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15 MAY 2015: Despite unusual weather, which included snow and hail, this year’s Overland Expo West got underway with a good turnout. Those who got there early were able to get out on the driving courses before the weather conditions got too severe …
11 MAY 2015: Taking time out to visit familiar trails. The incredible beauty of this landscape never gets “old,” and sometimes Broken Arrow seems almost like a Jeep pilgrimmage that rewards the faithful with the most amazing vistas and the added bonus of a natural Jeep playground, too …
10 MAY 2015: More exploration near the Superstition Wilderness, this time checking out a narrow canyon that winds its way between the heights. Some great scenery along the way, and a few funs spots to drive …
9 MAY 2015: A beautiful trail on the edge of the Superstition Wilderness makes for a great day. Amazing heights and overlooks as well as some pretty fun switchbacks on the way back down …
8 MAY 2015: Enjoying the southwest and the beauty of the area around Bulldog Canyon. This is a great spot to camp and begin a weekend of exploration in the Sonoran desert around the Superstition Mountains. Fun to be back in the sand …
THIS MONTH:
USnomads is proud to be presenting two classes at Overland Expo West this May. An international event that educates and inspires people to get out and explore the world, Overland Expo promises to be both fun and informative. The three-day event brings thousands of overlanders to Flagstaff, AZ for a chance to connect and exchange information.
COMING UP SOON:
USnomads will be one of 1,300 Jeeps invading Butler PA as part of the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival June 12-14. For the 75th birthday of the Jeep, the Festival organizers are preparing to break the world record for the largest Jeep parade. Officials from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand to verify the feat, as the annual Jeep Invasion kicks off the Festival weekend.
The spectacular red rocks of Sedona form the backdrop for an array of outdoor activities beyond Jeeping. The town itself is nestled between the striking red sandstone formations that surround it. Attracting a mix of spiritual seekers, artists and tourists, Sedona is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding canyons, heights and the larger Verde Valley.
THE SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS:
The Superstition Wilderness Area contains approximately 160,200 acres of starkly beautiful and rugged terrain. It is also the setting for the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. According to the legend, a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz discovered a mother lode of gold in the Superstition Wilderness and revealed its location on his deathbed in Phoenix in 1891 to Julia Thomas, a boarding-house owner who had taken care of him for many years. While several mines have been claimed to be the Waltz mine, it has never been verified.
TEAM 171 PRESENTATION
USnomads, c’est l’histoire d’une amitié de plus de 20 ans, qui s’est construite à travers le temps, les cultures, les expériences de la vie et des voyages. Seule l’union de deux caractères forts et respectueux l’un de l’autre explique que nous soyons arrivées à nos fins dans chacun de nos défis.
Ceci est notre première participation au Rallye des gazelles et nous ne sommes pas des professionels, mais JoMarie a une certaine expérience de l’Afrique et des situations d’urgence. D’autre part, elle s’est totalement investie dans la préparation de cette course et Isabelle s’est récemment mise à la navigation.
Le Rallye des gazelles dans le désert marocain sera le théâtre d’une nouvelle épreuve pour nous : une Jeep, une boussole, une carte et tout le pouvoir de notre volonté d’y parvenir fera le reste.
Ce défi sportif s’inscrit dans un projet humain plus large, celui de traverser le désert du Sahara d’Ouest en Est dans l’espoir d’accompagner les équipes d’ONG dans leurs micro-projets d’aide aux peuplades nomades locales. JoMarie en produira un film documentaire qui donnera à mieux connaitre les hommes de cette partie du monde.
L’équipe 171 prendra fièrement son envol le 15 mars 2014 avec toutes les autres participantes ! Et que les meilleures gagnent !
Mais quelle valeur et quelle portée aurait cette leçon de vie, si nous n’étions pas soutenues par l’amour de nos proches, de nos amis et de tous ceux qui nous entourent. Merci !
CURRENT WEATHER
MORE NOTES FROM THE ROAD:
April – Paris, Rausch Creek
March – Uwharrie
February – Back Home
January – Mauritania
15-31 December – Roadtrip
1-14 December – Southwest deserts
November – Paris and planning
October – Overland Expo and Workshops
September – Moab and more
August – Topless For Tatas
July – Summer Fun
June – Bantam Jeep Festival
May – Overland Expo, Rausch Creek
The Gazelle Rally Recap
Archive
SPECIAL REPORT
SCOUTING THE SAHARA IN MAURITANIA: WAYPOINT NOUAKCHOTT
The first in a series of reports from our scouting trip in Mauritania takes and indepth look at the capital city of Nouakchott, and its fishing port… [read]
MORE INFO:
About Team 171 US Nomads
Team Training
Practical Matters
In Our Words
Team News
Contact Us
SPECIAL REPORT
ON BECOMING A GAZELLE: THE DESERT’S FIRST CHALLENGE
The second installment in a series of personal reflections on our experience in the Rallye Aiche des Gazelles–Putting our skills to the test in Morocco on the first day out in the desert, known as the “Prologue,” there are a few surprises… [read]
