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

[HourlessLife]

ANTIGUA GUATEMALA VOLCANO HIKE (we roast marshmallows on the top of this active volcano)
Hiked up an active volcano and in this video we take you with us!
Hope you enjoy! Open to any questions. ~ Eric



#antigua #hourlesslife #overlanding #guatemala

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[HourlessLife]

We thoroughly enjoyed Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and Brittany jumped off a cliff!



This would end up being our last video in Guatemala. Next was El Salvador. Central America felt like it was getting real now.

~ Eric

 

[HourlessLife]

EL SALVADOR!

This was the first country that even other overlanders suggested we go around and avoid, or if we were going to go through the country, that we basically just drive through and not stop. They said it was too risky and dangerous.

Here are our thoughts on the matter and what we decided to do.



Happy to field questions. ~ Eric

 

[booneja]

I've watched a few of your videos of the effort to get through border crossings, and aside from the US/ Mexico one I don't think I would be as calm going through the different processes as you guys are. (I will say I've been picky at what I watched) keep up the good work

 

[HourlessLife]

I've watched a few of your videos of the effort to get through border crossings, and aside from the US/ Mexico one I don't think I would be as calm going through the different processes as you guys are. (I will say I've been picky at what I watched) keep up the good work

Appreciate. you watching. Border crossings are especially hard to film as they don't really like it when you've got a camera out. Our next video is on the El Salvador / Honduras crossing and it is definitely our most challenging yet. I did the best I could with it. Should be out in a day or two.

Always happy to be a resource if you have questions. ~ Eric

 

[HourlessLife]

HONDURAS has been our most challenging border crossing to date. I did my best in this video to capture the border crossing from El Salvador to Honduras and give you a first person perspective of the process.

For what it is worth, every overland traveler we have spoken to that has gone further south says our next crossing, Nicaragua is by far the hardest border to cross in all of Latin America. That is our next border crossing so I can't comment on it yet. I don't plan to film that crossing, but I will share my thoughts on it once we've crossed it.

For now, please enjoy this video. Keeping in mind that it is hard to get footage at the borders, the officials don't normally like you filming. I did my best and hope you enjoy it. Feel free to ask questions, I'm happy to field them. ~ Eric

 

[Cavitt]

HONDURAS has been our most challenging border crossing to date. I did my best in this video to capture the border crossing from El Salvador to Honduras and give you a first person perspective of the process.

For what it is worth, every overland traveler we have spoken to that has gone further south says our next crossing, Nicaragua is by far the hardest border to cross in all of Latin America. That is our next border crossing so I can't comment on it yet. I don't plan to film that crossing, but I will share my thoughts on it once we've crossed it.

For now, please enjoy this video. Keeping in mind that it is hard to get footage at the borders, the officials don't normally like you filming. I did my best and hope you enjoy it. Feel free to ask questions, I'm happy to field them. ~ Eric

Sorry I missed the first year, but I'll be catching up and keeping up with your journey.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Blade1668]

Definitely keep us posted, I might be some months behind you on a extended trip. 8 days left on current career.

 

[HourlessLife]

Sorry I missed the first year, but I'll be catching up and keeping up with your journey.
Thanks for sharing!

Glad to have you with us Cavitt. Happy to answer questions as they come up. ~ E

 

[HourlessLife]

Definitely keep us posted, I might be some months behind you on a extended trip. 8 days left on current career.

Right on Darrell, enjoy the journey. We travel very slowly. So if you catch up, give us a holler. ~ Eric

 

[HourlessLife]

We had an insane night in Honduras. Here is the story of what happened to us:



It is all part of the journey and now part of our story. As always happy to answer questions. Let me know! ~ Eric

#hourlesslife #overlanding #Honduras

 

[HourlessLife]

We got stuck in Nicaragua. Brittany shoved a camera in my face and this is our story:



Our journey around the world continues...

#hourlesslife #overlanding #Nicaragua

 

[HourlessLife]

The reality of this global overland journey is rarely talked about. Here is some of the hard stuff. Don't get me wrong, this trip is amazing and what we are experiencing is incredible. But there are hardships and challenges too, and this is what I want to share about today...

Ready? Here we go...

1. Rainy season in Central America is no joke. We're just at the beginning of it and we've already narrowly escaped a tornado in Honduras where our awning was destroyed, and we recently had to do a really sticky self-recovery in Nicaragua we weren't sure we were going to get out of.

2. The rain is non-stop sometimes and at times has made me second guess my life choices. But then we'll get a brief break, a small glimmer of sunshine, and everything is right with the world again.

3. Overall the Gladiator has been great and our overlanding kit/setup has done everything we've needed it to. There are a few things that I am underwhelmed with. The mozzie nets on the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper are already showing significant wear. Granted we are full-time overlanders and we use them all every day, multiple times a day. I think for weekenders they would be fine but for full-time they need to be a bit more robust. The velcro/glue combo that holds them sealed to the rig is also starting to fail. As far as the Jeep Gladiator itself, in hindsight, lockers would have been a smart addition for this journey. We were trying to save ounces, and that was the wrong call when it came to lockers. Also I'm underwhelmed in the Gladiator's ability to reverse in 4lo onto MAXTRAX. Good thing to have learned though for future situations. I know, I know. I should be heading forward, but you'd have to be in the situations that I've been in to fully understand the situation. Suffice it to say that recoveries that require reverse with an automatic transmission are not your friend.

4. Sickness is going to happen. When you live in a Jeep with a 5 year old, and it is raining outside all the time, that can be no bueno. Yesterday Caspian threw up 3 times. Twice inside the Canopy Camper. Yuk! Gotta roll with it. Part of the journey, but the stuff that never makes Instagram. (Though the story did make our Patreon where we share a bit more of our intimate moments like this)

5. The swarm of flying insects down here can be relentless. Last night, a low budget movie director could have filmed a really bad b-movie about what we went through. Thousands upon thousands of flying ant looking things with fragile wings swarmed us. They were all over our mozzie nets on the outside. Even though everything was as buttoned up as we could get it, they were still finding a way to get inside the rig. I killed bugs until 11:30 at night, woke up at 2AM and went for round two, then back to sleep at 4:30AM and up at 7:00AM. Not a fun night.

6. I've said this many times, but the lack of consistency in community is by far the HARDEST part of this journey. In our world, the ability to simply call up a friend and go have wings, or share a glass of wine doesn't exist. We are constantly meeting really amazing people, and then saying goodbye. If you are ever thinking of this type of journey, don't underestimate this. For us our Patreon community fills that gap as we are very transparent with them, and they have been incredibly kind and supportive during our most difficult times that we've shared. That's what friends are for right?

So there you have it. Just some random thoughts I thought I'd share to help keep this as real as it gets.

~ Eric

 

[HourlessLife]

Overlanding advice for those considering doing Latin America.

Someone who was considering a journey like the one we are currently on asked me this awhile ago, and I thought my response to them might be helpful to others. Here are some thoughts:

Notes: There are various factors that are going to impact how valuable my tips are. Without knowing more about specific plans, number and ages of travelers, size of vehicle, types of activity enjoyed, duration of journey, number of borders intended to cross, etc it is difficult to give direct insight. But here are some general tips that should apply:

1. Stuff is a sad substitute for experience. Don't go out and buy a bunch of stuff until you know from experience what type of overlanding you enjoy. Make sure you have water, food, shelter, warmth, and sleep covered and you can go anywhere in the world. Everything else is just "nice to have." The problem is that many people go out and buy stuff first and then later realize that it isn't as helpful as they thought it would be. I'm guilty of this when I first started. Bottom line get out there and figure out what type of overlanding you actually enjoy and then build your kit around that.

2. Don't be "that guy." Not saying you are, but the people who come to Latin America and have expectations that are unrealistic. The people who don't even try and learn a few key phrases like, "I don't speak Spanish can you help me?" "No hablo Español me puedes ayudar?" The people who get upset because their taxi driver doesn't speak English. Etc. Yeah, that guy. Don't be him.

3. Know that often the unplanned things that happen, even the things that go wrong can be some of the most memorable portions of the journey. So expect the unexpected and roll with it. Be flexible in your plans after all that is much of what the overlanding lifestyle is about.

4. Be kind to yourself. Overlanding is not off-roading, car camping, or even a road trip. It can, and often does, involve all of those things, but none of those define overlanding. It is about memories, experiences, the journey, the people, the different micro cultures, and the adventure itself. But when you are on a LONG journey like one through Latin America, have no shame in getting a hotel or airbnb for a nice long hot shower, some laundry and internet. It is a marathon not a sprint. I know folks who have made massive international overland journeys in what essentially was a hooptie that didn't even have 4x4 capability. Yet armchair quarterbacks or keyboard warriors who have never undertaken such an overlanding adventure will blast them on social. The reality is that these folks have done more true overlanding than most. It isn't about impressing anyone. It is about making the journey yours, and more importantly just making the journey. Do it your way, make it yours.

5. Don't carry debt on your journey. Your money is better spent on the adventure than on gadgets and that vehicle you can't really afford that you think you need. Trust me you don't need it.

6. Ignore the fearmongers and talk to people who have actually made the journey. Preferably the ones who have recently been where you'd like to go. There are MANY online areas to discuss this including reddit, Expedition Portal, Overland Bound, Facebook Groups specific to countries and regions, etc. This is a hard journey. Don't be shy to follow someone, dm them on the social media of your choice. Ask the hard and real questions. You'll find that most overlanders will take the time to share what they've learned.

7. Make multiple copies of ALL of your documents and have them accessible.

8. Never pay a bribe or extortion. When you do you make it more difficult for everyone behind you. Be patient. Be kind. Wait them out. If you actually broke the law then they will give you a proper ticket and you can pay it. If they are just telling you that you broke the law but are not giving you a ticket they are looking for a payoff. Ask them to take you to the police station and that you'll pay it there. They won't. They'll let you go on your way for an easier mark.

9. Never, under any circumstances except emergency, drive at night.

10. Be at wherever you are going to camp for the night by 3pm. This allows you several hours before sundown to find a different spot if the spot you found feels off or isn't what you were hoping for.

Hope these are helpful. I know not everyone will agree with all of my thoughts on this and I'm ok with that. This person asked me for my personal advice and this is what I sent them. Hopefully it is of help to others considering this type of journey.

~ Eric Highland
Hourless Life (on social media)
Love. Explore. Study. Share.
Current Location as of this writing: Granada, Nicaragua 6/16/2022

 

[HourlessLife]

Today was humbling.

I was blessed to be an extremely small part of a humanitarian effort for 25 families who have lost everything due to flooding.

To be clear I had nothing to do with this. I stumbled upon this as friends of ours who are overlanders had taken it upon themselves to simply do the right thing for the local community. I just happened to be coming into the area where my friends were that had spearheaded a selfless effort.

So beautiful.

They didn’t do it for the recognition or the fanfare. So I won’t mention them by name. They know who they are and what they’ve done. They didn’t seek donations. They just stepped up.

Seriously beautiful humans.

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