What would you do to live out your dream?

[DarkSkies]

What else they can transport?

The sky's the limit, as long as it's legal and not too tall. One of the most unusual things they transported was an antique Pinzgauer?, an old army vehicle that was transported in 3 big crates. Amazing stuff we learn about when we take a few minutes from our busy day or fishin time to have some conversations with people.









A little info about Pinzgauers:

Pinzgauer & Haflinger are product names of vehicles made by the legendry Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG

Steyr = Österreichische Waffenfabrik

Daimler = Daimler Motorengesellschaft = Gottlieb Daimler = Mercedes-Benz

Puch = Puch-Werke Graz

collectively = Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG

Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG was the initial designer and manufacturer of the Haflinger produced from 1959 to 1974, also the Pinzgauer produced from 1971 to 2000 and the Puch G produced from 1979 which is also known as Mercedes G-Wagon/G-Class.

now:
Steyr Tractor = Case Corporation, Puch motorcycle = Piaggio, Steyr Mannlicher & Steyr automobile + Magna = Magna Steyr, Steyr Motorentechnik GmbH = Steyr Motors GmbH, Daimler = Mercedes-Benz

in 1998 the other reminance (military vehicles) changed name from Steyr-Daimler-Puch.AG to Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug GmbH then in 2003 Steyr-Daimler Puch Spezialfahrzeug GmbH became 100% owned by "General Dynamics European Land Systems" (MOWAG GmbH (Switzerland) and Santa Bárbara Sistemas (Spain)) thus owned by General Dynamics Corporation America.

[DarkSkies]

I kind of manipulated these pics out of them. At first they felt funny because they took the shower out for more room. They have Gold's gym memberships and can take showers there, there's one in every state, and most metropolitan areas. So they felt it was a little messy inside.

They didn't exacly know the PITA Darkskies was coming to poke and prod the camera in their lives. Please don't make judgements on conditions inside as they were so kind to let me take the pics.

(Actually it doesn't look messy at all to me, that's the way it looks inside my van when I'm on the road. In fact, I think it looks neat compared to the way mine looks after 2 or 3 days of nomad livin)







Bein that I like construction and fixin things, I always seem to notice how well, or how poorly, something is built. I was impressed with Doug's skills and the way he thought things out. He started with an idea in his head and some plans - how to make the Sprinter van big enough to live comfortably.

He bumped it out and up a bit, but not enough that they won't fit underneath the lowest bridges.

He fabricated the outside skin of fiberglass panels, riveted them together and used silicone to seal.

He put 4" of fiberglass as insulation between the shell and the inside of the van so the money they spend on heat or A/C is spent efficiently. I think he mentioned that most RVs on the market today have insulation. but nowhere near as thick as he put in.

He cut out a big hole to allow easy access from the cab into the rear, so he used steel plate, cut with a torch, to create a strong roll bar that would stiffen up the inside compartment. He covered the exposed steel with the black foam you see in the pic above, right above his head.

They carefully thought out their electronics and how they would use them.

[DarkSkies]

I think they make this whole gig look easier than it is, but that's probably because of who they are. I could see they are 2 very nice but hardy people who exemplify to me what was the pioneer spirit that got this county going way back in the Indian days.

Not many people wanted to take a chance away from the safety of the cities back then, but some did.... the Pioneers, who took wagon trains, women, children, and livestock across this great country of ours in seach of a better liife.

Some made it and prospered. Others were killed by Indians, disease, and the harsh realities of life on the open road without amenities.

So Doug and Kari definitely remind me of the pioneers. I called them nomads as a term of endearment. I was impressed and in awe at what they're doing.

I wanted to take pics of them both, but Kari had a bandage on her head, a memory from the night before when she had to do something in the dark, fell down outside the camper, and gashed her head.

I knew as a woman she might be self conscious about pics, so I didn't ask to tlake one of them together. These are 2 very cool people, nice as you would ever want to meet, and tough enough not to lay down in the face of adversity.

I had a great time meeting them. I think Mick and Will did as well.

They're a good inspiration for those of us who have always thought about something like this, but never got around to putting the plans in action.

They said they're not making a lot of money doing this, but it's enough to pay expenses. I would guess that's because they're living frugally and careful how they spend money. They also have to be pretty good at logistics, materials transport, and understanding traffic flow to be able to run it as a consistent service, and keep busy.

Hats off to this couple who is living their dreams. They're young, there's still time for them to start a family later if they want. They're also in a better position of seeing where they want to settle down for good, after all of the different states they'll see.

[DarkSkies]

Here you can see how he mounted the PC to his dashboard, using a standard wall TV mount and hardware.

Take a look at his business card, maybe ya know someone who needs some stuff transported across the state or county? If so, why not forward Doug and Khari's e-mail to them, and throw some work their way.

[jonthepain]

Well now that I know what the topic is, I'll respond...

When I turned 18 I inherited some $, so I bought a van and tricked it out with bed and sink etc etc, bought a bullmastiff and toured the country for a year and a half to decide where and how i wanted to spend my life. kinda like these people.

ended up in oregon, met the wife, and the rest, as they say, is history.

[DarkSkies]

^^ That's ironic, you hippie freak! We suggested to this couple that Oregon and Washington might be cool places for them to settle, and they said they had an interest in Oregon. Funny how things come around, ain't it?

(and yes. I'm probably jealous of that trip you took Jon, always wanted to do something like that, more on that in a later post)

[jonthepain]

they'd fit right in, in Oregon. Tell them to start in Ashland and work their way over to Gold Beach. If that doesn't convince them, nothing will.

and "hippie freak" describes it perfectly. rofl. i'll see if i can dredge up a picture when i get home tonight.

[mick2360]

Nice job on the pics and the explanation of the business. Doug and kari were two very nice young people. This is a good team to keep in mind should anyone need a large item moved. What a unique idea for combining a business with a lifestyle. I'd love to hear an update from them on how things are going.

Are you out there, Doug and Kari?

[johnnysaxatilis]

thats amazing. and if thats dirty, my freakin car is a dumpster, and if mines a dumpster, my buddies car is the county landfill. Sounds awesome. And great work from the looks of it. I'd live there!

What an awesome idea. Hell, im guna do it.... right now i dont think little miss "omg" is guna go for it tho. i need to dump this chick and find one like keri!

[DarkSkies]

8-15-09

We've been super busy & seeing stuff that we haven't seen before. One trip took us to Biloxi, our first time there. All the postcards I bought were old school, showing crowed beaches filled with pretty tacky casinos. Katrina cleared the entire beach! All you see now is open miles of gorgeous white sands, warm gulf waters & blue skies. A new casino is being built, but it's actually pretty cool looking: it's Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. The draping that covers the construction site is covered with different lyrics from his songs, which is neat. My favorite was, 'The Weather Is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful!'.

Unfortunately, most of the old historic beachfront homes were swept away as well in the 24' high waves, so a lot of history was lost. As were many of the ancient old oaks that lined the streets. Lots of stumps were left, but instead of cutting them down, an artist came & volunteered his time to carved them into beautiful works of art, depicting pelicans, ospreys, sea turtles, dolphins, whale tails & the like.

We thought it was an amazing reminder that sometimes wondrous gifts can come from the results of devastation. And a huge bonus: the gentleman to whom we delivered a Harley gave us 10 lbs of the biggest prawns we've ever seen! He wanted to give us 40 lbs, but our fridge wouldn't hold that many! We actually just finished them all off, & they were the best darn shrimp we've ever eaten.

I (Kari) turned 35 on August !st. I celebrated with breakfast in Souis Falls, Iowa & dinner in Fargo, ND. We love being up in the Dakotas this time of year, it's crazy pretty up there now. The winter, not so much! We ventured up into Scobey, MT for a delivery, which is 14 miles from the Canadian border & out in the boonies some. The weather was so perfect out there that it was sort of sad heading back east. But the mosquitoes? They seriously swarm in big clouds like gnats & are about the size of jet bombers. No joke.

We also headed up into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Our first time to Lake Superior! On our way we stayed for a couple of days in Rhinelander, WI, which is home to the HODAG. It's a mascot for EVERYTHING, even the businesses. Google it, you won't regret it!

The people in Wisconsin & the mainlaners of Michigan call those that live on the Upper Peninsula 'Uppers' (makes sense), while the Uppers call Wisconsinites 'Appleknockers' & Michigan mainlanders 'Trolls'. We forget the story behind the Appleknockers, but the term 'Trolls' come from the Mackinac Bridge, a.k.a. Big Mac. Did you know that it connects the Upper Peninsula to mainland MI & it's the largest suspension bridge in the world? Well, we found out it was on this trip! Anyhoo, the Uppers claim they live on the high ground & the Trolls (who collect the tolls) live under the bridge. Too funny! I guess Hatfield/McCoy relationships are carried out all over the place. One huge thing I've learned doing all of this is that people aren't that much different from one another after all; some just have funnier accents than others. Fuggiddaboutit!

We've checked out Cincinatti twice in the last few weeks & have eaten two of the BEST meals there. Forget all the posh places that charge a lot, I usually make better food in our little camper. Our tried & true method: scope out the location of the restaurant & if it looks like a neighborhood you'll quite possibly get mugged in, lock up your car REAL GOOD & go inside & eat. Try to sit at a window seat to keep an eye on your vehicle & any cargo you may be hauling. Act casual, like you hang out in bad neighborhoods all the time, no big deal. Note: I would never eat at many places if Doug wasn't with me. Are you kidding? I'd get mugged!

[DarkSkies]

Thought I would do some research based on what Doug & Kari said. Some interesting stuff!


http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/photos/hodag.html







The Hodag

The Hodag, a creature native to Wisconsin, has the head of a bull, the back of a dinosaur, and the leering features of a giant man. Its legs are short, its claws are long, and its tail is spear-tipped.

It is a supernatural beast. According to legend, in its first life it took the form of an ox that belonged to Paul Bunyan. Upon its death, the ox was burned for seven years to cleanse it of the profanity of its master. But seven years was not long enough. The soul of the ox emerged from the ashes in the shape of a Hodag, exuding a foul odor.

Eugene S. Shepard and a group of companions tracked the creature down to Rhinelander, Wisconsin where they succeeded in capturing it. After its capture the creature was displayed for many years at country fairs. The exhibition of the Hodag usually occurred in dim light. According to malicious rumors, what was actually exhibited was a large dog over which a horse's hide had been stretched, but such rumors have never been substantiated.

The Hodag's name comes from combining the words 'horse' and 'dog.' It is also known as the Bovine Spiritualis.

Jack Cory, editor of the Rhinelander Daily News, once hypothesized that the Hodag was "the long-sought missing link between the ichthyosaurus and the mylodoan" of the Ice Age.

Pictures showing a Hodag surrounded by men with pitchforks (similar to the one to the left) appeared on many Wisconsin postcards during the first decades of the 20th century. The same pictures also hung in many saloons.

[DarkSkies]

[Pebbles]

Lets pack our bags sell our homes and go!!! This life currently is not what I intended. I need a change.

Traveling would make me happy. I could deliver ebay goods!

[plugaholic]

Lets pack our bags sell our homes and go!!! This life currently is not what I intended. I need a change.

Traveling would make me happy. I could deliver ebay goods!

I could go for a change too, but don't know if I would be happy. They can't be getting rich doing that. It sounds like you have to set up your jobs one at a time, as they come in. There could be some times when the fuel you use is equal to the fees you make. No thanks, not for me, though I give them a lot of credit for doing it.