In this episode we kick off the first of our 10 Essentials. This essential is the bedrock foundation for all the ones that follow it. You'll hear me say time and time again throughout this season that I am a broken record and will always come back to: Training.

Training is the best investment you can make. It will pay itself back in dividends 10 to 100 fold over the years. Investing in yourself is the one thing you can buy that won't rust, won't get left behind, and you can use no matter what vehicle you drive. Not only that it can save you money. You'll be less likely to break your rig, get stuck, or waste money on needless gear. You'll also learn where to prioritize your gear money and when you're better off "buying once and crying once" than going cheap on the wrong piece of gear.

But don't take my word for it. The guest on this week's episode is Ted. I've known Ted for a few years now and he is a great instructor when it comes to behind-the-wheel off-road driving as well as off-road vehicle recovery. He one of a very small handful of people I turn to when it comes to recovery advice. He works at the Overland Experts facility in Orange Virginia and is a certified member of the International 4-Wheel-Drive Trainers Association.

Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 2: In this episode I am joined by Ted of Overland Experts to talk about the first of our ten essentials: Training. Ted is an experienced training and also a certified member of the International 4-Wheel-Drive Trainers Association. Listen as we layout a solid foundation for the remaining nine essentials.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Ted's OEX ProfileOverland ExpertsInternational 4-Wheel-Drive Trainers AssociationOffroad Consulting & Training - Kyle Buchter, Pennsylvania7P InternationalECOA Overland Skills Weekends (2021 Dates Pending)

Let's start the new year off right with a fresh season of the Echoes of Adventure Podcast. In this episode we not only kick off the "Back to Basics" theme of the new season but lay the foundation for the next ten episodes which will cover the "10 Essentials" for overland travel.

This season is built off a combination of an article series (part 1; part 2)on the East Coast Overland Adventures blog as well as an in-person talk I've given at Overland Expo events (including the virtual expo in 2020) over the past few years. This time, in its podcast form, I have the input of multiple professionals and seasoned travelers. Some voices you will recognize from past seasons of the podcast, others will be new to this season! So sit back, and enjoy this new season of the Echoes of Adventure Podcast.

Echoes of Adventure: Season 3, Episode 1: Let's kick this season off with a great episode and lay the foundation for an even better season. This time we will be focusing on a "Back to Basics" and covering the "10 Essentials" of overland travel.

The Echoes of Adventure podcast is proud to have the third season presented by L.T. Wright Knives. They have been with the podcast since the first episode of the first season and have been longtime supporters of East Coast Overland Adventures. Make sure to check them out and tune in each weekday morning for a Quote of Coffee with L.T. himself.

Also new this season is official Echoes of Adventure merch! If you enjoy the podcast and want to show your support check out the patches and stickers available in the ECOA store.

Time to wrap up season 2 of the podcast. I think the 12 episode format works well for keeping things organized. It's also a good time for a little bit of a break while I work on another project. What is that project, well you'll have to listen to find out.

Echoes of Adventure: Season 2, Episode 12 - In this episode I wrap up season 2 and tease some things for season 3 as well as other projects in the ECOA workshop.

Other Podcasts worth Listening to

LTWK Podcast: The ShackOff Road Garage PodcastOverland Journal Podcast

Click here for a full list of Echoes of Adventure Episodes.

Rounding out the trifecta of No Highways Tours is the 2017 trip where nothing went according to plan. Despite a broken tooth, a 2 day detour getting lost in Tonto National Forest, and more than a few closed sites along the way, I wouldn't change a thing! I also learned a lot and those experiences shaped how I plan future adventures.

Echoes of Adventure: Season 2, Episode 11 - In this episode I take a look back at some of the lessons learned on the 2017 No Highways Tour. From a broken tooth to wild hogs, this is a trip I'll never forget.

LTWK Podcast: "The Shack"LTWK Kydek Class - July 11th 2020

You can purchase the 2016 No Highways Tour book (and other books in that series) via the ECOA online store.

Picking up with the theme of the last episode, this time I take a look back at some lessons learned during the 2016 No Highways Tour. It started off with an overly ambitious plan, had a major false start, and a few mechanical woes. In the end it was still worth it!

Echoes of Adventure: Season 2, Episode 10 - In this episode I take a look back at some of the lessons learned on the 2016 No Highways Tour. First trip with the trailer. First trip out west. First trip with major setbacks.

You can purchase the 2016 No Highways Tour book (and other books in that series) via the ECOA online store.

Facebook recently popped up one of those "on this day" reminders. It showed me a photo of the cargo box Jim and I built just before I left on the 2015 No Highways Tour. I thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane and share some of my thoughts and emotions during that time. I also share some tips and tricks I learned that will help you on your next adventure.

Echoes of Adventure: Season 2, Episode 9 - Sit back and enjoy a little trip down memory lane as I reminisce about my thoughts during the early days of the 2015 No Highways Tour and share some tips and tricks I learned that can help on your next adventure.

You can purchase the 2015 No Highways Tour book (and other books in that series) via the ECOA online store.

What happens when you get five Jeep enthusiasts talking about Jeeps? This. This is what you get. On this episode of the podcast Dan, John, Rodney, Eric, and I all talk about our love of Jeeps, what we don't love about Jeeps, some Jeeps we've owned, and how our travels are influenced by the Jeeps we drive. If you're a fan of Jeeps this is a great episode to tune into!

Echoes of Adventure: Season 2, Episode 8 - Dan Grec of the Road Chose me, John Jacobs of New Horizons Overland, Rodney Dewson of Overland Medic, and Eric Highland of The Jeepsies joined me for a Virtual Campfire - Jeep Talk - edition. Tune in to hear about our mutual love of Jeeps and how the influence our travels.

Guests on this Episode:

Dan Grec – The Road Chose Me – Facebook Instagram BlogJohn Jacobs – New Horizons Overland – Facebook Instagram BlogRodney Dewson – Overland Medic – InstagramEric Highland - The Jeepsies - Facebook Instagram Blog

In this episode Dan Zehner of the Anthem of the Adventurer hosts a virtual campfire with me, The Road Chose Me, and Family Adventures Overlanding. This is a great opportunity to sit back and listen to some ideas that we have for things you can do right now during quarantine, as well as little inspiration for your next adventure.

Echoes of Adventure: Season 2, Episode 7 - Jenn and Jeremy of Family Adventures Overlanding, Dan Grec of The Road Chose Me, and I sit down for a virtual campfire with Dan Zehner of the Anthem of the Adventurer podcast. Sit back and listen to what we have to discuss.

Guests on this Episode:

Dan Grec – The Road Chose Me – Facebook Instagram BlogJenn & Jeremy Ruzicka – Family Adventures Overlanding – Facebook Instagram BlogDan Zehner – Anthem of the Adventurer – Facebook Instagram Blog

This quarantine situation is hitting us all pretty hard. Those of us that are use to chasing horizons and exploring twisting dusty paths to nowhere are clawing at the walls. At least I am. Today we're going to look at a quick list of five things we can do right now to prepare for our next adventure.

Echoes of Adventure: Season 2, Episode 6 - Right now many of us are cooped up with no ability to travel. Now is a perfect chance to prepare for our next adventure. In this episode we look at five things we can do right now from the comfort of our own home.

5 Things To Do Right Now:

#1 - Nut and bolt your rig while using your mobile tool kit.  Inventory what’s in there, make a list, and check to see what’s missing or what’s in there that you don’t need.

#2 - Practice camp cooking in your back yard.  Same idea as your tool kit, do an inventory and see what’s missing and what’s extra.  Also, check expiration dates and if your seasonings are clumping.

#3 - Inventory and inspect your recovery gear.  Check your synthetics for snags.  If need be, wash it.  Again, check to see what’s missing from your kit, or what’s extra you don’t need to carry.

#4 - Do some digital exploring.  Never been to Moab? Hit up google maps, Trail damage.com, and other online resources.  Interested in a BDR?  Hit up their site and put together a plan for running one of those routes.  See what other resources you’ll want like the Purple Lizard or Lat40 maps, and gazetteers.

#5 - Learn a new skill.  Do you have your HAM?  Now’s a great time to study for the test.  Not familiar with Gaia GPS? There are great videos on YouTube.  First Aid skills rusty, pick up a book or do some research online.  Maybe make the jump from WFA to WFR.

We’re all in this together even if we’re apart.  So don’t hesitate to reach out to your fellow enthusiasts to see what they’re up to and how they’re passing the time.

One of the most influential variables for what I do as an adventure travel enthusiast was the decision to pull an off-road camping trailer. In this episode I break down the pros and cons that influenced not only whether or not I pulled a trailer but the type of trailer I pull as well as some of the modifications I've made to it. So listen along as we get down with some trailer talk.

Echoes of Adventure: Season 2, Episode 5 - Are the hassles of a trailer worth the benefit? What are the benefits? What are the cons? In this episode we get down to some trailer talk on the ins and outs of towing an off-road camping trailer.

Articles Mentioned in this Episode

Deciding factors for why I’m getting a camping trailerChoosing a overland camping trailer[Project – Plan] The ECOA overland adventure trailer Rig Profile: The ECOA Camping Trailer "Trailer Tech" articles on the blog