PEOPLE
I’m Michel (“Michelle”). I’ll be doing the writing, much of the photography, and most of the cooking (because I really like eating). Also the homeschool planning, gardening, and chicken tending. I’m retiring from the military this year (2022), and the start of my terminal leave marks the kick-off of our adventures.
My husband Michael retired in 2017, and has been staying home with our daughter since. He’s my master mechanic and firearms expert, and he’s the master planner and navigator for our overland trip. He’s also rather fond of whiskey.
Ruby. Currently 5 and finished with preschool, she’s reading independently and wants to be a “pet vet” when she grows up (she has been saying this since she was 2, so for over half her life). She loves cats, especially tigers. Lucky for us, she also loves road trips, tent camping, RV camping, hiking, and being outdoors. Good thing, because she’ll be doing a lot of those things!
Balen & Abigail. Occasionally you'll read about Balen and/or Abigail. Balen is Michel's son, currently 16, and about to start his senior year at Dayton Christian. Abigail is Michel's daughter, currently 22, who lives in Columbus.
VEHICLES & TRAILERS
Rusty Pete. Rusty Pete is my 2014 2-door Jeep Wrangler JK. He’s copperhead orange, with purple accents (winch cable, decals) and has a manual transmission. Rusty Pete isn’t yet lifted (that’ll happen later after we’re settled in Idaho) but he’s got a few extra lights and a tailgate table, which is super handy. The name “Rusty Pete” comes from the book “Rusty Pete of the Lazy AB,” which is about a cow pony that likes to think of himself and wild and untamed, but in reality he is gentle and kind. That’s kinda like my Jeep - acts all tough, but with navigation and a butt warmer, he’s actually pretty nice.
Little Everest. Little Everest is Michael’s 2013 2-door Jeep Wrangler JK. She’s white, has a 2.5-inch AEV lift and wears 33” tires, and she also has a manual transmission. She looks pretty nice with her red accents, steel bumpers, winch, and body-colored hard top. For the overland trip we’ve also outfitted her with a 67 Designs mounting system to hold the cell phone and iPad. Little Everest was named by Ruby, after one of her favorite PAW Patrol characters.
Overland Trailer (OLT). Our OLT is a 1967 Jeep utility tub trailer, built for the military during the Vietnam war. It’s a small tub on wheels. We bought it from a guy in Indiana who fabricated a lid and a rack for it. The rack is on pistons so it can be raised and lowered, allowing the lid to open completely. The rooftop tent goes on the rack, and we’ve organized the inside with bins.
Fifth Wheel. We have a 29-ft 2016 Cougar X-Lite by Forest River. It’s just right for the 3 of us. We’ll likely need to get something a bit bigger with a separate bunk room for the kid when she’s older, and then we’ll probably want to downsize once she’s out of the house, but this trailer works pretty well for us right now. It features 3 slides, has a kitchen island, a dining table and chairs, and some bonus countertop space in the kitchen/dining area.
ANIMALS
Aurora. Aurora is our cat. Ruby calls her “Cat Cat Aurora.” I tried to find a temporary home for her, but no one wanted in an indoor/outdoor cat for up to a year, so we’re taking her with us, at least for RV Life. Haven’t exactly figured out what we’re doing for our overland trip. She’s about 8 years old, has long hair, and is AMAZINGLY tolerant of the attention that Ruby has given her, to include being buried under stuffed animals, adorned with crowns and jewels, and smothered under blankets. She’s a sweet kitty, and we couldn’t give her up, so she is coming with us, whether she likes it or not!
