'll keep these qualities of wonder and fearlessness with you throughout your life. They will serve you well.

Photo 4: McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Texas. This photo of you by the tree was the day you turned 4 years old. This is the city of your birth. It is a very special city to your mother and I. It is where we began our full-time travels in 2014. By this time in your life we marveled at your progression. The years of experience that you had by this time were numerous. You had already spent at least one night in all of the lower 48 States in the USA. You had been into Canada, you had overlanded 2000+ miles into interior Mexico, and another 2000+ miles through the entirety of the Baja Peninsula. By the age of four you had seen more, and traveled more than most people ever will in their lifetime. With experience comes wisdom son. You are already wise beyond your years. Wisdom is what will help you to make the right decision when difficult things come your way, and they will. Lean on your experience son. Trust what you've learned and remember that usually the easy route is not the right route.

Today you are 5 years old. Today you are on a global overlanding adventure with us. There is no telling what the future holds. But we do know Who holds the future. Never forget that.

I love you son. Happy birthday.

~ Daddy

I'm hoping that someday Caspian will join this forum and comment from his perspective. Maybe he'll run across his old man's post. ~ Eric

Happy Birthday from the Keystone State, Caspian! Brotherly Love!

 

[HourlessLife]

Welcome to Guanajuato. The first time I've really had a chance to update on the city itself. Guanajuato is a magical city. Essentially the topography of the city resembles that of a bowl. The Centro Historico is in the bottom of the bowl, and the city rises up around it.

Interestingly enough, Guanajuato was raised almost 30 feet from where it originally sat. Underneath this city is a vast network of tunnels. Google Maps does not work here. The tunnels were originally used for drainage, but have now become part of the daily traffic pattern. We were lost for 2 hours inside the city itself trying to find a way to get to our airbnb.

Airbnb? That's not overlanding!

It is when you are making a 10-15 year global journey. At least it is for us.

(And our airbnb is right in the heart of the historic district about a 3 minute walk from this photo.)

We need to make the trip sustainable so extended stays in various cities around the world are part of our plan to make it so. Right now our 5 year old is in Spanish immersion school 2 days a week and Spanish preschool 2 days a week. Brittany my wife is also taking Spanish two days a week. I speak it fluently so I get. a pass on the language classes (at least for now).

We arrived in Guanajuato on November 15th, and we'll be here until January 1st. We are in love with this city. The city is alive with music, art, culture, and activity at all hours of day and night. There is a major theater that hosts free performances on the regular. We've been to several. Oh and the food here is incredible. It is truly a cosmopolitan city where you can get food from all over the world. In the past week alone we've had Italian, Hungarian, Thai, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisine.

This is our 3rd overlanding trip into Mexico in the past 3 years, but our first time in Guanajuato, and I have to say that it is so far our favorite city in this country.

Happy to answer any questions about the journey or the city if any come to mind. I'll try and get better about posting photos from time to time.

~ Eric

 

[HourlessLife]

Overlanding is really about the experiences not the vehicles. If you don't understand that you are missing what makes the lifestyle worth living.

Right now on our overlanding journey around the world we are in Guanajuato, Mexico. We'll be here for a total of 45 days. As such we decided to share the Top 10 Places To Eat in Guanajuato as our next video.

If you want to be enticed to come to Mexico, this ought to do it for you. ~ Eric

 

[HourlessLife]

Here it is! Our Top 10 Tips for Driving Through Mexico.

In this video we tackle the 10 questions we get asked the most about overlanding or driving through Mexico.

Hope this is helpful and if you have a question that isn't covered, please don't hesitate to comment and I'll do my best to answer you. ~ Eric



#hourlesslife #overlanding #visitmexico #mexico

 

[Mac Attack]

Here it is! Our Top 10 Tips for Driving Through Mexico.

In this video we tackle the 10 questions we get asked the most about overlanding or driving through Mexico.

Hope this is helpful and if you have a question that isn't covered, please don't hesitate to comment and I'll do my best to answer you. ~ Eric



#hourlesslife #overlanding #visitmexico #mexico

Great video, watched on Patreon...and left some more questions for you to address. Thanks!

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