Our Overland Adventure with Ulisse

01/23/2025

Days #363-410 Baja California

I have a friend, Barbara Asinari who is incredibly passionate about Baja California. She’s always described the beauty of this unique strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez (including the Colorado River delta). During our overland journey, we finally had the chance to explore Baja for almost two months, and it truly is a magical place!

I’m confident that at v-adventures, we’ll soon have travelers experiencing these deserts, whale watching, pristine beaches, surfing, and amazing diving spots.

Thanks, Barbara, for inspiring us!

01/20/2025

Days #362-363 Bye-bye Arizona, bye-bye US, we are entering Mexico! 🇲🇽

In February 2024, we said goodbye to our friends in Prescott and Lynn and Lee’s house in Chino, then crossed the border into Mexico.

We’d read and heard much about overlanding in Mexico, mainly focused on the dangers. Wanting to stay safe, we planned our routes carefully to avoid risky areas and added a few extra security measures to our truck, Ulisse.

After six months of overlanding across Mexico, we might have just been lucky. But honestly, the most dangerous thing we’ve encountered? Trying to bring eggs home from the grocery store. They’re sold in little plastic bags!

01/19/2025

Celebrating my 2nd year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

01/13/2025

Days #334-359, back in Arizona - January 2024

Lynn and Lee, our former landlords in Prescott, kindly offered us their Chino’s house as a cozy place to stay while we spent 3 weeks working on Ulisse’s improvements at Jim’s 365 Camper workshop.

Additional value: 3 weeks of washing machine & dryer, and dishwasher allowed me to deeply clean all of our stuff!

01/13/2025

Days #334-359, back in Prescott, AZ

Always happy to find the Arizonans outdoor mindset!

01/13/2025

Days #334-359, back in Arizona - January 2024

Our years of experience overlanding in Southern and Eastern Africa and the Western USA have been our backbone in building Ulisse. Our truck is based on a good, great 1997-engineered Ford F350 Powerstroke, and, as an ambulance vehicle converted into an overland vehicle, its final weight is 11,000 pounds (5,000 kg). While the overall dimensions give us a comfortable living inside space, we had to be more selective in picking 4x4 or narrow trails.

After 1 year and about 25,000 miles “testing” the vehicle in any kind of terrain (gravel, rocks, mud, sand, …) and any weather (hot, wind, rain, snow) and the camper as well, we appreciated its excellent capabilities; however, pointing out some potential improvements, we have been able to make while in Prescott, at Jim’s 365Camper workshop.

Ulisse 2024 Arizona Improvements:

Starlink 12V conversion
New transmission radiator replacement with a more powerful unit
Electric Diesel Pump - Mechanical fuel pump delete and fuel bolt delete; replaced with electric fuel pump, dual filter with water separation, and regulated return
Replacement of the 110V TV with 12V television
Eezi Awn external shower box removal - too big and heavy
Spare tire bike rack removal - we sold the bikes
Storage (at Jim’s) of ski and ski boots
Drawer for the Wrappon toilet (365 Camper)
New sink shelf (365 Camper)
New undershelf storage compartment (365 Camper)
New Fuel Tank
External compartment lockers
External door locker
Internal door locker
Rear wall insulation (365 Camper)
Air compressor powered by starter batteries (it was connected to auxiliary batteries)
External light with photocell
Ravelco engine immobilizer
Apple iTag (geo localiser)
Steering wheel parking locker
New square collapsible basins that fit our sink
A set of antistick pans and a pot

01/01/2025

🥂🎆 Happy New Year!

12/31/2024

2023: Our First Full-Time Overland Year
🌎 USA, Canada, and Alaska - 27,400 miles (44,100 km)

In January, we left Prescott, AZ, and began our eastward journey, reaching Florida by February.

In March, we left Florida, followed the progress of Spring in our long northwestward route, eventually making it to the Arctic Ocean in the Summer—twice: once in Alaska and again in the Northwest Territories of Canada.

Before Fall's chill set in up North, we turned south along the Pacific Coast.

In November, we flew to Orlando, FL, for our US naturalization oath, then continued heading South.

By January 2024, we were back in Prescott, visiting friends who witnessed our departure and doing some work on Ulisse at 365Camper Jim’s workshop—the same place where we transformed an ambulance into Ulisse.

2024 will follow: Mexico & Central America

12/17/2024

Day #322 - Our 2024 began with
🌄 Morning Magic Hike at Kelso Dunes 🌄

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of starting the day on top of a giant sand dune! 🏜️💫 A morning hike up Kelso Dunes in the Mojave Desert is an experience that takes your breath away, both literally and figuratively. 😅

The sun rising over the dunes is absolutely surreal, casting golden light on the shifting sands. 🌅 Every step up the dune feels like you're leaving the world behind and stepping into pure serenity.

It’s quiet. It’s vast. It’s beautiful. It’s the perfect reminder that nature always has a way of making us feel small and grateful. 🌍✨

12/15/2024

Overlanding in Central America is all about adventure, but let’s be real—half the fun is cracking open coconuts. 🌴
Forget your fancy gadgets; the real MVPs are an 🪓 axe, a drill, anda crowbar, when you’re thirsty and staring at a coconut that refuses to cooperate. Next buy: a machete 😂
Tools: for fixing your rig and quenching your thirst!

11/19/2024

Days #319-323 - December
🌵📬 The Iconic Mailbox on Mojave Road, CA 📬🌵

Ever heard of the Mailbox in the Desert? 🏜️ This quirky landmark on Mojave Road, nestled in the heart of the Mojave National Preserve, is an unexpected slice of Americana in one of the most remote places in California. The mailbox sits on a dusty trail, miles away from civilization, and is filled with notes, trinkets, and letters left by travelers passing through.

It's a tradition to stop by, leave your mark, and read messages from other adventurers who braved this rugged terrain. ✍️📖 Whether it's a heartfelt message or a funny note, it's a reminder of the shared spirit of exploration and adventure. 🚙✨

Next time you find yourself exploring the Mojave Road, don't miss this chance to add your own story to the box. It's a small but meaningful way to connect with fellow travelers across time and space. 🌌

Have you left a note in the mailbox before? Share your experience in the comments! 👇🗺️

Leave No Trace 7 Principles
🗺️Plan Ahead and Prepare
⛰️Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
🗑️Dispose of Waste Properly
🌿Leave What You Find
🔥Minimize Campfire Impacts
🦁Respect Wildlife
🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻Be Considerate of Other Visitors

🚑

11/16/2024

Days #318-319
From Death Valley to Mojave Preserve

11/16/2024

Overland Life & Digital Nomads

Our Newsletter is Live!
🔗 https://mailchi.mp/f8476ca3683c/v-adventures-abovebeyond

🌍 Africa News: Tanzania photo safari, Namibia for everyone, and Botswana-Namibia-Vic Falls combo

🌎 Americas News: Great California Parks; 4x4 Epic Overland in California Deserts; Alaska - 🐻 Bears, Glaciers, and Fjords; Baja California; Mexico; Costa Rica

+ Where is Ulisse now?

11/15/2024

Overland Styles along our Panamericana - Death Valley, CA
The Diverse Shapes of Overlanding

11/12/2024

Days #312-318, December

A hike through Golden Canyon in Death Valley National Park, and wow, what an experience! The canyon walls' vibrant red and golden hues felt like stepping into a painting 🎨✨. This trail is a must-do for anyone exploring unique geological formations and stunning desert landscapes.

🌞 Highlights: 🟡 Beautiful rock formations with layers of gold, red, and cream colors 🦅 Spotted a few ravens and lizards enjoying the warm sun 🥾 The trail offers a fantastic workout with views worth every step 📸 Endless photo opportunities, especially with the sun casting golden light in the afternoon

Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to beat the heat and enjoy the quiet solitude of the canyon. And don’t forget to bring plenty of water! 💧

If you’re visiting Death Valley, put this trail on your list! Who’s ready for a desert adventure? 🏜️

11/04/2024

Days #312-318, December, Christmas time...
🌄 Journey to Saline Valley Warm Springs: Overlanding in Death Valley 🌄

Spent a few unforgettable days in Saline Valley, deep in the heart of Death Valley National Park! The adventure of reaching this hidden gem isn’t for the faint of heart – hours of rugged, rocky roads, sweeping desert landscapes, and complete isolation. But the destination? Absolutely worth it. 🏞

The natural warm springs here are a true oasis: mineral-rich, nestled under palm trees, with panoramic views of the valley. It’s surreal soaking under a sky full of stars, with only the sound of the desert around you. 🌌✨

Overlanding here requires preparation, respect for the land, and a self-sufficient setup. Remember to carry plenty of water, supplies, and know the Leave No Trace principles. Saline Valley is wild and beautiful, and with care, we can help keep it that way. 🌵🌍

If you’re thinking of making the trek, be ready for an experience like no other. Safe travels, adventurers! 🚙💨