Perhaps I can end this debate once and for all...but first, some set up. While traveling back from a hearing in Sacramento today I did as I oft do while solo driving; I pondered the distinction between overland vehicles, rock crawlers, and mall crawlers.
Then, as if the challenge came from the almighty Zeus himself, the test was put before me. I was faced with the biggest foe of them all: the "Overland Trail". Could this be it? Would all of my questions be answered? Honestly, I almost piddled in my suit. My first instinct was to swerve in the other direction to save life, limb, and my beloved Jeep. I reached deep inside though and found something strong...strong enough to accept the challenge I had been given. My muscles seemed to swell with adrenaline as I turned onto Exit 190. It was then that I remembered I had no snorkel, no roof rack, no fancy pants with zip out lower legs. Oh my god, what was I doing? It was too late though...I had committed my Jeep and my soul to the challenge.
After what can only be described as grueling travel across 31,680 inches of hot, desolate, cracked, two-year old asphalt...my trusty Jeep and I made it to the Holy Grail. We reached the Overland Trail. We did so without fanfare, without accolades, and without the need of a wench (although I'm certain I could have found a few in Truckee).
As I basked in my own greatness I could not help but notice the absence of anyone else. That's the answer, right? Overlanding simply means going places. It doesn't really matter so much how you get there, or whether you even reach your destination. What matters is the journey. I suspect we each drive Jeeps to take that journey. I guess that makes us all overlanders.
