Overland Expo 2014, and pumpkins....

Pumpkin Patch

One of the local churches has a pumpkin patch fund raiser each year. They set up elaborate displays with pumpkins in various sizes and shapes. 

Every year, we drive by numerous times, and promise each other we will stop to get a pumpkin and take pictures, "next time we pass".

A fine pumpkin

Last week was very busy, but as you can see, we finally stopped.

This lovely example will help decorate for the season, and then, perhaps wind up in something tasty.

(I love pumpkin season)

Colored leaves, or Stained glass?

Sometimes being short is an advantage.

From below, with the sun shining through, these leaves look like stained glass.

Overland Expo 2014

Why was it so busy, we went to the Overland Expo in Fletcher NC.

The Overland Expo is all about Outdoor adventure travel with an emphasis on 4 wheel drive and getting off road. 

Sportsmobile

Sportsmobile is a California based company that specializes in van conversions. These are more advanced than our trusty old VW. Some features you can choose include, comfy bed (or two) sink, portable toilet, gas stove, microwave, hydraulic lift to raise the roof, and solar power to keep it all going. You can even get USB ports to power all your devices. This one started out as a Ford Econoline.

First 2015 Mercedes 4 x 4 Sprinter in US

These beauties will arrive on the market here next spring. Sportsmobile will be converting them for outdoor adventure. Looks like fun to me.

Exploring Elements

This couple lives in their vehicle, it is also the base of their business. They lead, photograph, and write about off road adventures. Check out Exploring Elements . Their vehicle is based on a dodge cutaway. Very nice.

Vintage Apache Pop up Trailer

Not all the vehicles are new. I am not sure how old this one is, but it looks just like one my Dad considered buying back in the late 60's or early 70's. The end bits fold in then the top folds down.

Modern Titan ORT tent trailer.

We saw several versions of this. One big advantage to this over a traditional tent, is that you are up off the ground.

Chaser Tent Trailer

This one is rather more elaborate.

Look in the lower corners for an interior view with my Sweet Husband. 

Happy Toyota

The expo offered an overland driving course where participants can either put their vehicles to the test, or learn how to make the most of their equipment. The event lasted three days and included a full schedule of movies, classes, events and exhibitors. 

This Toyota has been playing in the mud. I wonder if my Tacoma would be jealous?

Freedom Camper on Toyota Tacoma

Speaking of my Tacoma, Here is a camper that would fit. 

Well, this one might not fit as this is the newer Tacoma (mine is a 2004 model, the last year they made the smaller size) however, Freedom Campers are custom built,  so it could be made to fit just right. This one has a stove, large fridge, television, sink, portable toilet, comfy bed, and USB ports. 

The camper power is supplied by a suitcase sized solar panel.

Show Hauler BMW

We did not get to see inside this one, it belongs to another guest. I would be willing to be it is pretty fancy.

Vintage Avalon Camper

This is one of my favorite things at the show. The lighting was not great so it is hard to tell from the photo, but this camper is a bright silver just like the old Airstreams. The man who built them back in the 50's used to work for Airstream. He broke off and made a limited number of these. The owner told us that they were reinforced with an extra layer of aluminum. 

Motorcycle with side car

Motorcycles can play too. This one looks like it is ready to handle anything. 

Another version of the tent on top.

Land Rover Camping Area Sign

I like the sentiment on this one, 

"You can go fast, but I can go anywhere".

Land Rover with a pop top

With a little ingenuity, comfort is at hand.

Classic Land Rover

I love the face on this one. It looks like it is more than ready to go out and play. 

Toyota Land Cruiser with Tent

When you are done camping, it all folds up into a carrier that is mounted on top of the vehicle. 

Not exactly "Stealth Camping", but who needs stealth if you don't have to stay on the roads? 

Land Rover Defender

Another great looking Vehicle. This one has British plates on the front. I wonder if they brought it over just for the show?

Land Rover from Australia.

Nicely set up as an outdoor home. Looks like this one has been to the outback and is ready for anything. 

The weather was cool during the event, and the night promised to get cooler. Everyone we talked to said that wasn't a problem, they were ready for it. After all, you can't let a little weather stop you from having adventures. 

So, what do you think?

Want to do some exploring?

Spontaneous says, she would rather stay home, but I think it sounds like great fun.

Cheers,

Kat