Overland Bound Founding Principles

[T Ray]

Welcome!

I'm Michael and I accidentally created Overland Bound. I'm a backwoods country bumpkin from a town of 360 people. Seriously, my grade school was 70 kids TOTAL. My mom was the school nurse. We walked to the country store a mile away, and bought groceries "on the tab". The store owner knew the School District paid on the first of the month and my mom got paid every 30 days. It was fine. There was trust.

Now, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. To this day I do not lock my car, and we leave the front door of our home unlocked. I assume noble intent.

Growing up, my Dad was a U.S. Forest Ranger. He worked in the Sierras in the lookouts watching for forest fires. His love for the outdoors created my childhood, and natural comfort with surviving in the great outdoors. We back-packed, we went for walks to review plant names and uses. We hunted. Nature was everything.

I lost touch with this connection as I grew older. My career became my primary focus. I worked for Paramount Pictures, Electronic Arts and ran my own businesses in digital entertainment, it created a deficit that was building.

My 30s brought on marriage, 2 (awesome) kids, and then divorce. I found myself at the age of 40, divorced, My father passed at the same time, and I was unemployed. I was grasping for my roots. I took my 3 year-old son and 5 year old daughter to visit my hometown. It was a good, necessary anchor. On the drive home, my fast-paced-life-bought BMW 325i convertible got stuck in the snow. I watched my gas gauge go down to empty with the heater on, and wondered how I would keep my kids warm when the engine died. Luckily, CHP rescued us before that happened. It all came together in that moment. I needed to be comfortable again in the great outdoors. I would ALWAYS have a capable vehicle to get me there. The low point created an involuntary need to get away. I reacted like a primitive animal. I needed to escape. To connect with the great outdoors. Overland Bound was born.

I bought the FJ80, threw shit in the back, and drove into the Sierras. I was ill-prepared, but relied on what I had learned growing up. The result was absolute freedom. To this day, I do one solo trip a year. I bark at the trees, howl at the moon, and eliminate all stimulus besides me, my rig, and nature. I realized not everyone is as comfortable or knowledgeable as me in the great outdoors, and I have taken it for granted. Everyone needs to feel that connection to truly live.

I met Ms. Overland Bound, and she became a natural partner in all things adventure. She got to know me as a man who demanded this life, and loved me all the more for it (Corrie can tell you her story about her love for Overlanding.)

I want as many people as possible to experience self-sufficiency in the great outdoors. I want to make it accessible and attainable for everyone, without feeling easy. You can do it, but the very nature of existing off the grid makes us human. It should feel challenging, because it is. You can do it. Overland Bound will become as big as we can make it as a community. I believe it's possible to make a positive change in the world, and I believe we have started. I want as many people as possible to feel the freedom and self-reliance only a connection with the great outdoors can bring. Here is what Overland Bound believes:

1. Overlanding is: "Vehicle Dependent Travel". Nothing else. We will not further define "overlanding".
2. It doesn't matter what you drive: The only requirement of an overland vehicle is that it serves the job required, safely.
3. We believe a connection with the uncivilized, unpredictable, and awe-inspiring wilderness is essential to human existence. Adventure is not optional.
4. We leave it better than we found it.
5. The requirements of the trip define "Dependable", and we take that very seriously.
6. You are an Overlander. Overlanding is for everyone who has exploration and adventure in their heart, or who need to be reinvigorated by connecting with nature.
7. Nature is unforgiving. You must rise to a certain level of personal awareness to survive. Sound right? Overlanding is for you.
8. Encourage uncomplicated ventures into the great outdoors. Don't over pack.
9. Be prepared, and understand basic requirements.
10. Question folks, to be sure they are aware of what is required. Don't assume. Help.
11. Share without reservation, trip locations, and information.
12. We DO NOT engage in "this is better than that" competitions.
13. We DO give advice about how to make your vehicle ready for what you need. Share knowledge.
14. Humility. "I don't know" is a great answer.
15. We don’t brag about exploits at the expense of others.
16. We support those seeking answers, understanding we all start somewhere.
17. We engage in the smallest of interactions.
18. We have fun.

These are the core values I want Overland Bound to stand for, and I’m excited to keep spreading the word about the overlanding lifestyle. I want you to spread the word too. You are saving lives.

Thanks for being a part of this journey!

Outfit & Explore


Podcast: "The Beginning"

Hello Michael and thank you for allowing my wife and I into this new adventure. Thank you for the email however I could not find where to reply back. Just purchased a 2011 2dr rubicon and looking to do some over night ventures to start out with. Great website and love the videos!! Thank you Tim

 

[Rick Levesque]

Welcome!

I'm Michael and I accidentally created Overland Bound. I'm a backwoods country bumpkin from a town of 360 people. Seriously, my grade school was 70 kids TOTAL. My mom was the school nurse. We walked to the country store a mile away, and bought groceries "on the tab". The store owner knew the School District paid on the first of the month and my mom got paid every 30 days. It was fine. There was trust.

Now, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. To this day I do not lock my car, and we leave the front door of our home unlocked. I assume noble intent.

Growing up, my Dad was a U.S. Forest Ranger. He worked in the Sierras in the lookouts watching for forest fires. His love for the outdoors created my childhood, and natural comfort with surviving in the great outdoors. We back-packed, we went for walks to review plant names and uses. We hunted. Nature was everything.

I lost touch with this connection as I grew older. My career became my primary focus. I worked for Paramount Pictures, Electronic Arts and ran my own businesses in digital entertainment, it created a deficit that was building.

My 30s brought on marriage, 2 (awesome) kids, and then divorce. I found myself at the age of 40, divorced, My father passed at the same time, and I was unemployed. I was grasping for my roots. I took my 3 year-old son and 5 year old daughter to visit my hometown. It was a good, necessary anchor. On the drive home, my fast-paced-life-bought BMW 325i convertible got stuck in the snow. I watched my gas gauge go down to empty with the heater on, and wondered how I would keep my kids warm when the engine died. Luckily, CHP rescued us before that happened. It all came together in that moment. I needed to be comfortable again in the great outdoors. I would ALWAYS have a capable vehicle to get me there. The low point created an involuntary need to get away. I reacted like a primitive animal. I needed to escape. To connect with the great outdoors. Overland Bound was born.

I bought the FJ80, threw shit in the back, and drove into the Sierras. I was ill-prepared, but relied on what I had learned growing up. The result was absolute freedom. To this day, I do one solo trip a year. I bark at the trees, howl at the moon, and eliminate all stimulus besides me, my rig, and nature. I realized not everyone is as comfortable or knowledgeable as me in the great outdoors, and I have taken it for granted. Everyone needs to feel that connection to truly live.

I met Ms. Overland Bound, and she became a natural partner in all things adventure. She got to know me as a man who demanded this life, and loved me all the more for it (Corrie can tell you her story about her love for Overlanding.)

I want as many people as possible to experience self-sufficiency in the great outdoors. I want to make it accessible and attainable for everyone, without feeling easy. You can do it, but the very nature of existing off the grid makes us human. It should feel challenging, because it is. You can do it. Overland Bound will become as big as we can make it as a community. I believe it's possible to make a positive change in the world, and I believe we have started. I want as many people as possible to feel the freedom and self-reliance only a connection with the great outdoors can bring. Here is what Overland Bound believes:

1. Overlanding is: "Vehicle Dependent Travel". Nothing else. We will not further define "overlanding".
2. It doesn't matter what you drive: The only requirement of an overland vehicle is that it serves the job required, safely.
3. We believe a connection with the uncivilized, unpredictable, and awe-inspiring wilderness is essential to human existence. Adventure is not optional.
4. We leave it better than we found it.
5. The requirements of the trip define "Dependable", and we take that very seriously.
6. You are an Overlander. Overlanding is for everyone who has exploration and adventure in their heart, or who need to be reinvigorated by connecting with nature.
7. Nature is unforgiving. You must rise to a certain level of personal awareness to survive. Sound right? Overlanding is for you.
8. Encourage uncomplicated ventures into the great outdoors. Don't over pack.
9. Be prepared, and understand basic requirements.
10. Question folks, to be sure they are aware of what is required. Don't assume. Help.
11. Share without reservation, trip locations, and information.
12. We DO NOT engage in "this is better than that" competitions.
13. We DO give advice about how to make your vehicle ready for what you need. Share knowledge.
14. Humility. "I don't know" is a great answer.
15. We don’t brag about exploits at the expense of others.
16. We support those seeking answers, understanding we all start somewhere.
17. We engage in the smallest of interactions.
18. We have fun.

These are the core values I want Overland Bound to stand for, and I’m excited to keep spreading the word about the overlanding lifestyle. I want you to spread the word too. You are saving lives.

Thanks for being a part of this journey!

Outfit & Explore


Podcast: "The Beginning"

 

[Rick Levesque]

Great read! dare i say...inspirational....? i do!

 

[Jimmy Schantz]

Welcome!

I'm Michael and I accidentally created Overland Bound. I'm a backwoods country bumpkin from a town of 360 people. Seriously, my grade school was 70 kids TOTAL. My mom was the school nurse. We walked to the country store a mile away, and bought groceries "on the tab". The store owner knew the School District paid on the first of the month and my mom got paid every 30 days. It was fine. There was trust.

Now, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. To this day I do not lock my car, and we leave the front door of our home unlocked. I assume noble intent.

Growing up, my Dad was a U.S. Forest Ranger. He worked in the Sierras in the lookouts watching for forest fires. His love for the outdoors created my childhood, and natural comfort with surviving in the great outdoors. We back-packed, we went for walks to review plant names and uses. We hunted. Nature was everything.

I lost touch with this connection as I grew older. My career became my primary focus. I worked for Paramount Pictures, Electronic Arts and ran my own businesses in digital entertainment, it created a deficit that was building.

My 30s brought on marriage, 2 (awesome) kids, and then divorce. I found myself at the age of 40, divorced, My father passed at the same time, and I was unemployed. I was grasping for my roots. I took my 3 year-old son and 5 year old daughter to visit my hometown. It was a good, necessary anchor. On the drive home, my fast-paced-life-bought BMW 325i convertible got stuck in the snow. I watched my gas gauge go down to empty with the heater on, and wondered how I would keep my kids warm when the engine died. Luckily, CHP rescued us before that happened. It all came together in that moment. I needed to be comfortable again in the great outdoors. I would ALWAYS have a capable vehicle to get me there. The low point created an involuntary need to get away. I reacted like a primitive animal. I needed to escape. To connect with the great outdoors. Overland Bound was born.

I bought the FJ80, threw shit in the back, and drove into the Sierras. I was ill-prepared, but relied on what I had learned growing up. The result was absolute freedom. To this day, I do one solo trip a year. I bark at the trees, howl at the moon, and eliminate all stimulus besides me, my rig, and nature. I realized not everyone is as comfortable or knowledgeable as me in the great outdoors, and I have taken it for granted. Everyone needs to feel that connection to truly live.

I met Ms. Overland Bound, and she became a natural partner in all things adventure. She got to know me as a man who demanded this life, and loved me all the more for it (Corrie can tell you her story about her love for Overlanding.)

I want as many people as possible to experience self-sufficiency in the great outdoors. I want to make it accessible and attainable for everyone, without feeling easy. You can do it, but the very nature of existing off the grid makes us human. It should feel challenging, because it is. You can do it. Overland Bound will become as big as we can make it as a community. I believe it's possible to make a positive change in the world, and I believe we have started. I want as many people as possible to feel the freedom and self-reliance only a connection with the great outdoors can bring. Here is what Overland Bound believes:

1. Overlanding is: "Vehicle Dependent Travel". Nothing else. We will not further define "overlanding".
2. It doesn't matter what you drive: The only requirement of an overland vehicle is that it serves the job required, safely.
3. We believe a connection with the uncivilized, unpredictable, and awe-inspiring wilderness is essential to human existence. Adventure is not optional.
4. We leave it better than we found it.
5. The requirements of the trip define "Dependable", and we take that very seriously.
6. You are an Overlander. Overlanding is for everyone who has exploration and adventure in their heart, or who need to be reinvigorated by connecting with nature.
7. Nature is unforgiving. You must rise to a certain level of personal awareness to survive. Sound right? Overlanding is for you.
8. Encourage uncomplicated ventures into the great outdoors. Don't over pack.
9. Be prepared, and understand basic requirements.
10. Question folks, to be sure they are aware of what is required. Don't assume. Help.
11. Share without reservation, trip locations, and information.
12. We DO NOT engage in "this is better than that" competitions.
13. We DO give advice about how to make your vehicle ready for what you need. Share knowledge.
14. Humility. "I don't know" is a great answer.
15. We don’t brag about exploits at the expense of others.
16. We support those seeking answers, understanding we all start somewhere.
17. We engage in the smallest of interactions.
18. We have fun.

These are the core values I want Overland Bound to stand for, and I’m excited to keep spreading the word about the overlanding lifestyle. I want you to spread the word too. You are saving lives.

Thanks for being a part of this journey!

Outfit & Explore


Podcast: "The Beginning"

Great life experiences Michael... I really appreciate it and and it brings alot of hope.. I had a bad Marriage I caught my wife cheating on me . So I divorced her and have been struggling to get back on my feet after all the bills I got stuck with! But a good friend of mine got me in to riding horses and that turned in to great camping trips just good friends our horses and plenty of food ,beer, and great stories.. It tought me that you have to adapt to your surroundings learn to care about your fellow riding partners and the horses you rode in on. Because if you didn't take care of them they wouldn't take care of you now my love for the outdoors is grown into the Overland bound off-road vehicles I have a 2002 Jeep Wrangler that I've been working on it's not new but I depend on it and I know that I have to keep it running top or it will leave me walking and ask for friends I've met a lot of good friends along the way total lot of stories and shared a lot of laughs I agree with you and you say leave it better than you found it because the next person comes along will enjoy it.

 

[himik67]

Thanks Michael. I am excited to part of this experience.

 

[Rred]

Did some newbie exploring of the website. Watched a few of your videos. Seems like a really great organization! I'm profoundly impressed by the message that the two of you started and continue to live. I'm very happy to consider myself apart of this groupd and can not wait to get out and explore with yall!

Thanks for everything that you two have done and continue to do!

 

[fulmer.ron]

Welcome!

I'm Michael and I accidentally created Overland Bound. I'm a backwoods country bumpkin from a town of 360 people. Seriously, my grade school was 70 kids TOTAL. My mom was the school nurse. We walked to the country store a mile away, and bought groceries "on the tab". The store owner knew the School District paid on the first of the month and my mom got paid every 30 days. It was fine. There was trust.

Now, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. To this day I do not lock my car, and we leave the front door of our home unlocked. I assume noble intent.

Growing up, my Dad was a U.S. Forest Ranger. He worked in the Sierras in the lookouts watching for forest fires. His love for the outdoors created my childhood, and natural comfort with surviving in the great outdoors. We back-packed, we went for walks to review plant names and uses. We hunted. Nature was everything.

I lost touch with this connection as I grew older. My career became my primary focus. I worked for Paramount Pictures, Electronic Arts and ran my own businesses in digital entertainment, it created a deficit that was building.

My 30s brought on marriage, 2 (awesome) kids, and then divorce. I found myself at the age of 40, divorced, My father passed at the same time, and I was unemployed. I was grasping for my roots. I took my 3 year-old son and 5 year old daughter to visit my hometown. It was a good, necessary anchor. On the drive home, my fast-paced-life-bought BMW 325i convertible got stuck in the snow. I watched my gas gauge go down to empty with the heater on, and wondered how I would keep my kids warm when the engine died. Luckily, CHP rescued us before that happened. It all came together in that moment. I needed to be comfortable again in the great outdoors. I would ALWAYS have a capable vehicle to get me there. The low point created an involuntary need to get away. I reacted like a primitive animal. I needed to escape. To connect with the great outdoors. Overland Bound was born.

I bought the FJ80, threw shit in the back, and drove into the Sierras. I was ill-prepared, but relied on what I had learned growing up. The result was absolute freedom. To this day, I do one solo trip a year. I bark at the trees, howl at the moon, and eliminate all stimulus besides me, my rig, and nature. I realized not everyone is as comfortable or knowledgeable as me in the great outdoors, and I have taken it for granted. Everyone needs to feel that connection to truly live.

I met Ms. Overland Bound, and she became a natural partner in all things adventure. She got to know me as a man who demanded this life, and loved me all the more for it (Corrie can tell you her story about her love for Overlanding.)

I want as many people as possible to experience self-sufficiency in the great outdoors. I want to make it accessible and attainable for everyone, without feeling easy. You can do it, but the very nature of existing off the grid makes us human. It should feel challenging, because it is. You can do it. Overland Bound will become as big as we can make it as a community. I believe it's possible to make a positive change in the world, and I believe we have started. I want as many people as possible to feel the freedom and self-reliance only a connection with the great outdoors can bring. Here is what Overland Bound believes:

1. Overlanding is: "Vehicle Dependent Travel". Nothing else. We will not further define "overlanding".
2. It doesn't matter what you drive: The only requirement of an overland vehicle is that it serves the job required, safely.
3. We believe a connection with the uncivilized, unpredictable, and awe-inspiring wilderness is essential to human existence. Adventure is not optional.
4. We leave it better than we found it.
5. The requirements of the trip define "Dependable", and we take that very seriously.
6. You are an Overlander. Overlanding is for everyone who has exploration and adventure in their heart, or who need to be reinvigorated by connecting with nature.
7. Nature is unforgiving. You must rise to a certain level of personal awareness to survive. Sound right? Overlanding is for you.
8. Encourage uncomplicated ventures into the great outdoors. Don't over pack.
9. Be prepared, and understand basic requirements.
10. Question folks, to be sure they are aware of what is required. Don't assume. Help.
11. Share without reservation, trip locations, and information.
12. We DO NOT engage in "this is better than that" competitions.
13. We DO give advice about how to make your vehicle ready for what you need. Share knowledge.
14. Humility. "I don't know" is a great answer.
15. We don’t brag about exploits at the expense of others.
16. We support those seeking answers, understanding we all start somewhere.
17. We engage in the smallest of interactions.
18. We have fun.

These are the core values I want Overland Bound to stand for, and I’m excited to keep spreading the word about the overlanding lifestyle. I want you to spread the word too. You are saving lives.

Thanks for being a part of this journey!

Outfit & Explore


Podcast: "The Beginning"

Michael you and I have a very similar story. As I too was part of the entertainment industry in the Bay Area tern and burn mentality. There is something about the Bay that if you are not careful, it can suck the life out of you. Before you know it five or 15 years have gone by and the intended short-term sacrifices have become your new routine. I am a huge outdoorsman and need to be in nature. I still find myself trying to balance the life of a product manager in the Bay Area with my need to explore. On that note, my wife and I will be joining the group for Rally West 2018 this year. We look forward to meeting you all as this will be our first outing with the group.

 

[Tupenny]

This is exactly what I have searched for. I grew up outdoors, in the woods, mountains, always exploring and being fascinated. The older I became, the less connection I had, the more time spent indoors, under deadlines, schedules, meetings... Now I am reconnecting. Getting back to what is really important.

Thank you for sharing this.

 

[Roam_CO85]

I am really excited to be apart of overland bound. The core values and excitement of it all. Very intriguing to see so many people interested in this outting

 

[Imjoshhawkins]

Well done,
This is a great community and I’m glad to see someone is bringing it together with a solid platform

 

[FalconFixer91]

Welcome!

I'm Michael and I accidentally created Overland Bound. I'm a backwoods country bumpkin from a town of 360 people. Seriously, my grade school was 70 kids TOTAL. My mom was the school nurse. We walked to the country store a mile away, and bought groceries "on the tab". The store owner knew the School District paid on the first of the month and my mom got paid every 30 days. It was fine. There was trust.

Now, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. To this day I do not lock my car, and we leave the front door of our home unlocked. I assume noble intent.

Growing up, my Dad was a U.S. Forest Ranger. He worked in the Sierras in the lookouts watching for forest fires. His love for the outdoors created my childhood, and natural comfort with surviving in the great outdoors. We back-packed, we went for walks to review plant names and uses. We hunted. Nature was everything.

I lost touch with this connection as I grew older. My career became my primary focus. I worked for Paramount Pictures, Electronic Arts and ran my own businesses in digital entertainment, it created a deficit that was building.

My 30s brought on marriage, 2 (awesome) kids, and then divorce. I found myself at the age of 40, divorced, My father passed at the same time, and I was unemployed. I was grasping for my roots. I took my 3 year-old son and 5 year old daughter to visit my hometown. It was a good, necessary anchor. On the drive home, my fast-paced-life-bought BMW 325i convertible got stuck in the snow. I watched my gas gauge go down to empty with the heater on, and wondered how I would keep my kids warm when the engine died. Luckily, CHP rescued us before that happened. It all came together in that moment. I needed to be comfortable again in the great outdoors. I would ALWAYS have a capable vehicle to get me there. The low point created an involuntary need to get away. I reacted like a primitive animal. I needed to escape. To connect with the great outdoors. Overland Bound was born.

I bought the FJ80, threw shit in the back, and drove into the Sierras. I was ill-prepared, but relied on what I had learned growing up. The result was absolute freedom. To this day, I do one solo trip a year. I bark at the trees, howl at the moon, and eliminate all stimulus besides me, my rig, and nature. I realized not everyone is as comfortable or knowledgeable as me in the great outdoors, and I have taken it for granted. Everyone needs to feel that connection to truly live.

I met Ms. Overland Bound, and she became a natural partner in all things adventure. She got to know me as a man who demanded this life, and loved me all the more for it (Corrie can tell you her story about her love for Overlanding.)

I want as many people as possible to experience self-sufficiency in the great outdoors. I want to make it accessible and attainable for everyone, without feeling easy. You can do it, but the very nature of existing off the grid makes us human. It should feel challenging, because it is. You can do it. Overland Bound will become as big as we can make it as a community. I believe it's possible to make a positive change in the world, and I believe we have started. I want as many people as possible to feel the freedom and self-reliance only a connection with the great outdoors can bring. Here is what Overland Bound believes:

1. Overlanding is: "Vehicle Dependent Travel". Nothing else. We will not further define "overlanding".
2. It doesn't matter what you drive: The only requirement of an overland vehicle is that it serves the job required, safely.
3. We believe a connection with the uncivilized, unpredictable, and awe-inspiring wilderness is essential to human existence. Adventure is not optional.
4. We leave it better than we found it.
5. The requirements of the trip define "Dependable", and we take that very seriously.
6. You are an Overlander. Overlanding is for everyone who has exploration and adventure in their heart, or who need to be reinvigorated by connecting with nature.
7. Nature is unforgiving. You must rise to a certain level of personal awareness to survive. Sound right? Overlanding is for you.
8. Encourage uncomplicated ventures into the great outdoors. Don't over pack.
9. Be prepared, and understand basic requirements.
10. Question folks, to be sure they are aware of what is required. Don't assume. Help.
11. Share without reservation, trip locations, and information.
12. We DO NOT engage in "this is better than that" competitions.
13. We DO give advice about how to make your vehicle ready for what you need. Share knowledge.
14. Humility. "I don't know" is a great answer.
15. We don’t brag about exploits at the expense of others.
16. We support those seeking answers, understanding we all start somewhere.
17. We engage in the smallest of interactions.
18. We have fun.

These are the core values I want Overland Bound to stand for, and I’m excited to keep spreading the word about the overlanding lifestyle. I want you to spread the word too. You are saving lives.

Thanks for being a part of this journey!

Outfit & Explore


Podcast: "The Beginning"

 

[FalconFixer91]

I just joined this afternoon. I appreciate your mission and agree with all that you wrote and said .

 

[KDC]

Love those values and the story. I'm most looking forward to getting that freedom back and being once again at my roots in nature like it was when I was growing up.

 

[KIngSparta]

Michael, family & members...

I consider discovering Overland Bound a bit of good fortune. I'm new to being active on a forum / blog / community... (not sure what you call this here) but I'm all in on the core principles. Looking forward to learning, sharing and experiencing more.

Cheers all

 

[Michael]

Michael, family & members...

I consider discovering Overland Bound a bit of good fortune. I'm new to being active on a forum / blog / community... (not sure what you call this here) but I'm all in on the core principles. Looking forward to learning, sharing and experiencing more.

Cheers all

Very glad to hear! Welcome to the crew! Please let us know any questions you have!

 

[307 Expedition]

I'm glad you accidentally created Overland Bound. Watching the videos on YouTube are great. I am just getting started in overlanding so it has been great to watch your adventures and rig walk-around videos. I plan to do my overlanding part in Wyoming. A beautiful state with my places to see and record for others to see as well.

Thanks Michael.

Paul

 

[DCHFJ60]

Thanks Michael,

I stumbled on this site while looking for something for my FJ60. After reading that post, I started to look at this site and liked what I saw.
While my wife is absolutely not into overlanding or exploring at all, she is supportive of me keeping my adventurous side.
I overland still simply to get away from the city (I do not life in a big town now, but close enough to DC to not like it)
Similar to you I grew up in a small town. More importantly my Dad loved the outdoors and not being stuck in town if possible. That passed to me and I like to get away whenever I can.

I am looking forward to contributing whenever I can

 

[T.Shack]

I wish it was just around the corner! its only about a 21 hour drive for me to get out near joshua tree :(

28+ hours to get to san fran too

I Love the Joshua Tree area! I grew up camping out the with my parents, sister in the family Apachy tent trailer & at times other family's. Wonderful times & memorys!

 

[Fozzy325]

Welcome!

I'm Michael and I accidentally created Overland Bound. I'm a backwoods country bumpkin from a town of 360 people. Seriously, my grade school was 70 kids TOTAL. My mom was the school nurse. We walked to the country store a mile away, and bought groceries "on the tab". The store owner knew the School District paid on the first of the month and my mom got paid every 30 days. It was fine. There was trust.

Now, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. To this day I do not lock my car, and we leave the front door of our home unlocked. I assume noble intent.

Growing up, my Dad was a U.S. Forest Ranger. He worked in the Sierras in the lookouts watching for forest fires. His love for the outdoors created my childhood, and natural comfort with surviving in the great outdoors. We back-packed, we went for walks to review plant names and uses. We hunted. Nature was everything.

I lost touch with this connection as I grew older. My career became my primary focus. I worked for Paramount Pictures, Electronic Arts and ran my own businesses in digital entertainment, it created a deficit that was building.

My 30s brought on marriage, 2 (awesome) kids, and then divorce. I found myself at the age of 40, divorced, My father passed at the same time, and I was unemployed. I was grasping for my roots. I took my 3 year-old son and 5 year old daughter to visit my hometown. It was a good, necessary anchor. On the drive home, my fast-paced-life-bought BMW 325i convertible got stuck in the snow. I watched my gas gauge go down to empty with the heater on, and wondered how I would keep my kids warm when the engine died. Luckily, CHP rescued us before that happened. It all came together in that moment. I needed to be comfortable again in the great outdoors. I would ALWAYS have a capable vehicle to get me there. The low point created an involuntary need to get away. I reacted like a primitive animal. I needed to escape. To connect with the great outdoors. Overland Bound was born.

I bought the FJ80, threw shit in the back, and drove into the Sierras. I was ill-prepared, but relied on what I had learned growing up. The result was absolute freedom. To this day, I do one solo trip a year. I bark at the trees, howl at the moon, and eliminate all stimulus besides me, my rig, and nature. I realized not everyone is as comfortable or knowledgeable as me in the great outdoors, and I have taken it for granted. Everyone needs to feel that connection to truly live.

I met Ms. Overland Bound, and she became a natural partner in all things adventure. She got to know me as a man who demanded this life, and loved me all the more for it (Corrie can tell you her story about her love for Overlanding.)

I want as many people as possible to experience self-sufficiency in the great outdoors. I want to make it accessible and attainable for everyone, without feeling easy. You can do it, but the very nature of existing off the grid makes us human. It should feel challenging, because it is. You can do it. Overland Bound will become as big as we can make it as a community. I believe it's possible to make a positive change in the world, and I believe we have started. I want as many people as possible to feel the freedom and self-reliance only a connection with the great outdoors can bring. Here is what Overland Bound believes:

1. Overlanding is: "Vehicle Dependent Travel". Nothing else. We will not further define "overlanding".
2. It doesn't matter what you drive: The only requirement of an overland vehicle is that it serves the job required, safely.
3. We believe a connection with the uncivilized, unpredictable, and awe-inspiring wilderness is essential to human existence. Adventure is not optional.
4. We leave it better than we found it.
5. The requirements of the trip define "Dependable", and we take that very seriously.
6. You are an Overlander. Overlanding is for everyone who has exploration and adventure in their heart, or who need to be reinvigorated by connecting with nature.
7. Nature is unforgiving. You must rise to a certain level of personal awareness to survive. Sound right? Overlanding is for you.
8. Encourage uncomplicated ventures into the great outdoors. Don't over pack.
9. Be prepared, and understand basic requirements.
10. Question folks, to be sure they are aware of what is required. Don't assume. Help.
11. Share without reservation, trip locations, and information.
12. We DO NOT engage in "this is better than that" competitions.
13. We DO give advice about how to make your vehicle ready for what you need. Share knowledge.
14. Humility. "I don't know" is a great answer.
15. We don’t brag about exploits at the expense of others.
16. We support those seeking answers, understanding we all start somewhere.
17. We engage in the smallest of interactions.
18. We have fun.

These are the core values I want Overland Bound to stand for, and I’m excited to keep spreading the word about the overlanding lifestyle. I want you to spread the word too. You are saving lives.

Thanks for being a part of this journey!

Outfit & Explore


Podcast: "The Beginning"

Great message. You are trying to teach Humility, Communication and Networking. It's very rare now days... Well done

 

[Mike 56]

Great story Michael, Thanks for creating this web site! Thanks for letting me join and be part of the experience.