Northology Adventures September 2023 by northologyadventures

FALL EVENTS

Preview of Midwest events perfect for solo adventures or group getaways

GATEKEEPING

To share or not to share on social media and the motivation behind decisions

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES

OVERLAND COMMUNITY

Why your spouse thinks its strange to go camping with random strangers

SEPTEMBER 2023

ISSUE 9

VOLUME 4

AMIDWEST-CENTRICPUBLICATIONFORTHEVEHICLE-ASSISTEDADVENTURETRAVELER

KOAR 2023

DARK WATERS FLY SHOP Photo by Jeremiah Oschwald

IN THIS ISSUE

GOODBYE, SUMMER, IT WAS GOOD WHILE IT LASTED

Hopefully the last of the brutal summer heat will exit after the Labor Day weekend and we can get our flannels back out and start wearing real shoes again Daisy has about had it with the heat, too (except on beach days )

Some folks in the midwest believe that camping season starts when school lets out and the kids are off for the summer Those people are wrong Camping season starts when the bugs die

From September to May is our time of joy. Empty forests, quiet lakes and frosty mornings mark the beginning of the busy season for us. We head up to the Nicolet National Forest today for a Labor Day weekend trip with Wisconsin Overland, then head up to the Ottawa National Forest for the TCTeardrops Midwest

Outing The very next weekend is our sixth annual Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat In October we will be supporting our friends at the Wisconsin Jeep Owners Group’s Jeep Camp in Pembine, Wisconsin and round out the month hosting Overland the Red in Stanton, Kentucky Then we start praying for snow!

We have listed some other great events in the midwest in this edition, we hope you can enjoy the cool fall weather at one or more! Cheers!

-Chad, Cindy & Daisy

SHARE YOUR STORY

Camp Gear Picks Calendar/Podcast Directory Camping & Cabins 40 43 44 GATEKEEPING To share or not to share, what is the motivation? 16

Creators- Drop us a line at or submit content on our website We love stories and photos of trips, events, gear reviews, destinations and outdoor activities Advertisers- Get in touch to learn about our current promos and how a presence here can help you tell your story to this amazing community info.northologyadventures@gmail.com FALL EVENT PREVIEW A full calendar of events for overland enthusiasts 22 DRIVING INTO FALL Overland the Red serves up autumn adventure 30 OVERLAND COMMUNITY Finding friends in all the weird places 44 *ADV DOG DIARY WILL RETURN IN OCTOBER SCENIC BYWAYS The upper Midwest shows colors first 8 BIG IRON An overland rally in harmony with community 26 Cover photo: Seth Waters Back cover photo: Brady Knoll

FALL INTO ADVENTURE Getting out with your crew this autumn 5

Fall into an adventure event

Ah, it is finally starting to feel like fall! It's the perfect time to pack up your camping gear, gather your friends, and set out for one of the many fall overlanding events in and around the midwest

Imagine this: a crew of friends, a sense of adventure and a trusty 4x4 vehicle that's seen more than its fair share of mud and dust. We assemble like a modern tribe, plotting a course that takes us through the landscapes of changing color and to a gathering where like-minded enthusiasts converge to celebrate the joy of exploration and vehicle-assisted adventure travel.

The morning mist hangs low as we meet up for our convoy to the event. After greetings and hugs we hop in our rigs for a comms check before taking off. The lineup merges on to the highway and the pre-trip jitters turn to genuine excitement for the weekend ahead. Radio chatter ranges from plans for attending classes, trail rides and meals to convoy traffic alerts and “did that bumper sticker say what I thought it said?” or “Jeeps, do the best you can ”

After many miles on the pavement, arrival at the event is a huge relief The place is buzzing and we are almost overwhelmed greeting new and familiar faces and gawking at the amazing overland rig builds We find our campsites and set up our base for the weekend with contented smiles, wanting time to slow down so we can take it all in But time does not slow down and we make the most of ours over the next few days We learn new things at classes and demos, catch up with old friends, check out the vendor booths and hop on a trail ride We are truly lucky that there are events in the midwest to stoke the fires of adventure and bring the community together It is so good to be able to spend time with friends at events that are far enough away to feel like an adventure and near enough to make the trip worth it

Night falls and a blanket of stars slowly emerges overhead. The warm glow of the campfire pulls us closer to escape the chill of the autumn air. The tales grow taller, the laughter louder, and time seems to lose its grip. Stories flow as freely as the drinks, and the camaraderie that only shared experiences can forge becomes palpable. The worries of everyday life fade into the background, replaced by a sense of connection to each other.

And so, on a crisp fall evening, we find ourselves – our band of adventurers, seekers of both solitude and adventure. Through shared experiences, we rediscover the simple joys of existence. With every new skill learned, every obstacle on the trail, every shared meal, and every crackle of the campfire, we write another page in the journal of our lives – a book filled with the tales of fall camping, off-roading, and overlanding with friends

(715)842-0920 info@tcteardrops.com tcteardrops.com Life by the 'drop Life by the 'drop Haul your boats, bikes and camping gear in one eye-catching, affordable package. C U S T O M B U I L T T E A R D R O P C A M P I N G T R A I L E R S SEE US AT KOAR & RITO

midwestscenic upper byways

anorthologyregionalreport

door county, wi road during fall lavin photography

When the warmth of summer gives way to the crispness of autumn, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin lead the Upper Midwest into the transition. Dense forests of green give way to fiery hues and golden landscapes. The beauty of the change of seasons is probably best experienced behind the wheel. Scenic roads wind through dense forests, along the shores of quiet lakes, and weave between rolling hills adorned with the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of changing leaves

A scenic drive in the Upper Midwest during fall is like a journey through a living painting, where each curve reveals a new masterpiece of nature's artistry. In this article, we share with you the official scenic byways of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. We hope you take the time to enjoy some of these captivating drives that showcase the region's unparalleled fall beauty

michigan

“Pure Michigan Byways offer a rich taste of all the grandeur and diversity the Great Lakes State has to offer. Outstanding natural beauty and many sites of historical, scenic, recreational and cultural significance have earned Michigan its place at the top of the list of travel destinations ”-Pure Michigan

michigan designated routes

LAKEMICHIGAN M-2B -M LAKESUPERIOR LAKEHURON INDIANA OHIO WISCONSIN GG E M O E O O O A H A C N C O S NW MNM G E C Grand Rpd L g Detrot d Ononagon R H h C p C T rnCoun He agTa Cyt F Hancok ronMountn p g M E UPHdd C W Mhg P BenonHabor ph g Penwae W Mh Pk usg Musegon M S hH GandHavn H d Ne Mantqu Ch Nonda N b B R d ThquamnonBwy h OdM u eo es TaveeCyy Cd t - g U-2Too heLaeSencBwy y Pasan M h a C S h S Gyod G h S tt M Chb g Md d Sagnw B Cy N hH By A p Fankenmuh awaCy S C C A /ByCy ReRoad D Hgh y M S M Ph y W d dA b P H 5 9 0 4 2 2 2 1 9 3 9 2 4 3 0 5 0 4 2 1 11 3 1 1 6 3 6 5 8 1 4 8 9 17 6 9 3 3 1 6 1 2 5 23 5 5 3 3 5 2 2 9 4 4 ti aw onal Coldwater BayCity Marshal CenterA WoodwardAvenue MonroeS Monroe DixieHighwa 75 75 75 69 75 675 6 66 1 13 311 1 83 138 25 9 125 BAYCITY MARSHALL DETROIT MONROE D WAYNE BRANCH CALHOUN MONROE 94 12 24 Detroit 275 94 96 94 29 BYWAYS=1,152Miles 21PureMichiganByways(includes3NationalScenicByways) 2NationalForestServiceByways NationaScenicByway/AlAmericanRoad PureMichiganByway ProposedStateByway WecomeCenter RestArea RoadsidePark ScenicTurnout

“A Scenic Byway can be defined as a road corridor that has regionally outstanding scenic, natural, recreational, cultural, historic or archaeological significance. These corridors offer an alternative travel route to our major highways and daily travel patterns, while telling a story about Minnesota’s heritage, recreational activities or beauty.”

Minnesota Scenic byways

Apple Blossom Drive Scenic Byway

Avenue of Pines Scenic Byway

Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway

Glacial Ridge Trail Scenic Byway

Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway

Great River Road All-American Scenic Byway

Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway

Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway

Historic Highway 75 “King of Trails”

Lady Slipper Scenic Byway

Lake Country Scenic Byway

Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway

Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway

North Shore All-American Scenic Drive

Otter Trail Scenic Byway

Paul Bunyan National Scenic Byway

Saint Croix Scenic Byway

Shooting Star Scenic Byway

Skyline Drive

Superior National Forest Scenic Byway

Veterans Evergreen Memorial Drive

Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway

Minnesota

-MNDOT

wisconsin

Door County Curvy Road in the fall

Melissa Kopka

“The Scenic Byways program is a cooperative effort between local communities and WisDOT to identify and promote state and local highway corridors with scenic and/or historical attributes that provide travelers an enjoyable visual, educational and recreational experience.”- WisDOT

designated scenic byways

Great River Road

Lower Wisconsin River Road

Door County Coastal Byway

Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic BywayNicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway

Check the weather forecast to ensure you're dressed comfortably for the day's conditions – layers are your best friend as temperatures can vary. Pack a cozy blanket, thermos of hot cider, and a selection of your favorite fall snacks to enjoy during breaks.

Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking vistas you'll encounter along the way.

A detailed map or GPS device will help you navigate through winding backroads and hidden gems. Set off with a spirit of adventure, ready for great views and falling leaves.

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Are we being jerks or are you expectingtoo much?

A Northology Compilation Report

"Can somebody share some routes or GPS points for offgrid campsites? Thanks in advance "

Gatekeeping typically refers to the act of setting arbitrary standards or criteria in order to exclude others from participating in a particular activity or community In the context of outdoor activities like camping and overlanding, not sharing locations on social media can sometimes be seen as a form of gatekeeping, but it's important to understand the motivations behind this behavior

There are valid reasons why some individuals choose not to share precise GPS coordinates, routes, tracks or detailed directions to specific campsites:

Environmental Impact: Overexposure of GPS coordinates can lead to an influx of visitors, resulting in overuse, damage to trails, and increased litter

Preservation of Wilderness: Part of the beauty of camping is discovering hidden gems. Sharing precise GPS coordinates can lead to overcrowding and compromise the sense of wilderness and exploration.

Safety Concerns: Not all campsites are equipped to handle large numbers of visitors. Inadequate facilities, resources, and emergency services can pose safety risks for those who arrive unprepared.

Lack of Preparedness: Sharing GPS coordinates might attract people who are unprepared for the specific challenges of that location, weather or terrain

Respect for Local Regulations: Many campsites have limited capacities or specific regulations in place to protect the environment Sharing coordinates might encourage people to ignore these rules

Risk of Accidents: Visitors who blindly follow GPS coordinates might end up in hazardous situations, such as trying to navigate dangerous terrains or water

Quality of Experience: Overcrowding due to widespread sharing of coordinates can lead to a diminished experience for campers seeking solitude.

Wildlife Disturbance: Increased human presence can disrupt wildlife behavior and cause stress to animals, especially those in sensitive habitats.

Fire Hazards: In some regions, campsites might be located in areas prone to wildfires. Sharing coordinates without proper warnings about fire safety can lead to dangerous situations.

Lost Sense of Discovery: Part of the joy of camping is stumbling upon beautiful sites through personal exploration Sharing GPS coordinates takes away this sense of discovery

Overreliance on Technology: Relying solely on GPS coordinates shared online can discourage the development of essential navigation and survival skills

It's essential to strike a balance between these motivations and the broader desire to promote inclusivity and accessibility in outdoor activities Sharing general information about regions, trailheads, safety considerations, and Leave No Trace principles can help individuals engage responsibly with the outdoors without undermining the reasons for keeping specific locations less known

Gatekeeping can become problematic when it's driven by elitism, arrogance, or exclusionary attitudes The key is to foster a culture of responsible enjoyment, where sharing knowledge and skills is encouraged while maintaining a sense of stewardship and respect for the environment and others It's possible to strike this balance by focusing on educating and facilitating.

Becoming a self-reliant overlander

Learning navigation skills, wilderness ethics, and responsible outdoor practices can lead to more conscientious and informed outdoor enthusiasts. You gotta crawl before you can walk, and you gotta walk before you can run, right? Learning as you go and starting small are key principles in the journey from a camping enthusiast to a self-reliant overlander

Learn as You Go: Overlanding is about adapting and growing through experience Embrace the mindset of continuous learning, and don't be discouraged by mistakes or challenges Each trip is an opportunity to learn something new, whether it's about navigation, vehicle maintenance, or campsite selection

Start Small: Begin with short, local trips to familiarize yourself with your equipment, vehicle, and outdoor skills This allows you to build confidence and identify areas where you need to improve before embarking on longer journeys

Be on the lookout: Use each trip as a stepping stone to a more remote one Scout out locations for possible future campsites and get to know the area you want to explore further.

Progressive Challenges: Gradually increase the complexity of your trips. Start with easily accessible campsites and gradually explore more remote locations as your skills and knowledge improve. This approach helps you develop your abilities and gain the experience needed for self-reliant overlanding.

Skill Refinement: As you gain experience, focus on refining specific skills. For example, practice setting up camp efficiently, mastering different cooking methods, and enhancing your vehicle recovery skills These skills will become second nature over time

Navigation Practice: Instead of relying on GPS coordinates, practice navigating using maps, compasses, and landmarks This builds your confidence in finding your way without solely relying on technology

Observation and Research: Observe how experienced overlanders plan their trips, select campsites, and handle challenges Research the regions you plan to explore, including potential hazards, regulations, and unique features

Ask Specific Questions: When seeking advice from experienced overlanders, ask specific questions about techniques, equipment, and strategies rather than requesting exact coordinates. This approach shows that you're actively learning and are respectful of their expertise.

Connect with Mentors: Connect with seasoned overlanders that you kmow who are willing to mentor or guide you. They can provide personalized advice, share their experiences, and offer tips that are tailored to your skill level.

Reflect and Adapt: After each trip, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved Make adjustments to your approach, equipment, and skills based on these insights

Build Your Confidence: Building confidence is an essential part of becoming a self-reliant overlander By starting small, tackling challenges one step at a time, and celebrating your achievements, you'll gradually develop the confidence needed to undertake more ambitious journeys

Embrace the Journey: Remember that the process of becoming a self-reliant overlander is an exciting and rewarding journey in itself Enjoy the process of learning, adapting, and growing as you explore new places and develop valuable skills.

Starting small and focusing on learning will ensure that you develop a strong foundation of skills and knowledge. This approach not only enhances your personal growth but also contributes to the preservation of the environment and the enjoyment of outdoor spaces by future generations.

b e d r a c k s

VISITOURWEBSITE GETTRUKD.COM TRUKD BED RACK SYSTEM ALLOWS YOU TO BUILD THE TONNEAU COMPATIBLE/FUNCTIONAL RACK YOU NEED TO MOUNT YOUR GEAR FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE! DESIGNED FOR EVERY ADVENTURE OVERLANDING - OFFROADING - KAYAKING - MOUNTAIN BIKING - FISHING - CAMPINGSKIING/SNOWBOARDING - HUNTING - SURFING - PADDLE BOARDING - CANOEING PERFECT FIT & RUST FREE GUARANTEE

y s t e m

JEEPCAMP2023

TheField,Pembine,WI Rustic Camping, Guided Trail Rides, Waterfall Tour, Swag Give-Aways, Nightly Bonfire, Food Trucks and more.

FILL YOUR CALENDAR WITH ADVENTURE

Red Clay Rally

September 8-10

Location: Lexington, KY to Johnson City, TN

This is a three day, 600 mile overland rally with one goal: finish

Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat

September 14-17

Location: Copper Harbor, Michigan

KOAR is a 3 days weekend basecamp overland event that includes rustic camping, hiking, biking, paddling and touring the dirt roads in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan

Rocky Mountain Adventure Rally

September 22-24

Location: Grand Junction Colorado

The Rocky Mountain Adventure Rally is a three day overland gathering for van life enthusiasts, overlanders, adventure motorcyclists and mountain bikers.

Big Iron Overland Rally

September 29-30

Location: West Mineral, Kansas

Big Iron is a three day weekend overland rally taking place in West Mineral, Kansas. From the organizers of MOORE, this rally will include camping, live music, vehicle awards, and even a self-guided tour of Big Brutus a k a BucyrusErie model 1850-B electric shovel

FALL EVENTS PREVIEW

Who even camps in the summer? I mean, between the bugs, humidity, wildfire smoke and the cooler that leaks melt water all over the bottom of your truck, is it even worth it to go out during the hottest months of the year? Did I mention humidity?

Give us crisp, cool mornings beside a lake shrouded in mist. Give us warm campfires to scooch our chairs in for, wrapped in a blanket and sipping on hot cider. We want hoodies and sturdy boots, snuggly sleeping bags and cuddly dogs.

The real camping season is finally knocking on the door. When the kids go back to school and the mosquitoes go back to whatever hell they spawned , then we know it’s time to load up the car and go.

In honor of the arrival of autumn, check out one of these events if you haven’t, you’ll be glad you did!

Photo by Cindy Pope Thanks to We’re The Russos and other source info for this events calendar

Overland Expo East

October 6-8

Location: Arrington, Virginia

Part of the Overland Expos event series, the East Coast version will be taking place in Arrington, Virginia. Similar to other events in this series, this three day event will be packed with overland rigs, vendors, educational seminars, off-road courses and more

WJOG Jeep Camp

October 6-8

Location: Pembine, WI

Wisconsin Jeep Owners Group annual weekend adventure Camping and trail riding in northern Wisconsin with food trucks, clinics and sponsor giveaways

Rendezvous in the Ozarks

October 12-14

Location: Ozark, Arkansas

Join overland travel enthusiasts in the Ozarks for three days of adventure and camping in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.

Overland the Red

October 19-22

Location: Red River Gorge, Kentucky

This overland basecamp event hosted by Northology Adventures will include primitive camping, discounted access to Red River Gorge activities, miles of trails, bonfires and a benefit raffle for the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway

Photo by Josh Colegrove Photo by Ben Wicklund Photo by Nathan Anderson Photo by Cindy Pope

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RESPONSIBLE NOT BORING

Trustus,,we’vebeendoingitfor30years!

For over 30 years, Tread Lightly! has been promoting responsible recreation through trail clean ups, restoration projects and education, keeping our public lands healthy, accessible and open for all to enjoy.

Whether you are an individual, a club or a business, you can join the Tread Lightly! movement. Do it today!

For more information on the impact we’re having and to join us on this journey, drive on over to www.treadlightly.org.

I RIDE, I DRIVE, I OFFROAD, I TREAD LIGHTLY!

the harmony between music and overlanding

Join Us at the Big Iron Overland Rally!

Get ready for a weekend that promises to redefine your love for adventure and exploration! Big Iron Overland Rally, is an exhilarating two-day event set amidst the wide open landscapes of West Mineral, Kansas From the creators of MOORE, this rally is not just an event –it's a celebration of the overlanding spirit that brings together enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and music lovers for a one-of-a-kind experience

Date: September 29-30

Location: West Mineral, Kansas

Unleash Your Overlanding Spirit: The Big Iron Overland Rally invites you to reconnect with nature and your adventurous side Whether you're an experienced overlander or just starting to dip your toes into the world of off-road exploration, this event promises something for everyone

Highlights of the Rally:

Camping at a landmark: Set up your basecamp in the shadow of Big Brutus. Experience the magic of spending the night under a blanket of stars, sharing stories around the campfire with fellow enthusiasts at this historic site, and forging friendships that will last a lifetime.

Live Music & Entertainment: What's a rally without a little music and entertainment? Groove to live performances by local & national artists. Let the music set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of camaraderie.

Prizes and raffles: You will be amazed at the awesome things you could win, and feel good knowing that proceeds will go to the upkeep and maintenance of the Big Brutus historical site.

Explore Big Brutus: This colossal piece of industrial history stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the power of engineering. Get up close and personal with this engineering marvel that once dominated the mining landscape.

Vendors, displays, beer garden, food trucks, vehicle awards & more. Get ready to ignite your passion for adventure, connect with fellow overlanding enthusiasts, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family seeking an outdoor escape, or a group of friends looking for a thrilling weekend getaway, the Big Iron Overland Rally welcomes you with open arms

Ticket Information

visit BigIronOverlandRally.com

Upper Peninsula (UP) spans 10 5 million acres - 8 5 million of which

National Forest and public use

land is

forestry

cold,

Michigan’s

Another million of public

commercial

with countless mileage of public,

and warm water fisheries

We offer guided fly fishing adventures across the western UP, as well as a full service retail shop located in downtown Iron River, MI. THIS IS OUR HOME WATER ABOUT US 217 W Genesee Street Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 214-7855 darkwatersflyshop.com GET IN TOUCH

Wild, rugged and undeveloped

DRIVI INTO FALL:

OVERLAND THE RED

Our basecamp at Callies in the Red River Gorge is near the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Enjoy all the outdoor activities the area has to offer during Appalachia's peak fall colors. Go off road touring on the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway or really challenge your skills at the Hollerwood off-road park with local guide, Sam Justice Hike to one of 150 sandstone aches, try climbing, canoeing, zip lining, underground kayaking, and amazing local dining all within minutes of camp. Meet back at basecamp after a packed day to visit the vendor village, gather around the campfires and maybe win a fabulous prize in our raffles to benefit the Daniel Boone Backcountry

Byway trails

Get your tickets at OverlandtheRed com

TRAIL RIDES

DBBB BENEFIT RAFFLE ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS

R E D R IV E R G O R G E

Hollerwood Park Tours

Sam Justice will be guiding wild and mild tours of Hollerwood Offroad Park. Spend the day with Sam for those special places and the knowledge that you are in good hands!

Trail Rides

Group up with friends or hop on a ride with a local.

Activity discounts

We secured discounts for group hikes, climbing, rappelling and via feratta with local outfitters

Benefit Raffles

We will again be donating proceeds from the raffle to the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway

Campfire memories

Around Vendor Village or at your campsite, these moments will last a lifetime

Overland THE RED red river gorge ky

OTRPARTNERS:

Overland THE RED red rivergorge ky

THE

THE REDRIVERGORGE,KENTUCKY REDRIVERGORGE,KENTUCKY NORTHOLOGYADVENTURESPRESENTS NORTHOLOGYADVENTURESPRESENTS TICKETS ON SALE TICKETS ON SALE OCTOBER19-22,2023 OCTOBER19-22,2023 AT CALLIES LAKE AT CALLIES LAKE & CAMPGROUND, & CAMPGROUND, STANTON, KY STANTON, KY RAISING FUNDS RAISING FUNDS FOR THE DBBB FOR THE DBBB TRAILS TRAILS BASECAMP VENDORS ACTIVITIES RAFFLES GIVEAWAYS A C H E R I S H E D T R A D I T I O N G O N E M O B I L E S E E U S A T T H E K E W E E N A W O V E R L A N D A D V E N T U R E R E T R E A T !

RED RED OVERLAND

OVERLAND

WISCONSIN ERLA OCTOBER28,2023 Lakewood-LaonaDistrict WISCONSIN CLEANUP DETAILSCOMINGSOON! contactusifyouwouldliketohelp info northologyadventures com Chequamegon-NicoletNationalForest

THE OVERLANDING COMMUNITY

by jason fletcher

Overlanding is an interesting hobby. Most people haven’t ever heard of it. Similar to a lot of outdoor hobbies like kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking, it has its own vernacular. People talk about jerry cans and traction boards. They talk about vehicle recoveries and modifications for hours.

It takes a special type of person to be an overlander, so when they find each other, bonds form fast and can last a lifetime.

SECRET SOCIETY

It may sound funny, but being an overlander is kind of like being in a secret society. When my friends and family ask about why my truck looks the way it does or where I go when I’m gone for days at a time, it can sometimes be hard to explain and they look at me like I’m crazy. Find someone that’s into overlanding and tell your stories about spending 4 hours recovering a vehicle from a washout and, rather than looking at you like you’re a crazy person, they smile and nod, knowingly.

We all speak the same language and know the same memes. We see a rig that’s outfitted for overlanding and we’re naturally drawn to it. Of course, there are some people that like a particular brand of vehicle or type of gear, but generally, overlanders are extremely open minded and genuinely interested in each other’s rigs and mods. We all geek out on what solutions other people have found to their problems. We learn from each other and share our experiences in an effort to continue growing and expanding our knowledge. The only price for admission to the secret society of overlanders is the desire to get out, explore, and help others. Since no one can ever know it all, there are a ton of different levels of experience, but what we all share is that love of exploration and growth.

FRIENDLINESS ABOUNDS

While everyone has their own opinions on politics, religion, and other “hot button” topics, when you’re on a trip or chatting in a Facebook group or forum,

B U I L D I N G F R I E N D S H I P S T H R O U G H

people more often talk about supporting each other and helping each other learn about overlanding.People ask questions out of a real curiosity about how people have solved a problem or overcome an obstacle and more often than not, the community is happy to offer up solutions or resources.

When I first started overlanding, I literally went to Facebook and searched “Indiana overlanding” because I live in Indiana and wanted to find other people that were into the hobby. I found two groups, Indiana Overlanders and Midwest Overlanders. I was so excited that I’d found people in my area that I immediately posted. “Anybody want to go on an overlanding trip with a newbie?” Almost immediately, three other folks replied and said, “Let’s go on a two day, short trip to Hoosier National Forest.”

I then had to explain to my wife that I was going to head into the woods, that I’d never been to before, in my new (to me) truck to meet up with three strangers that I’d never met before to spend two nights and two days in the woods with them.

It was not an easy conversation. Leading up to the trip, I was excited, but as my wife and friends’ nervousness that I would be murdered started to creep in, so did the butterflies. You know what though? I didn’t get murdered. In fact, everyone was super nice and we had a lot of fun exploring and forging water crossings, and sitting around the campfire telling stories and getting to know each other.

“NERV THAT BE M STAR CREE

“IT TAKES A SPECIAL TYPE OF PERSON TO BE AN OVERLANDER, SO WHEN THEY FIND EACH OTHER, BONDS FORM FAST AND CAN LAST A LIFETIME.”

JacobsvilleLighthouse&SandstoneCliffs SuperiorSunset KeweenawAdventure (906)-281-1556 keweenawboattourscom Bookourbrandnew KeweenawAdventuretour fromLacLaBelletoKeystone Bay Thistourtakesyoualong someofthemostpristine shorelineofLakeSuperior, includingMontrealFalls Enjoyanapproximately25hourcruiseoneither our24ftSouthbayLuxuryseriespontoonor cabincruiserforoneoftheseexcitingtours-

JUSTICEEXPLORES JUSTICEEXPLORES

"Sam and his crew are awsome. they know the trails well and have good eye for what your jeep is capable of "

"Sam was awesome Give us exactly what we wanted and then some HIGHLY RECOMMEND him if you want to explore some awesome trails "

YourH YourHollerwoodparkollerwoodparkandbeyond andbeyond ttrailguide. railguide. justiceexplores@gmail.com

"Sam is amazing! He knows his area, his spotting, is conscientious of what he’s bringing you through and is extremely patient!! Excellent and I would give 150 stars!!! You need to be able to trust your spotter and I would follow him anywhere!!" justice explores JusticeExplores

Protecting the Keweenaw's vast landscapes. For everyone. Forever.

CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET DANIEL BOONE HIAWATHA HOOSIER HURON-MANISTEE OTTAWA Wisconsin Coalition of Four Wheel Drives A non-profit organization of 4WD clubs, groups and enthusiasts in Wisconsin. We are dedicated to promoting 4WD recreation on public & private lands, responsible land usage, safety, education & trail conservation.

NATIONAL FORESTPATCHES VELCRO-BACKEDLEATHER

CAMP GEAR PICKS

Uncharted Supply Co. Rapid Raft

We saw this on an episode of SUVRVing and knew we had to have it. Tristan’s former packraft did not do it for me but this one is going on my Christmas list. About the size of a loaf of bread and when packed down and weighing in at only 3 lbs. You inflate it like those wierd camping couches- you scoop up air and then top it off with a few puffs on a built-in valve. Seriously excited about this thing.

Sand Free Outdoor Reversible Rug

A breatheable, permeable mat that allows sand, dirt and water to pass through. Comes with d-rings to stake it down and a handy stow bag. This thing is reversable and cleans easily with a water rinse. We are giving this a try.

NEBO Rechargeable Flashlight

Thank you to whoever lost this light at MOORE Expo. I have been using it and I LOVE it. 10/10 would buy again. This thing is so bright, it is also dimmable and with the hook, clip and magnets, it is so easy to find places to put it to use. (If you think I found yours and you want it back, message me and identify the sticker on it, and I will mail it back to you!)

If you are a campground camper, this is for you. Waterproof covers with elastic corners look functional and easy to use. They have a few cool outdoorsy designs that we just love.

RANDOM GEAR WISH LIST

Some of these links are affiliate links and we may receive a small commission from purchases at no cost to you. Picnic table & bench covers

GO PREMIUM WITH NORTHOLOGY

TRAILS END CAMPGROUND TRAILS END CAMPGROUND Campsites & Rustic Cabins

Claim your $10 in Hipcash credit towards your first trip. What's your story? Share it with us. Northology Adventures digital magazineA free monthly publication focused on vehicle-assisted outdoor adventuring. info.northologyadventures@gmail.com to submit content or request ad deck

CALENDAR

August 18-20 Spirit of the Northwoods Trail Ride

August 25-27 Overland Expo Mountain West

September 9- 3rd Annual Cranberry Crawl

September 14-17 Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat

September 14-17 Back the Byway

September 16- KORC Keweenaw Coastal Cleanup

September 29-30 Big Iron Overland Rally

October 6-8 Overland Expo East

October 6-8 Wisconsin Jeep Owners Group Jeep Camp

October 12-14 Rendezvous in the Ozarks

October 19-22 Overland the Red

October 28- Tread Lightly! + Quadratec 50 for 50 Cleanup

Wisconsin-info TBA

Please notify us if you want your event listed at info.northologyadventures@gmail.com

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Fresh Coast Cabins Eagle Harbor

Mountain Lodge Copper Harbor

End Copper Harbor

Outpost Big Bay MICHIGAN Rockford Ski Club ILLINOIS Callie's Lake & Campground KENTUCKY CAMPING CABINS RV CAMPING CABIN & CAMP DIRECTORY callieslakeandcampground.com ATV, UTV Park & Ride & Stay THE FIELD THE FIELD Pembine,WI (920)609-1752 ATV/UTV&trailerparking RusticRV&tentcamping.

Keweenaw

Trails

The