Don’t go to Mexico, they said. It’s full of banditos and drug smuggling cartels, they said. You won’t be able to get around on your own, they said. I’m not sure who “they” are but they couldn’t have been more wrong.
As a c6 quadriplegic, I know travel can be difficult, especially in developing countries. There are always uncertainties that make you question is it worth all the effort. From non ADA lodging to the ever growing list of ‘what ifs,’ it can be a daunting endeavor to say the least.
What I’ve found though, is without continuing to push yourself out of your comfort zone and willingness to adapt and overcome, life can be as boring as driving through western Kansas. I’ve chosen a different path on purpose. I’ll take the risk.
On February first of this year, I first crossed the boarder into Mexico. It was my first international road trip in this new van. I have been designing, building, and planning a trip to South America for years now but wanted to give my van ‘Spock’ a proper shakedown. Hence I named this journey the Baja Shakedown.
I knew Baja was supposed to be beautiful and relatively safe so it seemed like a perfect first test. My plan was to see how the van performs both on and off road, test the equipment for durability, make sure there weren’t and critical changes needed before heading South America, assess my body, and further my Spanish language study in a school in La Paz.
I don’t want to spoil it for you but Baja was absolutely incredible and I’ll definitely be back.
(More to come on this, check back soon!)
3 Responses
John Nelms
Kirk
I’m very impressed with your trip. Very interesting and gutsy. I’ve never been as adventurous as you. I’ve done many things but have also ” driven through western Kansas” more than a few times. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
John Nelms
Tom
I know I asked you the name of your lift for your chair into the van, but I misplaced it while looking for a van for myself. Thanks again and good luck and thanks for the awesome videos…Tom
Kirk
Hey Tom, no problem. It’s called a SuperArm lift from Handicaps Inc. Tell them Kirk referred you. Cheers