Overland Rally – Hollister Hills, CA

Overland Expo, Overland Rallies, and their associated companies put on a rally in Hollister Hills, CA (about 2/3rd of the way north between LA and San Francisco). Similar to last weekend’s seminars on Catalina, this weekend was geared toward explorers who have an interest in overland travel. We made a bunch of new friends and learned a ton about international road travel (and off road adventuring).

After dark meet-up at The PAV

Night time screenings of movies and slide shows

Friday and Saturday were full of seminars like route selection, wilderness first aid, general discussions about logistics (like visas, crime, provisioning, etc) plus how to drive in locations that require 4 wheel drive. Needless to say The PAV is not off-road friendly.  Saturday morning Anthony was kind enough to offer us seats in his Land Cruiser. The vehicle’s modifications for overland travel had just been finished last week. Anthony and his wife Astrid were planning to embark on a multi-year around the world trip this December 2011. However, just four weeks ago Astrid was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. During the weekend Astrid was in the hospital for her second round of chemotherapy. However, she insisted that Anthony go to the rally for the weekend.   Keep up with their story on their blog at http://www.overlandnomads.com

Update:  our time with Anthony must have been well spent. We can’t rightfully take any of the credit… BUT… Anthony won first place in the Expedition Trophy Challenge (driving contest) on Sunday!  (It must have been the spotter on your first run in Saturday’s class…)

Anthony & L in "Hank". L, there is no backseat driving course...

Walking the course for Saturday morning's driving class

Kristina demonstrating the spotter's role

I'm not sure Morgan has a firm grasp on left foot braking techniques

Anthony at the top of the hill

If you get stuck in the water crossing you have to hook-up here

We’re looking forward to seeing all of our new friends (Anthony, Art, Benji, Brent, Dan, Grace, Jonathan, Leeway, Nick, Ryan, Shawn, Zack, and Astrid!) in Flagstaff, AZ May 2012 for the Overland Expo!

J