Brian and Lindsay
Name and age: Brian Ronstadt, 30 and Lindsay Madson, 26
Hometown: Portland, Oregon, USA!
When did you leave and from where? Left Portland on Sept 15th, 2011
Reason for taking this trip:
We wanted to do something really big, an adventure that would change our lives. We wanted to explore and see and witness things that are definitely off the pavement of typical American experience. We reminded ourselves that this wasn't going to come to us- we had to go and get it!
Why did you decide to drive?
The journey, not the destination! The means, not the end! ....and we picked up a sweet 94 Econoline with a fold down bed for $1800.
Are you also taking along pets?
We wish, but Ruka & Rosie are staying in the states.
What type of car are you driving?
1994 Ford Econoline w/ Starcraft upfit. Did you make any modifications to your car for this trip? We removed the center seats and tv/vcr unit(sad, i know) and built a custom cabinet for storage and organization. We also built a 10'' bed extender at the rear of the van. We made sure all the maintenance was done and packed up filters, oil, parts, etc for the inevitable road wear and tear.
How did you save up or finance your trip?
We both made sacrifices & watched the pennies add up! We are lucky enough to be in two fairly well paying fields & for the last year, paying off debt and saving for the trip was our top priority.
How long do you plan on traveling?
5-7 months. Longer if we want! pretty open ended.. Where do you plan on driving? The bottom! Patagonia! We've got our crosshairs on Ushuaia, but are more focused on the travel between here and there.
What were your family’s and friends’ reactions when you told them about your trip before you left?
Panic! Excitement! Bewilderment! It was different for everyone we told. Our families and friends have been amazingly supportive and helpful. There are people very close to us that are fearful for our safety, and given the recent violence in northern mexico we understand. However, we believe safe, responsible travel is still possible through Mexico and Central America.
Did you speak Spanish before you left your home country?
Brian speaks ok spanish but is a bit rusty, and Lindsay knows little but is excited to learn!
Do you have a favorite place or country that you have visited during your trip? Not yet....stay tuned!
What was the weirdest thing you experienced on your trip?
Haven't left yet, but just days after I announced the trip to my boss at work, a 4cyl diesel Mitsubishi drove in and out comes Roger Kafer, a Brazilian who drove up from Sao Paulo and is continuing on to Alaska. He was just stopping by to inquire where he could get some tires. Wow! Talk about timing, we talked for a few hours in broken spanish, portuguese and english and left friends. Check him out @ www.rogerkafer.com
What was the worst border crossing?
None yet...we've heard Guatemala-->Honduras can be trying, but we'll see!
Do you have any advice for others who may be considering driving the Americas?
"You'll never just leave and do all the things you've dreamed about unless you just leave and do them!"
Would you do it again?
We would love to take another overland trip in a few years....asia maybe?
Do you have a blog or a website describing your trip?
Yes - check out www.sintopes.blogspot.com
