Welcome!Ahoy hoy! My name is Nick LeFort, but most people call me "Viking" or "Ragged Viking". The first on account of the way I look, and the second because I spend quite a bit of time on Ragged Mountain in my hometown. I'm happily married with two wonderful little girls and the three of us get "out there in it" as much as possible - whether on foot or by vehicle.
I've been hiking and camping since I was a kid and started off-roading the day I bought my first truck at 17. The idea of "overlanding" is new to me - but not foreign; so I am really excited to see it growing like it is - with people and products in the USA.
In regards to the vehicle, I have a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. I picked up the rig on a whim and only expected it to last 6-8 months. Here were are a couple of years later and I've put some money into the engine, suspension, tires, and the such. I worked for Thule as their Fit Engineer for ten years, so I relied on their base system and accessories for quite some time but recently upgraded to Rhino-Racks as they're actually rated for off-road use. I have their Pioneer SX platform with Foxwing Awning (and Tagalong Tent). I carry along a shovel, hatchet, and Maxtrax daily, but up the gear list considerably when we head out on adventures.
Anyway. I don't post a lot on forums - but I am always here to learn and teach.
... My badge will be here in 2-3 weeks.
Not sure if it's just on my end, but your pics aren't comin' through.
