Originally Posted by spicoli

Sorry to be so winded, but I really like to try to help people realize they can get out there if they want to.

Originally Posted by Its-a-JK

Since joining this forum which is pretty recent I have really been enjoying your videos, especially when I watch them on my 60" hd at home and they are inspiring and really really make me want to get out an about. Your commentary helps setup the scene and puts more of a story to the video keeping folks or at least me that much more interested. In fact, I sat a few times watching your videos for 45-60 min at a time.
With that said, even though the fireside chats give more insight into the days events, thought processes and a behind the scenes touch, to me in full disclosure just doesn't live up to your other masterpiece efforts. Maybe you can work it into your main videos in some way but stand alone..........not so much but That just means your main work is that good.
Would love to have the time and money to get out and see the country the way you do, keep those fantastic videos coming?dc4d

Originally Posted by spicoli

Money only does you good if you spend it. I work full time, not single, etc. I don't often to get the time to do the week long trips that Mark does, but once to 3 times a year I make the time. Usually I just do a weekend trip or a long weekend (3-4days) to get out there and enjoy the world and use my toys. Sacrifices are made to do these, in my opinion things to do to get out there: -I have to work longer hours leading up to my trips to make sure I'm not the one holding up the project(s)... And I personally work a lot as it is. My normal week is 50hrs @ work. -You have to have the gear (tents, camping equip, etc) to make sure you don't spend tons of money. Hotels and eating out a lot cost money. Camping is cheap, but requires prep work. My wife and I have a dehydrator and make great dehydrated meals and/or plan meals so things don't go bad. Gear can be expensive, but once you have a good cooler/fridge, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear and luxuries like camp chairs and table to cook you will have them for a very long time if you look after them. All that stuff above can be had for around $500 for decent quality (if you have none of it), get you by stuff for multiple years. You don't need a Yeti cooler or ARB fridge. Get a coleman cooler with a decent lid that snaps shut and you will be fine for a few days ($50-$100). To afford this stuff don't eat out as much, or other such expenditures. One trip eating out and hoteling the whole time will cost $500... if you bought all this gear you would spend another $100 on camp sites, ice and camp fuel (assuming you are paying for camp sites) and the next trip you won't have to spend the $500. -You have to really want it. You must really want to get out there and enjoy nature to make the sacrifices. I think a lot of people like the idea of it, but when it comes down to it, they like having the comfy bed and conveniences that the home offers. Personally I like the idea that in my jeep (or backpack when I go backpacking) I have everything I need to live for a week, except maybe gas. -You have to plan leading up to a trip, even if you're not the one planning the trip. A lot of my friends and coworkers that don't get out there much go home at night and watch tv and lounge... I do that sometimes, but time doesn't allow for it when you're leading up to a trip. I'm not saying you don't do this stuff or don't know this stuff... but when I see people say they "wish they could get out there" I feel like they can, but it is either not their real priority or they think they NEED stuff they actually don't. Sorry to be so winded, but I really like to try to help people realize they can get out there if they want to.

Originally Posted by jeepmojo

When i read the reply to your post , i thought this guy has no idea who or what your circumstances are . Your post here made it clear that the person who replied to your quote was rather lumping people in general and not taking in the factors as to what some people have to do to even own a jeep today, never mind travels. Its nice that some people do travel and have extra cash now and then or perhaps retired and no money issues . But to say it cost under 500 dollars to buy everything you need so no excuses was rather understatement to say the least . Granted you can buy used stuff if you wanted but . Gas and camp fees food can add up if your budget even allows it at all after payng utilities daily bills, those who have children expenses , etc... travels back in the 70s & 80s were a lot different than today. Hope you get Some relief in your situations to enjoy, and to most of those who struggle to even add a mod on to the jeep appreciate it more than those who seem to have a endless wallets and just go overboard having to have the best and latest gadgets to rank or prove themselves somehow . I dont have kids but just making ends meet Home owners and paying for a jeep then modifications can be a challenge at times for a lot of people . (DIY) methods can be just as cool , rather than buying things that cost a small fortune just to do the same thing some can make themselves for under 10 bucks in some cases, not all but some have things easy some dont have it easy (I know his reply wasnt meant to be a negative reply too ) just sayin Happy Jeeping even if its in your driveway

Originally Posted by Its-a-JK

Well your dead on with what you say in your, quote "long wind" writing, lol and yes well aware of what it takes or will take to get out there but the reserves have got to be there to spend, right. Those cost savings factors you mention are already in practice and the overland/expedition traveling is a different take on travel(more time/planning) than the RVing I'm used to.
Growing up my family used to travel on limited funds a few times a year in a small truck camper around the county and being a kid didn't have a care of how small the camper was and it was small, four kids two dogs mom and dad in a 10 ft long box on wheels but man many a good memory. I still don't know how my parents afforded it but it was something I had to do with my kids and we did do it few times in a travel trailer for a few years but not nearly enough. The reason we traveled this way was it was cost effective, convenient and I wanted hard walls and not a tent and hotels just weren't worth it.
So step forward to today with the typical fast paced life, school sports, small flock of chickens to tend to, work(50-55hr/wk), bills, one daughter in college another a year away from college and things get a bit tight as it seems you well know. Now what I meant by "wishing I could do" was having the additional resources to lightly mod my JK and buy equipment I don't have which with a two door JK the #1 would be a trailer with rtt ($$$ but will be building over the course of this year so $$) as I am past tent camping on the ground and have been for some time or a rack with rrt ($$) and then try to convince my wife to hit the trails which didn't go over well 25+ years ago. For light mods I mean better lighting than stock ($ 150- $400), AT tires ($1000-1300), underbody armor ($$), winch (preferred but tow straps at min ($$ to $)) and then we can get into trail tools and the fact that I blew my wad on buying two 2013 JK's this year, first my daughters then mine. So Sacrifices go without saying and has been the norm for years but wont get into that we'll just say I know all about them and it doesn't help when a new and costly interest (yes the jeep addiction) grabs hold and changes your priorities a bit.
The most envious part I was making my statement about was mainly the time to get away for those long trips basically more than once a year and covered that a bit above. So I end in saying I do see myself getting out there but for the frequency I would like I see this more of a future accommodation than anything and look forward to those days.

Originally Posted by Its-a-JK

No offense was taken with the post on my behalf so no worries. You know its so easy to read things different then what was actually meant so I suppose the easiest way wrap it up is the with the term that was thrown out there, "Priority" right. Each person has their own priority set and this obviously isn't my top one hence "wishing" I had a bit more cash and time to put forth. Being that expedition travel is a new direction for me and yes I mean more than just back roads, my priorities will change in time to meet my new interest and I know I'm no different than many a folk. Life moves on interest change and with those changes come changes in priorities to meet those interest. Now the real thing I would like to do is get my pilots license but that is one item that my wallet can't muster, lol.

Originally Posted by Machoo

Well whatever you do don't lose sight of your goals. My pilots license was one of the most awesome experiences I've ever had. Of course my wife and having kids are at the top of the list. But seriously getting your wings opens up a whole new world. So, start a little fund for lessons. I think I saved for a year and a half before I got to start lessons. Annnnd I almost ran out of money 3/4 of the way through. Ugggg that was a scary time. But myself and my family are very happy that I did it and we enjoy flying together now. Hit me up if you ever have questions about the process! <img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=635838"/> Shot of my wife and I parked at Palm Springs airport. The green 182 in the background is Harrison Fords. He came in and parked right next to us. We got to meet him briefly. Was pretty rad!