EV Adventuring: Nine Countries and 16 Days in a Volkswagen ID. Buzz Van

October 12, 2025 / Mercedes Lilienthal / Leave a comment

Some people’s idea of adventure is trying Starbucks’ newest coffee drink. Others may venture out and visit little-known towns, like Gold Hill, Utah, or Sargents, Colorado. But what if you take your sense of exploration and multiply it by a million? My husband, Andy Lilienthal, and I celebrated our 20-year wedding anniversary in 2024 by…

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The Modifications to Our TransAmerica Trail 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

July 28, 2025 / Andy Lilienthal / 1 Comment

We did it! We completed the TransAmerica Trail from Nags Head, North Carolina, to Port Orford, Oregon, in a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. It was a heck of an adventure spanning more than 7,100 miles with over 3,100 of that being unpaved. One question we get regularly asked is what modifications were made to the…

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We’re Running the TransAmerica Trail in a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

March 4, 2025 / Andy Lilienthal / 2 Comments

For years, I was curious with the TransAmerica Trail (TAT). This is a transcontinental route, primarily on dirt, going from North Carolina to Oregon. When I first learned about it, I was intrigued; most who ran it did it on motorcycles. Then I heard it was doable in a four-wheeled vehicle, and I added to…

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The Zukiworld Fall Classic: An Epic Adventure and a Reminder to Be Prepared For Anything

November 29, 2024 / Andy Lilienthal / 2 Comments

Off-roading, remote camping, overlanding: All these activities have calculated risks, and if unprepared, things can go sideways. However, you can mitigate the risk by ensuring you’re fully prepared. A recent 4WD trip through central Oregon proved that by being prepared for any situation, you can ensure safe travels—and even help others.

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My Mother Is My Travel Inspiration

May 12, 2024 / Andy Lilienthal / Leave a comment

Wanderlust. It’s a word that gets tossed around a lot these days due in part to the endless array of photos on Instagram, travel vlogs on YouTube, and quick idyllic scenes on TikTok. And it probably means something different to everyone. For me, it’s always been this curiosity to see what’s on the other side…

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Mitsubishi Pajero Radiator Redo

June 8, 2023 / Andy Lilienthal / 2 Comments

Well, if you’ve ever wondered what a 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero radiator looks like, behold. You may be wondering: why is Andy here with a Pajero radiator? Well, wonder no more. Here’s the scoop.

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Early Morning Airport Vibes, Wanderlust, and Travel

January 31, 2023 / Andy Lilienthal / 1 Comment

Since the pandemic, I haven’t flown a lot. I used to fly all the time, but thanks to the Covid-19 thing and a back injury that sidelined me in 2021 and part of 2022, most of my travel has been on four wheels. But last November, I had to fly to the ’22 SEMA Show…

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2020 Alcan 5000 Rally Memories: The Sourtoe Cocktail

February 18, 2021 / Andy Lilienthal / Leave a comment

It’s been nearly a year since we participated in the mother-of-all-winter rallies, the 2020 Alcan 5000. We’ve been reflecting on some of our favorite moments and are putting together some fun memories. One of these was our night in Dawson City, YT Canada and the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail.

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A Grand Adventure to Yosemite National Park

October 30, 2019 / Mercedes Lilienthal / 3 Comments

When someone thinks of “out west,” they typically think of massive mountains, tall trees, grand valleys, and staggering scenery. They think of the wild, wild west. Gone are miles and miles of plains or crops as far as the eye can see. Cows and corn, soybeans and sows aren’t thought of, either. Next to the…

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We Drove the 2019 Suzuki Jimny in Iceland and it was Amazing

August 27, 2019 / Andy Lilienthal / 7 Comments

Mercedes and I went to Iceland in July. As we were booking details for the trip last spring, including a rental car, it dawned on me that we could rent a little bit of North American unobtainium. A new 2019 Suzuki Jimny. Low and behold, we were able to snag one of these little 4x4s…

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