Update: This adventure has come to a close. This map will remain to show where I journeyed.
View The Road Chose Me: 50,000kms of ebb and flow in a larger map
AUSTRALIA EXPEDITION:
Starting soon!!
Starting soon!!
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2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Willys 4x4 :: Featured Classified - Expedition Portal says:
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Dan is an outdoor adventure kind of guy who believes dreams are meant to be lived.
I've set out to drive my Jeep Wrangler 80,000 miles in a circumnavigation of the African continent.
Read the announcement
Here on The Road Chose Me you can read all about my ongoing adventure, see my photos and watch my videos.
You can also read back through my 40,000 mile, 22 month adventure in a Jeep Wrangler through 17 countries from Alaska to Argentina.
How do I afford all this?
What about Travel Insurance?
Dan is an outdoor adventure kind of guy who believes dreams are meant to be lived.
I've set out to drive my Jeep Wrangler 80,000 miles in a circumnavigation of the African continent.
Read the announcement
Here on The Road Chose Me you can read all about my ongoing adventure, see my photos and watch my videos.
You can also read back through my 40,000 mile, 22 month adventure in a Jeep Wrangler through 17 countries from Alaska to Argentina.
How do I afford all this?
What about Travel Insurance?
Just found this bit. I’m pleased you added it. I’m going to get a display going at work with your posts and a map and stuff…after the summer holidays that is!
Wicked!
Just found your blog today. Awesome idea! I printed out the map above and like Liz, posted it on the office wall. I am a cop with the NYPD and all the cops in the office are following your adventure, living vicariously through you. Thank you for taking us out of Manhattan! Go! Dan! Go!
Hey man – thanks for taking the time to post comments on my site – it really makes me smile when I get feedback that what I’m doing is appreciated.
I hope I can inspire everyone in your office to live their dreams!
Well, you have inspired me. I retire in 7 years and always wanted to drive across country from New York to Alaska in a Jeep Wrangler. Thanks to your blog, I now added the Magic Bus and kayaking among glaciers. Thank you so much..I hope you blog often!
I just found your blog, and had to read back through the whole thing to catch up. WOW! What an amazing adventure. I do envy you.
I found your blog on another site and you have inspired me to go Alaska next year and I want to see the Magic Bus.. And to live the life I’ve always wanted to. Thank you Dan
Bill
I always said if I could inspire one person to live their dreams my whole trip would be worth it.
Thank you!
When you head off I’d love to hear where you go and what you find.
What an incredible adventure. My buddies in Chicago are looking forward to tracking your journey, too. If you haven’t made your way north to resume your journey, you should check out McCarthy and Kennicott in Wrangel-St. Elias National Park. Very cool place. Good luck!
Hey Dan…
…good to meet you in Carcross, I am the guy with the BMW GS from San Diego. Hope you are doing well, read some of your posts… good reading. When you are coming through San Diego later than August, look me up.
Take care and have fun
Ralf
Sweet Ralf – I will get in contact with you.
Ride safe!
Hey thanks for having your latest location in red. Pretty cool to look at the map and see where you are…and at the same time, see where you have been.
It was a good suggestion, I like it too
looks like you’ve put down a few miles already buddy. good luck, safe travels, and see you soon!
I’m having the time of my life no dobut. And amd pumped to catch up with you soon !
Hey Dan,
Watched “Into the wild” yesterday and came across your blog. Its Awesome.
I am from India and visited US 4 /5 times before.
Probably in my next trip, I definitely will try to make it to Alaska….
Good luck
Amit
Amit,
You should get up to Alaska for sure, it truly is amazing.
looks like you’re getting pretty close to the border man. i did just start a new job so the more notice on when you’ll be in portland the better. see you soon brother!
hello . i found your blog through wikipedia looking for a biography of mc.candless . just clicked on the link and came here. and i read you were going all the way through to tierra del fuego. i live in argentina. what you are doing seems like a very interesting experience. wish you the best in your trip.
nicole.
Hey Nicole, I’m glad you found me
I’m getting really excited to see the countries in South America, it’s going to be life changing for sure.
AH your no longer in Canada
Good Luck!
I am right now…..
woah, we are speechless. watched the film a couple of months back, ever since we have been inspired to go travelling…therefore we are saving like there’s no tomorrow, planning to set off after our wedding in march, we will ensure we pay a visit to the magic bus and hope to keep in touch. glad to know there are others out there finding there own way through the different paths of life and what this world holds for us. happy travels, stacey & grant…soon to be mr & mrs
Hey guys, congrats on the wedding!
I wish you all the best on your travels and your journey to get to the bus and beyond!
I’d love to hear where you choose to go and what you see & do along the way!
Dan,
I am planning on making the trip you are doing, so I will be watching very closely. I am not making mine for some time yet as I need to plan and save the money and get other people that want to go involved. Keep me updated on costs and everything…I am particularly interested in how you will get across the Darien Gap
Dan,
Nice going man…you are doing what I am planning to do in a few years myself…I will be following your trip closely to see how you get down there and back agian. though I will be coming across the states from NY when I make the trip. You will have to deffinitly post some detail on how you get across the Darien Gap in Panama, the only 54 Miles with no roadway to follow. From what I understand on my research, you will have to either take a boat or plane to your next point on the trip once you get to Panama.
Hey Don, I’ll be posting lots about the Darien Gap for sure.
My current plan is a container ship for the Jeep and a plane ticket for me, but anything could happen…
Dan,
Yea, i am looking into it myself, if i can travel with my Jeep, i would like to. I’m patiently awaiting your arrival to the Darian
I’ve talked to many people that have done it with vehicles and motorbikes – it’s very doable.
Hey Dan, I just looked at this part of the site and I love the map! Now I can tell where you are! Hey my aunt and uncle live in Washington if you need a place to stay. They’re great and would love to meet the Australian side of the family!
Take care
Jen
Hi Dan, just checking out what you are up to. Some amazing trip you are doing….what an experience.
We have just spent 3 months in Nth Queensland doing the Cape York trip and Outback Qld…great time.
Say hi to Mike if he is still with you.
Mike and Cheryl
Hey guys, great to hear from you. Dad said you were planning some pretty full-on 4x4ing up there. Nice one. I certainly am having a great time, seeing and doing everything on offer. Thanks for the support
Watching my phone buddy, hope to here from you in the next day or two… Either way best travels and best of luck!
Dan,
I was bummed to hear that you made it back into Oregon and I wasnt there to see ya. Its been way to long since I saw you last, and we surfed shortsands. So Jolene put me on to your web site, and I must say; amazing. What a great adventure. I hope the hot spings was good to you, and gave your soul some rejuvination. I know it always does for me. Im kinda on one myself right now. But nowhere as exciting as yours must be. I cant wait to read more about your trip. It will help me take my mind off this terrible place im at. I hope once you get done and I get back you make your way back thru portland. I miss your evervecence and happieness you always show. talk to you later brotha. your friend, Joe
Joe – wicked to hear from you man – we just had a wicked time at Bagby and Jolene filled me in on all your news.
Keep you head up man and your eyes open, you’re in an amazing place in the world right now and there is so much you can learn and bring back with you. Take care of yourself and Jolene too.
Dan you are an amazing person. May your travels be great and many. I hope our lives paths cross again. Thank you for your words they ment more than you will ever know.
Jolene – Same goes for you, on all counts. Thank you
Dan- your sister teaches me and we are all very proud of your adventures. I am 9 3/4 years.
Hey Mairead – great to hear from you. I hope you guys get some inspiration from my adventures and plan some yourselves!
hey man. if you are in the mid west (Wyoming) and you run into troulbes or need a place to crash I got a lot of family out there. If you get to south eastern wyoming you should hike larmie peak. its a beautiful hike. let me know if you get down in that area and I will hook you up. Keep moving
Jolene
Thanks for the offer, I’ll keep it in mind
just wanted to say hey i was at the hot spings by lowman. You were taking pics got your web site from your jeep, anyway just wanted to say hi.
Hey Charles – good to hear from you. You’ll have to be a little more specific on which hot spring – I’ve been to about eight in 2 days now
Just surfing the net and came across your blog. Excellent photos, concepts, and most of all, your journey. I’ve never been to Alaska but have traveled Central and South America extensively. I look forward to reading what you encounter next.
Peace bro
William – glad you found me man, hope you enjoy my stories.
Hey Dan,
Just checking and saying Hi! Miss ya buddy and go fight a bear and live to tell your story, i’ll be waiting.
Melissa
I’m kidna out of bear country now. My guidebook said to watch out for rattlesnakes and I’m a little disappointed to have not seen one yet 😀
I hope things are going great back there.. snow must be coming soon I’ll bet. I heard it’s a beautiful fall again like last year.
Kirkam Hot Springs Falls. I WAS THE BALD GUY, AND MY FIEND CLIFF THE ONE WITH THE TYE DYE SHIRT.
Sweet Charles, I’m glad you stopped by.
Hi, i just wanted to tell you that what you are doing is really cool, and i actually always wanted to travel around the world and i hope i get to do it someday. i would really like to meet people like you to give me advices and stories and stuff.
when you are in Argentina let me know!
good luck
Hey Mariana – I’d love to chat to you about travel ling the world, basically my favorite topic. I’ll fire you an email when I’m in Argentina (it still blows my mind to actually think that…)
awesome, do that!
lately its been more on my mind than ever before im just at a poit in my life where i have no idea what to do and if i had some money i would just go and travel but i dont..
but oh well, shit that you dont want to know
so yeah, let me know when you’re here and have fun fun fun!!
Mariana – There is no doubt that money buys options in this world. I saved for over 2 years for this trip, which shows where there is a will there is a way. Start saving money now! Even if it’s just a little bit you’ll find a way to make your trip cheaper and you’ll be able to head off much sooner than you think!
Trust me, it’s worth it.
Dan, you gonna head through Phoenix? to Nogales? Where do you cross the border? Just curious. I am in Phoenix about once a month and I don’t recommend it. Actually just got back monday evening.
Hey Nashville – no, I won’t be in Phoenix. I’ll cross at Tijuana so I can head straight down Baja California. Thanks for the advice.
Dan – Please be very careful while in Mexico, especially in Tijuana, but I guess you know this. Baja is pretty desolate down to the tip, not sure if I’d even bother driving down Baja just to have to turn around and come back up. But, sounds like you have a plan.
I am sure many of us following your journey will be waiting for updates as you travel through central and south america just to make sure you make it safely.
Good Luck and Safe Travels.
Mike – Thanks for the concern, I certainly plan on being very careful. Once I cross the border I’ll put in a big day of driving to get as far south as possible. The border towns are trouble and not worth it, I’m told. Also, when I get to the bottom of Baja I have no intention of driving all the way north again 😉
You are amazing! What an inspiration. Good luck on your travels. Enjoy life to the fullest. Peace.
Thanks for the well wishes Chelsea!
What you doing…is actually something ive been thinking to do for the past few months. I used to travel a ton when i was 16/17/18 (been in Europe, Asia, Oceania and some Africa)…but after that obligations along with work, etc..has been the main reason to hold all that stuff.
Now…7 years later and with the world completely changed im thinking to do it again…but since im from Argentina…im thinking to go from Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego) to Alaska.
Good luck and keep it up.
Hernan
Hey Hernan – thanks for the encouragement & I wholeheartedly think you should make another big trip if that’s what you want to do. Good luck.
Hi Dan, congratulations on your trip! What an amazing story! I live in Panama so if you need anything while traveling through my country, let me know. Good luck!
Thanks for the offer Holly! I can’t wait to get there
Hi Dan- Great meeting you in San Diego, such a rad time! Love your blogs.
Hope you and the Dukester have a wicked trip through Mexico and you two don’t get into any trouble with your Spanish! Buena suerte!
Can’t wait to hear about the rest of your travels!
-Cheryl
Hey Cheryl, great to hear from you. Thanks for the kind words of encouragement, we really are having a great time. Live it!
Dan! simply lovely. I stumbled upon your site and felt the need to leave a comment. I love that your out living your dreams, It seems (to me at least) that most people get so caught up in what others believe dreams/success should be, that they forget to look inside themselves and find their own. I hope to be setting out on my own travels soon. Was the magic bus as great as I build it up to be in my head? A while back before I’d even heard of Alex SuperTramp I was plotting my own adventure and then as if attracted to my state of mind Chris McCandless’s story found me. It inspired me even more to set out and take what I want from life. Well I hope you can make at least a bit of sense out of this rambling and I wish you luck on your adventures!
“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”
— Chris McCandless
Eva – Im really glad you decided to leave a comment.
That is the best McCandless quote I have ever seen. I agree so much that it feels like something I would be proud to say.
Im reading Walden right now and its clearly inspired from that.
For me, at least, the magic bus was a very amazing place. Curretly its the highlight of a 20,000km journey if that tells you anything
Please feel free to share your thoughts here anytime you like
Hey Dan,
Pretty cool site. I wish now that I would have done what you’re doing after college. But in retrospect, I feel like my life is playing out amazingly as is. I share the adventurous spirit and my husband and I have sworn to take an adventurous vacation every single year. Next year we’re taking two weeks to do the backcountry in Italy. I can hardly wait. Our friends and family have a hard time understanding why we save up for these weird trips (we did athens and santorini the year before) but we both feel that we want to experience the world. Chris got it. Thank you Eva for sharing that quote.
Listen, there’s so many different areas to visit. It seems that you like sticking to North America, so I’ll just list a few. I’ve always wanted to live in an Amish community for a couple weeks. That would be pretty neat. And you’re in the right area for it too. Hiking the appalacian trail is pretty amazing too (although i only did 20 miles of it). What about some of the islands off of GA? If you’re headed back to Cali, North side towards Oregon there’s a great place called Albion. Fantastic tide pooling. You could also try wake kiting in Michigan, or Oklahoma, I know some people do it up in Oklahoma City.
Regardless of your next destination be safe and happy travels!
Thanks for leaving a comment Michelle. It sounds like you and your husband have a pretty awesome work/life balance sorted out. I was just having this conversation last night with another traveler – getting the balance just right is something I’m still working on.
So far this adventure I’ve been through North America, but now that I’m continuing south things are really getting interesting. Mexico is a beautiful place full of friendly, happy people. I really like it here. I’ll be writing more about it very soon
how long until you get down to argentinaaaaa i really need someone to talk to about life and traveling 😛
haha Mariana, something tells me it’s going to be a little while. Mexico is great!
bah, you’ll like argentina so much you will stay 😛
That is certainly possible
Hey Dan! Been following you on your site for a bit and finally decieded I’d comment. Im originally from Fairbanks, AK but currently go to school in Reno, NV and just wanted to say thanks for inspiring me to start saving for my own travels. Hope your journey brings you many more experiences and chances to make new friends! Best wishes and safe travels!
Hey Doreena – thanks for taking the time to comment, I love hearing from people. Any plans on where you might travel to when the time comes? The more I think about it the more my head spins with the possabilities
Good luck with travel planning!
hi dan. im a student from your sister miss grec’s class. i hope you make it to where you want to go!
from john.
Hey John – thanks for the comment and the well wishes. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, so far so good!
Hey Bear
Still thinking of you and still reading. Your making good tracks with that jeep and it’s still holding up! Good for TJ and you too
We got some awesome snow out here and heading out to golden this weekend, I’ll have a good run for ya!
Take care and since I won’t see you in Jan well see you another time!
Cheers
Melissa
I heard it’s dumping out that way – my brother was hiking for a month before Whitewater opened.
The Jeep is going great, as am I. It’s 35 or 40 deg every single day, I’m trying hard to avoid sunburn with all the swimming I’m doing.
Enjoy that white stuff
Hey Dan! hope you’re having fun, if you were in Argentina me and my boyfriend would try to teach you some spanish 😛
hopefully when you get here you already know lots of spanish…
have you tried couchsurfing?
oh and if you’re coming over here on winter and to like patagonia or bariloche its gonna be EXPENSIVE! i don’t know what kind of money you’ve got but…be warned.
hope you trip keeps going well, be careful but dont be scared, if you look scared its worts, just relax, but be careful and keep having fun!
besy wishes… see you..someday
Thanks Mariana! I signed up for couchsurfing, but have no used it yet. I’m currently volunteering at an English school and having a great time. I am learning Spanish on the side too. I’ll keep in mind how expensive Patagonia will be, thanks.
I’m slowly working on the not being scared bit.. I’m getting more comfortable every day.
I just found your site, man you have gone far! … I’ll be sure to keep reading …
Wicked Chris, happy to have you on board!
It’s me again ( I’ve post on the Magic bus trek), You going all the way to the south?! In Brazil let me know! If I’m not seting sail, I’ll be glad to meet to you ! Good luck on your trip!
Hey Jana – thanks for the hospitality – I’ll be sure to look you up when I am down that way
Hello:
I talked to you on Isla Mujeres at the Pocna Hostel. Keep it up man! Good luck! Where are you off to next?
Hey Brandon, thanks for stopping by! I am heading south, down to Belize before moving across to Guatemala. What about you?
Well done Dan. Still trekkin I see. I need to do a trip like this.
You bet man, it’s been amazing!
Dan,
I hope alls well and that your trip is better everyday. I am currently bedridden with permanent nerve damage in my lower back. I hope and pray one day I can get back into backpacking. I have always dreamed of doing a forrest gump on a bicycle from coast to coast. God willing one day it will happen.
God Bless you and your trip,
Jason
Jason, I’m sorry to hear about your current situation. I really hope there is a road to recovery there – I’m sure you’ll find a way.
When you do, I’d love to hear about your Forest Gump adventure! and remember it doesn’t count without a stupidly big beard!
All the best, get well soon.
Hi Dan!
Remember me? We did a little bit of traveling ourselves a few years back….nothing like what you’re doing now, but it was terrific fun all the same!
I’m living in Oz, have been for 4 years now. I’m engaged to an Ozzie….what ever have I done? When you get back we’ll have to have an East coast road trip 2004 reunion in Melbourne with Mr Lester.
You look like you’re having the time of your life and seeing the most incredible things, I’m very jealous.
All the best.
Dinah
Hey Dinah! I can’t believe you found my site – it’s so great to hear from you.
Whenever I recommend to people where they should go in Oz I remember great memories of the trip the three of us shared. Man we had a good time. It’s a little similar here with the hot weather and white sand beaches.
You live in Oz now? where exactly? and engaded to a Auzzie? haha, crazy!
I’m sure we’ll see each other down the road somewhere.
All the best to you!
-Dan
Hey Dan,
Just got all caught up on your trip, you were about 3 weeks ahead of me, but I just tell myself we were at the same place just different times
Officially a Mrs now and loving every bit of it. Had such a blast at Coba, Cozumel and everywhere in between, we rented a Jeep at in Cozumel and I told myself I needed to take a picture for you but we totally lost track of time, next time!
We got your post card right before we left so thanks for that! Send me one when your ready to head home.
-Cheers
Melissa
Awesome! So happy to hear you had a great time & are enjoying married life!
We were really close to meeting up and I would have loved to have been there.
I’m certain I’ll see you guys again, no doubt about it!
-Dan
Howdy Dan,
I’ve been returning from time to time to follow you on your adventure……I’m on pins and needles waiting to read about how you cross the gap. I want to hear who you have to bribe. What illegal materials ride along with you to SA. Where they drop you off and how much paperwork you have to fill out.
That’s a bummer about the computer, but at least you managed to fix her up in a pretty timely manner. Have you picked up much Spanish since you’ve been south of the border??
I was thinking I would send along my friend’s High School classes list of South American challenges for you to give a go while you’re there, but I’ve momentarily lost them. I remember “eat chili in Chile” and “Swim in the Amazon without getting a parasite.” Those both seem rather doable.
Mike (AKA – the guy with the small finger that doesn’t work)
Hey Mike,
Great to hear from you man. I checkout your site from time to time too
My Spanish is getting a lot better now. I can understand most things and easily get by. Every now and then I can have a casual conversation with someone about my trip or where they live, etc.
For sure send along the South America list, I’ll give it my best
I found it!!
I could have sworn I replied to this a few days ago – but sometimes my absent-mindedness or make-believe activities prevail.
First, I wanted to remind you that the Spanish you’re going to want to know is this:
Mis padres no me aman. No van a pagar el rescate.
That’s sure to get you out of a jam or two. What I should have known, or rather, I should have had the sense to say since I knew it is “No mis dedos.”
As you’re going to notice many of these challenges involve alpacas. I think it’s safe to assume that if you attempt or complete any of the challenges below it is enhanced by the accompaniment of said animal.
Good luck and have fun. Keep living the life.
————————————————
Not necessary to complete in this order….
Bathe in the Amazon (but do not get a parasite)
Have a fresh cup of Colombian coffee
Go to Carnival in Rio
Go to a soccer game in Brazil (but do not die in a riot)
Visit the ancient ruins of the Incan city Machu Picchu
Stand on the equator
Find penguins at the southern tip of Argentina
Ride an alpaca
Shear an alpaca
Eat chili in Chile
Learn five new swear words and say them to people
Spelunking
Go to a beach in Argentina
Helicopter tour of the Nazca Lines
Go to Lake Titicaca
Visit the Galapagos Islands (swim with iguanas)
Visit Iguaçu Falls, if possible kayak or barrel roll down them
Visit the Patagonia glaciers
Meet a gaucho
Eat a guinea pig (Jess Baran highly disapproves of this)
Eat world’s hottest pepper from Chile
Hey buddy,
Awesome list!. I estimate I am going to do about half to three quarters of those things anyway, now I have some motivation to do more crazy stuff
My head is really beginning to swim with the realization I’ll soon be in South America.. the dream is really coming true
If you ever want to come down and meet me somewhere, the Jeep has two seats 😉
Take care Mike,
-Dan
That’s awesome Dan. At least now you know that when you are completing 1/2 to 3/4 of these tasks that you should include an alpaca in your endeavors. I’m sure they can be found wandering aimlessly just about anywhere amongst the South American country side. Or you’ll just have to capture one to be your personal pet and put that fuzzy little bugger in the co-pilot’s seat. I’m sure it’d come in handy on more than one occasion – especially when you’re bumming around the Andes. It’d be a traveling sustainable sweater/scarf or whatever else you can make out of that alpaca hair. I’m going to talk to my buddy back home and have him get you some Brown Deer High School (the school of the kids who came up with these challenges) swag – maybe a hoodie or some mesh shorts?
Thanks for the offer of the spare seat in the Jeep (and congratulations on the publication!). You have no idea how badly I’d like to join you. Wait, actually, you probably have a pretty good idea since you are the one living it. I still get pretty amped just thinking about what you’re doing. I may take you up on that some day…….but first, I have to get where your trip started, Alaska!
Mike
Haha, Hey Mike.
Glad to hear you’re still traveling around – you’re going to love Alaska.
An alpaca might just be the little something I’ve been looking for.
Maybe I could train him to stand on the hood in a proud stance like a hood ornament?
Might make a good alarm system too. 😀
Good luck buddy, I plan on writing about your list and my achievements on it soon.
-Dan
Hi Dan :
I´m here in Panama trying to share a container with someone so I can send my truck to Colombia.
It´s not easy to find someone to share a container with, and a 20 ft container costs about $1200 or so, but my truck does not fit in one of those. A 40 ft container just for my truck costs $1666, but if I share it with someone the price would be $950 each with the Barwill Company. If you get here soon hopefully we can share a container, or if you know someone else that needs to ship their vehicle to Colombia that would be a great help.
Thank you,
Gaby.
Hey Gabby, thanks for the message. You should checkout Seaboard Marine, I think their prices are a little lower ($1400 solo and $850 shared) I’ve also heard nothing but great things about them. I think it will be about 2 weeks before I’m in Panama City looking to ship, if you can wait that long I’d be very very happy to share with you.
-Dan