Instagram Gallery – Impact Overland

impact.overland

In October of this year, I was given the opportuni

In October of this year, I was given the opportunity to visit Costa Rica; the land of Pura Vida, delicious coffee, stoic sloths, and volcanic wonders.

I had been to Costa Rica years ago but this was going to be an entirely different experience. I was invited to join @wheeltheworld on a wheelchair accessible guided trip through Costa rather than bushwhacking my way through places like I normally do. Let me tell you something- it was incredible!

I have developed a ‘cross that bridge when I get there’ approach for traveling over the years. It’s something that I feel fortunate to be able to do because I’m small and strong enough to get most places. Basically two people can lift me and toss me if needed to make it “accessible” enough. It’s helpful at times but I realize not everyone wants or is physically able to do this approach.

What Wheel the World specializes in is figuring out what sorts of requirements you need to travel with a disability and catering to make sure those needs are met. With an extensive network or travel partners, hotels, etc, they have developed a marvelous business model of not telling you it’s ADA but rather giving you the data and letting you decide what works for you. Because- we are all different after all! Genius.

All of this is to say that for seven glorious days in Costa Rica, I had not a care in the world other than to relax, enjoy, and see what tomorrow’s adventures bring. It was undoubtedly the most accessible trips I’ve been on from transportation, lodging, showers, dining, and all the interesting outings there within.

WTW’s mission it to make travel more accessible for all. Whether group trips, finding a hotel that works for you in a faraway city, or whatever it is you need to get out and see the world- they’re working to make it possible. They can do as much or as little as you need to feel comfortable visiting a new place.

I truly love this mission! I already supported their goals long before I went on this trip but now I’ve seen it fist hand and I’m a believer! I want to see them grow because there services are needed for everyone!

Cheers WTW for this experience and helping so many of us see the world!

On 11-08-2009 I switched from riding mountain bike

On 11-08-2009 I switched from riding mountain bikes to pushing a wheelchair. Today marks 14 years since that day I broke my neck. That’s crazy

In many ways it seems like forever ago. The first painstaking months when even tasks like brushing your teeth seemed monumental. But as time evolved, so did I. With the tremendous support of family, friends, and other spinal cord injury friends, some direction and purpose began to form.

As I scroll through the photos on my phone; my finger swiping through years of trial and error, ups and downs, people, friends, trips, and beyond, I can’t help but feel incredibly fortunate. I wouldn’t wish a broken neck on anyone but the experiences I’ve had since that day compile to more than I’d ever possibly imagined.

If there are a few things that I’ve learned over the years it’s this; life is wild, our time here is short. Some things you can change, some you can’t. If you get a chance to do something, do it. Say yes more than no. Don’t assume you can’t do something unless you try it for yourself. Give more than you take. Be present and grateful for what you have and remember it could always be worse.

So here’s to 14 years on wheels and learning to let the good times roll. Cheers 🍻

It’s Maddawg Maddox’s birthday today and I cou

It’s Maddawg Maddox’s birthday today and I couldn’t be more proud of this guy. He’s turning 21 in dog years and have matured into one fine young fellow!

As many of you know he had big paws to fill following his predecessor, Bella da Dawg. I’m pleased to say that he has done so with flying colors.

Year one was filled with following Bell around and learning the ropes. He quickly figured out how to clean a plate in record time, drool to the point of dehydration when anything edible is around, and shed uncontrollably all over everything I own.

Year two was all about learning to (mostly) listen to his dad and that the world isn’t as scary as he originally thought. We went to Mexico for a study abroad experience to broaden his horizons, attended music festivals, and even became a co-pilot on rzr adventures! This was a big year for the boi!

Here we are on day one of year three and it feels the possibilities are endless. Road trips? Bike rides? Showing dad how muddy he can get? He’s in for all of it.

So here’s to you Tiger, aka Maddox, aka Maddog. I love you buddy and am so fortunate you’re in my life. Happy furrday Tiger, cheers to many more. Love ya 🖖🏼

The stories he’ll be able to tell the grand pupp

The stories he’ll be able to tell the grand puppies will be endless. High mountains, deep creeks, fly swarms and cattle guards…. Living that good life

Maddawg Maddox has become quite the adventure pup and we’re just getting going!

Love this guy almost as much as he loves food 🖖🏼

Today marks 36 years around the sun for this guy.

Today marks 36 years around the sun for this guy. It’s been one heck of a ride, to say the least!

As I write this, I’m just waking up with a phone full of messages from family and friends sending me birthday love. Maddox is curled up beside, the sun is shining bright and it actually feels like spring in Durango again.

This past year has been at lot of transitions. A lot of effort has gone into my house and being a home owner for the first time. I’ve carefully crafted a wonderful friend group here that continues to grow. I’ve attempted to date some and instead traveled more.

One thing I have noticed this year is that I always felt like I’ve had older friends. In my younger years, I used to bike with people closer to my parents age than my own. through college, many of my close friends were just a couple years older. Post accident, the rugby guys were older, many new wheelchair friends were older and the people I lived with always seem to be around my age or a little bit of older.

Since moving down here to Durango, that has changed. I have noticed that more times than not I am one of the oldest of the group. The tables have turned as the old folks say… and I get it!

Would I change my age? Not for a second. The experiences I’ve had have made me this proud ‘older’ man. They’ve put the grey hairs on my head, sun bleached wrinkles on my skin, fake tooth in my smile, and long list campfire stories in my mind.

After all, age is just a number and I plan to keep riding this wave until that number stops counting!

Happy Good Friday all, I hope your day goes as well as I know mine will 🖖🏼

Thx for the great photo of my best bud and I @bound.for.nowhere

Well, Baja, it’s been real. The slow road north

Well, Baja, it’s been real. The slow road north has officially begun.

I came down here for a mental reset. I felt like I needed some time in the van to help ground me a bit. Living on the road somehow has just the right combinations of simplicity, complexity, and excitement to fuel my soul.

I knew Baja was special. I knew it had the right ingredients to create happiness and fulfillment but I wasn’t entirely sure if it would.

4 years ago when I was down here for the first time, the bar was set mighty high. I was worried going into this trip that those expectations might set me up for disappointment. This time I am completely solo (+Maddox) and that creates entirely different obstacles.

Turns out I had nothing to worry about.

This has been a spectacular trip reigniting my passion for travel and love for the road. I feel like Mexico and Central America are probably doable especially if I work on my Spanish. It’s also helped me realize how fortunate I am to have such a incredible homebase to come back to.

I’ve often wondered if I could do this lifestyle full-time… I may be able to… but I truly think that by breaking up stationary house living and being on the road; it’s the best way to enjoy both situations to their maximum potential.

North bound we head back to the other paradise I call home! 🖖🏼

There’s something about the Baja sun that just h

There’s something about the Baja sun that just hits different.

Maddox agrees

That is all🖖🏼

The US news is right, Mexico is terrifying. It’s

The US news is right, Mexico is terrifying. It’s full of ugly views, terrible people, and rotten food. The beaches are way too inviting, cacti way too stoic, and stars so bright it’s hard to sleep. Yuck.

What ever you do, don’t go to Baja.

Tell all your friends. 🖖🏼

I see you, Baja. I can’t wait feel your warm air

I see you, Baja. I can’t wait feel your warm airs, taste your delicious fish tacos, and have Maddox fill my van entirely of your gritty sand soon!

I leave tomorrow 🖖🏼

In May of this year, I had an opportunity of a lif

In May of this year, I had an opportunity of a lifetime. I was invited to join the @walkaboutorg team on a trip to their Kenya Walkabout Center. I knew it would be an unforgettable experience and a chance for me to finally interact with some recipients of the life changing wheelchairs we’d campaigned for. Plus, Kenya!? In all caps I wrote back, “IM IN!!”

As I learned more about what the trip would entail, I decided to invite my mom along to help out. Being an incredibly genuine woman with an unmatched love for children and challenged people if our world, I knew she would be a great asset. Mom hasn’t traveled much out of the States, yet alone Africa so I knew she was in for an eye opening experience as well!

Upon arriving at the Kenya Walkabout Center, the first thing I noticed was how many people were working diligently at their different tasks. A couple guys, George and Samual were building new pediatric chairs while others were sewing cushions and reusable diapers to distribute to families who can’t afford to keep purchasing diapers for their children.

Eventually, I pulled my eyes away from their infectious smiles and I realized most everyone working was also in a wheelchair! They all had their own Walkabout issued wheelchairs and some even had an off road trike to get them to work and back! Super rare to see in a country where most people with disabilities struggle to leave their homes, yet alone find gainful employment.

Conversations came easy as we all met and were comparing each others chairs. Smiles all around.

“How do you like Kenya so far?” Samuel asked.

“Well, the roads are pretty rough!” I chuckled, referring to the short pothole stricken dirt road commute from our hotel over to the center.

“Those are the smooth roads in town!” He laughed, “You haven’t seen anything yet!”

He was right and I knew it. I had just arrived in Kenya. This experience had just begun.

(Continued in comments)

📷: @henriqueseruca

Fall has come in quickly here in Colorado. It feel

Fall has come in quickly here in Colorado. It feels as though in a blink of an eye, the T shirts are traded in for down jackets and the realization sets in that summer is indeed over.

It’s a beautiful thing; this change. Something that is completely out of our control yet affects us all in different ways. For the vegetation, they sometimes shine their brightest before their long winters nap. For the geese, they fly the furthest before finding their newest home base in a different ecosystem. For us humans, some embrace, some try to fight it, some set their climate control and try to ignore it but we all feel it one way or another.

I haven’t been on here much in a while. In part, it’s because I’ve been busy getting settled in my new spot but also because I have had some trouble finding motivation to post. New content doesn’t seem as exciting when I’m sedentary and old content seems to loose its thrill the longer it sits dormant.

I’m creative when I’m thriving. I want to share, I want to educate, I want to inspire. What I’ve found thus far since spending much more time at home than usual is that this is harder for me to do from here.

So with this change in seasons, I’m setting new goals. I still have so much hiding on hard drives that needs to come out and plans for future endeavors that will undoubtedly be share worthy. I want to get back to a routine. Something that gives a purpose, not just for all of you who care to divulge but for my own self.

Photography and storytelling is my art. It’s something I very much value and enjoy. It’s something I’ve let slip through my fingertips lately and I pledge to change that.

As with the seasons around us, times are a changin’. I’m ready to shine bright and change with it 🖖🏼

Photo from Maine in 2020

Extinction. A word all of us have heard but how ma

Extinction. A word all of us have heard but how many of you have truly felt it. Felt it in the flesh, your bones, your heartbeat. Felt the hot breath folding your hair back as another species exhales its tremendous breath. Looked into the eyes of something on the very edge of extinction, the last two on our planet in fact, and apologized for all the wrongdoing our human kind has done to their species.

I now have.

Let me tell you, it was transformative.

Words and images can’t even begin to depict my experience with Najin and Fatu. These females are the last two remaining Northern White Rhinos left in the World. They are it. And it’s all because of rampant poaching that killed the 20k+ other of their relatives to fund war and greed.

Fatu and Najin were living in a zoo in the Czech Republic during this horrific period and therefore escaped the crosshairs and steel traps. However, the zoo didn’t completely save the day because neither of them are able to become pregnant despite many efforts. It’s believed this is partially caused by zoo living conditions like concrete floors and being in the Czech Republic rather than the fertile grasslands. On top of that, the last male, Sudan, unfortunately passed away in 2018. This is basically a Shakespearean tragedy.

In 2009 they were brought back to their native lands with hopes for more fertilization success. it was Kenya’s job to keep them safe from any possible harm or hardships and the rangers take this very seriously.

Here at Ol Pejata, they have a team of rangers who protect these two 24/7. They have 700 acres of fenced in area just for them and are working on ways to potentially use a Southern White rhino as a surrogate mother to birth another Northern White!

So there’s still hope! This story isn’t over yet.

For more information and to follow this story of near extinction, I invite you to follow @olpejeta @amivitale and our incredible guide, world ambassador, and previous ranger, @jemu_mwenda .

I’m incredibly honored to have had such an intimate experience with Najin and Fatu and feel the least I can do is share my story with you. Thanks for reading🖖🏼

📷 @jemu_mwenda

I’m officially back! Not just physically but men

I’m officially back! Not just physically but mentally from a trip of a lifetime.

Kenya, you are a special place. You have left an impression on me that will last a lifetime. During my merely two weeks with you, you opened my eyes to a different world. A world full of hardships that us in the west can barely fathom. A world full of beauty- that shines brightly through the souls of your Kenyan’s and spirit of your wildlife. A world full of hope. Hope that our crazy world will change for the better and that we will all help one another more.

In the next few weeks I’m going to dive deeper into my Kenyan experience but just thought you all would like to know, I’m back! 🖖🏼

Who’s van is this anyway!? The more time I spe

Who’s van is this anyway!?

The more time I spend with Maddox, the more I realize that I am his service human. I’m his personal chef, chauffeur, groomer, and ball thrower. I clean up after he poops, attempt to groom him when he’s dirty, and pull cactus out of his nose with my teeth in my van at 1am (yes, that really happened).

It’s a special bond we have- there’s no question there. Whereas Bella could float through life without a care in the world- Maddox very much cares! If a bird looks suspicious, sprinkler acts sporadically, or god forbid someone leans over and talks to him like a little baby…he lets me know!

“Dad, I’m uncomfortable! Dad, is ______ ok!?”

With all of this being said; all the dog hair in my bed, all the snoring through the night, all the times he doesn’t listen and does exactly what I ask him not to, I wouldn’t change a thing. I love this guy almost as much as he loves me but if he’s going to push me out of the van, he also needs to learn to drive!🖖🏼

There are few things that fuel my soul more than t

There are few things that fuel my soul more than travel. The ability to experience a different culture and learn from each other. We may mostly be human living on this little sphere but our lives can be so different.

Back in 2015, I had the chance to visit Machu Picchu in Peru. I had spoken to a friend who had been there in a wheelchair before so I knew it was possible but wasn’t sure how easily accomplished.

My girlfriend at the time and I decided we’d give it a shot and worst case scenario- we get up there and she’d go check everything out and comes back for me when she’s done. I was still up for the adventure.

After taking the train up from Cusco, then bus to the formal entrance- Kaitie and I were offered help to carry me down some very tall and very steep steps; we happily obliged. Two strong Peruvians helped me get on one of the spires that wraps around Machu Picchu before giving me high fives and going back up. I was thrilled! I could see the entire view even though the 15th century Incan’s didn’t consider building wheelchair ramps for some reason?

Once they left, I pushed half way around to where three steps impeded me from going further.

“Well dang,” I said to Kaitie, “I guess this it as far as I’m going.”

Rather than agreeing, Kaitie offered to carry me up those three steps and then we could keep going around.

Once Kaitie lifted me on her back piggyback style though, she said she was fine not only carrying me up a few steps but ALL OVER Machu Picchu!! My shoe fell off but that was the least of my concerns. To this day, I still don’t know how she did it but she was a superhero!!

So there I was, a pale blonde being carried around Machu Picchu by my ginger girlfriend! We stood out to say the least! Because my wheelchair was way down below, nobody knew I couldn’t walk around by myself and their faces blatantly showed this confusion. Meanwhile, our menial Spanish couldn’t explain the situation!

Eventually, after getting yelled at for taking a short break on one of the walls- I tapped out and Kaitie helped me back to my chair…and shoe.

So travel teaches you about others but I’d imagine we also left an impression on everyone else that day. 🖖🏼

The desert is calling again so tomorrow the Maddaw

The desert is calling again so tomorrow the Maddawg and I are heading back to our favorite spot, Moab, UT!

One of the big draws to moving to Durango was being only 2 1/2 hours from Moab. Compared to my 5-6 hour drive it feels like nothing! Fortunately, Maddox seems to love it there just as much as I do 🖖🏼

There’s a certain simplicity of being back on th

There’s a certain simplicity of being back on the road that just feels right. A simplicity that focuses around the necessities to keep moving forward and not much else. What do I do today? Do I need food, water, exercise, or to repair something? How do I execute those tasks?

These are the questions I find myself asking every day out here. I spend my mornings drinking coffee, listening to the birds, cactus gazing, and planning what a ‘good’ day would be like. I check the weather, listen to my body, and plan accordingly. If I need to nap and relax and rest, that’s quite OK. If I want to go eat in town and grocery shop, that’s ok too. It’s a mental fluidity that just resonates.

The other night my van was completely surrounded by coyotes. Maddox was on the high alert inside crawling all over me while I was trying to sleep.

“Dad” he said, “did you hear that!? I wanted to chase the first one but now that there’s a whole pack, I’m not so sure I want to play anymore!”

They yipped and yawed at us trying to lure the boy outside but I’d like to think he could sense that would be… unwise. Ultimately, even I was thankful to be in a car at that point!

This episode only lasted about 10 minutes before the coyotes became bored and wandered off. I quickly fell back asleep and Maddox eventually did too. I love how in touch with nature this van allows me to be- even with moments like these. Lessons that can only be experienced.

Maybe it’s the places this little freedom vessel takes me? Maybe it’s the cozy and conveniently configured quarters within the rig? Maybe it’s life’s lessons, simplicity or necessity. Whatever it is, this past week has been a breath of fresh air spending some much needed time in the van, with the Maddawg, and experiencing the desert with all its wonders. 🖖🏼

The desert is calling…. You know what that mean

The desert is calling….

You know what that means 🖖🏼

The past few months have been filled with lots of

The past few months have been filled with lots of change. I moved to a new house in a new town. I ate at a new restaurant, had my haircut at a new barber, met new neighbors, and visited a new Home Depot more times than I care to admit.

Change is good. I think part of what I love about traveling around in the van is the constant change. However, what I’ve realized is that change can also be exhausting- especially as a quadriplegic.

I can still do a lot. I’m very thankful for that, but I have to have things setup a particular way in order to do so. That’s what I love about the van- The world can be incredibly tough on the outside but I know once I’m inside the van- I can get by just fine. It’s amazing.

My new house has not felt that way yet. It takes time for me to figure out what goes where, what I can reach, and what I can’t. What needs a modification and what doesn’t. It will get there but isn’t there yet.

Camping this weekend was refreshing reminder that I still do have a fully functioning home (on wheels) and I freaking love it.

I built Spock to change my life and it did. I’m now building this house out and I’m confident it’ll have the same effect. 🖖🏼

PS: I’m not even close to giving up life on the road! Don’t worry. This is just my oasis to come home to when I’m not traveling and eventually spend more time here. It’s incredibly hard to find rentals that work well for me so I took the plunge into buying and modifying my own place!

It sure feels good to get back in the van for a bi

It sure feels good to get back in the van for a bit!

The last couple months have been crazy to say the least. Between closing on a house in Durango, my brother getting married in California, the holidays, friends visiting from Argentina, and moving… I haven’t had much time for van ‘splorin. That being said, I hardly have anything to complain about. These are all VERY good things!

I’m down in Arizona now visiting some friends and soaking up that sweet Arizona sun. Boy was this needed! I’ll be heading back up north tomorrow but with the madness behind me and this refreshing trip under my belt, I’m feeling good about what’s to come. 🖖🏼

Pic: @sabriparodi

Follow on Instagram

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.