Northology Adventures May 2021

A MIDWEST OUTDOOR OVERLAND ADVENTURE PUBLICATION

BRAND BLINDNESS

KENTUCKY WHOA, MAN!

A SAILOR AT NIGHT

The one question you should be asking yourself

Scenic beauty in the Red River Gorge

Reflections of a Great Lakes freighter captain.

FROM THE EDITOR

Ummm, confession... when counting back the

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THE GEAR BUNKER VEHICLE PROFILE

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issues from the first year of publishing, I did not remember that the first

A SAILOR AT NIGHT

issue, the June 2020

We talk with laker captain Michael Dudich about life on the Great Lakes

issue, was actually published in May. So THIS

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A COMMUNITY CONSPIRACY

WHY NOT KENTUCKY?

American Adventurist gathers a

The Daniel Boone Backcountry

community dedicated to fun &

Byway and the Red River Gorge

tread lightly principles.

never fail to impress.

issue is the 12th issue. Not a big deal but it's a bit embarrassing. Good news is that the metrics will improve and be even better when recalculated.

Lesson learned (check your work with multiple methods!)

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NORTH WOODS BOAT LIFE

NATIONAL PARKS FAVORITES

you on the trail.

Photographer Andrew Scully

A list of the top three favorite

-Cindy

gives us a peek into lake life on

and not so favorite National

Many thanks for coming along on this journey. See

Chute Pond in northern Wisconsin

Parks by MoLeisureXventures.

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50

MEANDERING RUN

BRAND BLINDNESS

Galena, IL is a fun town for

Asa Meadows asks questions

runners and anyone who is

about brand loyalty and the

into history and fun.

answer is uncomfortable.

Northology Adventures Magazine has made all efforts to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor. All content is published in a good faith. Northology Adventures does not guarantee or

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accept liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by this magazine or errors in the accuracy of claims made by the

MVUM ROAD & VEHICLE

SOOB WISCONSIBLY

CLASSIFICTIONS

Johnathan Garland uses a

Maurice de Lannee digs

tongue-in-cheek Instagram

deep for useful information.

handle for Subarus & charity.

advertisers.All rights reserved and nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written consent. By using links in this magazine, you acknowledge that and agree that Northology cannot be held responsible and shall not be

inside

liable for content of other websites and advertisements.

Cover photo by Cindy Pope

editor's note If there is one thing we love about the upper Midwest, it's the Great Lakes.

Watching freighters pass thru the mist is one of the great, random thrills of many a camping trip. Seeing one is a reminder that no matter how far out in the boonies you go, the world hasn't stopped and that history is all around you.

I had the unique opportunity to ask a few questions of a laker captain, Mike Dudich, about his love of sailing, photography and his life on board. All photos by Mike.

Name- Michael Diduch Hometown- Grand Rapids, MI Occupation- Great Lakes Captain Websitehttps://www.anchorandfreight.com Instagram- @asailoratnight

Ok, so how does one get to be a laker captain?

My interest in sailing first came about during 6th grade boaters safety class.

A sheriff came into my school to teach my entire class and at the end, we would all get our boating license.

During the lesson he talked about how far away you are required to stay away from large ships, and I thought to myself “large ships, that sounds cool!” So I started to gain more interest from there; researching on my own what types of ships there are and what they do. When I got to high school I told my guidance counselor that I wanted to work on ships and she said “come back tomorrow and we’ll see what I can find, because this is not a typical request.”

Do you get to spend time in the cities on your routes?

Yes, we are normally in port anywhere from 8-24 hours, so I always try to get off and go for a walk or stop and grab a bite to eat. When our contracts are 60 days long, it’s nice to stretch your legs every once in a while.

Do you have a favorite Great Lake? What is so great about it?

Lake Superior is definitely my favorite! I’ve seen so many awesome weather phenomena on it, more than the other lakes. For example, the northern lights, massive 24 foot waves, intense snow storms, and crazy rain squalls.

How big does Lake Superior feel?

Like an ocean! We can sail for hours and see nothing but water across the entire horizon. The storms and waves you see on Lake Superior can rival what you see on the oceans too.

Where is the most beautiful shoreline?

It’s hard to pick just one! I love seeing the Chicago skyline from the lake and Sleeping Bear Dunes as well. It’s also awesome watching the lights in Duluth get taller and brighter as we make our way closer towards the lift bridge.

I think it is so cool to watch a freighter appear and disappear in the mist like a ghost ship. What’s it like when you’re out there enveloped in the fog?

It’s a very eerie feeling, more so in really thick fog when you can’t even see halfway up the deck of the ship. Add that to the ship’s fog signal going off and you got a scene from a Steven King novel.

What is a typical day in the life like for you?

A typical day is always changing, depending on the time of day we are arriving/departing docks or transiting river systems. As the captain of a vessel operating 24/7, my schedule is at the mercy of where ever are on a given day, but it always involves coffee.

Do you feel closer to nature or farther away when you're on that giant boat?

I do feel like I appreciate my surroundings more while I’m on the ship than when I’m home, because very few people get to see the views that I’m afforded and I don’t want to take that for granted. There isn’t a day that goes by when I’m sailing that I don’t stick my head out my port hole to watch the sunrise or sunset.

Your instagram feed is amazing, do you sell prints or have showings in galleries?

I am currently in two galleries, at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island and at Tinker Studio on Old Mission Peninsula. I also sell prints via my Instagram page.

What is the most unique or memorable thing you have seen from the wheel?

A few years ago on Lake Superior, we were going in and out of fog banks right around sunset. Looking out at the horizon it looked like pink and orange mountain ranges. Definitely one of the coolest things I’ve seen.

Why did you choose “asailoratnight” for your IG handle? Is there a story behind that?

I was inspired by a quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing, only a signal shown, and a distant voice in the darkness; So on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another, only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.”

And from that I came up with asailoratnight.

I see in your bio the hashtag #ArthurMAnderson, what was it like to captain a ship of such historical significance?

Did you ever think to yourself “I’m standing in the same spot as Captain Cooper was when he saw the SS Edmund Fitzgerald for the last time?”

I do always add the name of the ship I’m currently on in my bio, so my followers can keep track of which ship I’m on. It’s mind blowing to think about the history of all the vessels I work on, especially the Anderson. I often think about how these ships have been around for decades and have seen captains come and go, but they are still here. So really I feel like part of my job is to carry on the legacy and history of each vessel I sail on.

The Evergreen and the Suez canal incident brought shipping into the international spotlight recently, do great lakes freighters run into things or have accidents like that?

Certainly! I recall last year a vessel ran aground and blocked a channel in the Detroit River and shut down traffic for a day or two. It made the local news, but certainly didn’t have the impact the Evergreen in the Suez did.

“Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing, only a signal shown, and a distant voice in the darkness; So on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another, only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.”

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Tell me something significant that most people don’t know about your occupation or great lakes shipping.

The Great Lakes shipping season goes from March 25th to until January 15th, because those dates are when the Soo Locks in Sault Ste Marie, MI close for winter maintenance. As a result, most shipping companies put all of their vessels into winter layup to also complete much needed maintenance.

What do you do when you're not at work?

Hobbies? Family?

My family and I love to travel when we can. We have a puzzle of all the Great Lakes light houses and my goal is to visit all of them, currently at 15 so I have a while to go. I also like kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.

What’s your favorite, sunrises or sunsets?

Tough choice, but I’ll have to say sunrises mainly because I’m a morning person and nothing beats an awesome view with your morning coffee!

A COMMUNITY CONSPIRACY

BY CINDY POPE I read the announcement by Overland Expo that media sponsor American Adventurist would be present at all the 2021 OE events and smiled. I started following the American Adventurist social media many years ago, my heart aching over every gorgeous photo of wide open expanses of American landscapes (with trucks!) I met founder Dave Bennett when he spoke at the inaugural Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat in 2018. It was there that I learned that American Adventurist is more than just a bunch of guys with cameras and cool trucks, it's a community committed to bringing people together to share a common passion.

Back in 2010, our “Rendezvous Conspiracy” of like minded Adventurists sat around a campfire in the California desert dreaming up ideas to get out and explore more often. That quiet conversation resulted in the first Desert Rendezvous. Fast forward ten years and American Adventurist grew to tens of thousands of followers across the social media spectrum with members in all 50 states. Early on we made it our business to promote responsible outdoor recreation, 4WD education, and Tread Lightly principles and we’re still doing it today – I honestly never imagined that so many other people had similar dreams and interests, or that this would grow to be what it is. We’ve held Rendezvous events in California, North Carolina and now Arizona and partnered with dozens of amazing brands and events like Overland Expo and Northology Adventures along the way. We're extremely grateful for all the love and support we've received over the years from those who believed in us, and for all of you who choose to be a part what we do. In the end, it’s the people, the family and friends that made this all possible, and you are why we do what we do. THANK YOU for making these last 10 years, and this Community that we’ve built, something that we can all be extremely proud of.

Dave Bennett, Founder

Who are we? Founded on a common passion for vehicle based adventure travel and environmentally responsible outdoor recreation, American Adventurist was founded as a way to bring friends together.

Since 2010, we’ve worked with the community of interest at the national level, bringing like minded people together for weekend adventures ranging from overland style trips, remote camping, 4WD training, and our flagship Rendezvous events.

At American Adventurist we have an enduring commitment to give back to the local community at every Rendezvous event we host. Held in unique environments and steeped in the region’s local flavor, our community events share our core values with a focus on friends, family, and an active outdoor lifestyle. Current events include the Desert Rendezvous and Mountain Rendezvous in California; and the Appalachian Rendezvous in North Carolina.

Adventurists turn to us online when searching for new destinations to explore, researching a gear or vehicle purchase, and for a little day-to-day inspiration to get them through the grind. See #AmericanAdventurist for inspiring content and join our free community at www.americanadventurist.com

KENTUCKY'S RED RIVER

GORGE

BY CINDY POPE

@Justice_Explores

I asked a few recent visitors and residents what makes Kentucky, and especially the Red River Gorge area so special and boy, were they eager to talk. Whether you are doing the Kentucky Adventure Tour, the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway, visiting an offroad park or just sticking to the pavement, Kentucky is an outdoors enthusiast's dream and a dang great place to explore.

Jill @1941_adventures

"One of the best things KY has to offer is the variety of terrain for any skill level. Mountains, valleys, streams, tunnels, KY has it all!" "The trails and small towns offer tons of history from the oil industry and moonshine runners." "We really enjoyed the large number of water crossings and the streams and rivers to explore and camp next to."

Jill @1941_adventures

Jill @1941_adventures

Jill @1941_adventures

“Not only is the Gorge one of the worlds top Sport Climbing regions it’s has some of the most diverse wheeling in the east region of the states. The Appalachian mountains will surprise even the most experienced off-roader. Endless trails and beautiful camp spots with views will leave any overlander wanting more from this area.”

-Jeremiah @OverlandPioneers

@OverlandPioneers

@OverlandPioneers

@OverlandPioneers

where to go "Similar to the Keweenaw Peninsula, Red River Gorge is an outdoor sports Mecca that is worth traveling to whether you enjoy hiking, camping, 4x4 driving, or rock climbing and beyond.

The trails range from scenic to challenging. Our 4Runner was freshly outfitted with an Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 suspension and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT's in 33" sizing. Spaas Creek trail offers a scenic way to shake down your vehicle whether that is traveling through water crossings or up a creek bed. Pumpkin Hollow trail increases the difficulty and really introduces you to tougher terrain.

It allowed us to test out other functions of our still pretty new 4Runner TRD Off Road premium and put them to use.

After an afternoon on the trail you’ll be surprised how hungry you are and Miguel’s is the place to go."

-Jordan Schutt @Midwest_funrunr

DANIEL BOONE BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY The Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway (DBBB) is a high clearance 4wd route comprised of improved and unimproved county and public roads over 100 miles long centered around the scenic Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest. -SFWDA KENTUCKY ADVENTURE TOUR The Kentucky Adventure Tour is a 900+ mile loop around the hills and mountains of southeastern Kentucky. It is about 40% rural narrow twisty paved roads with the rest being gravel, dirt roads & trails.

HOLLERWOOD PARK Hollerwood Offroad Park has over 2,500 ares of valleys and ridges making every trail an obstacle with breathtaking scenery. The park is in a prime location near the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Eastern Kentucky.

Our favorites CALLIE'S LAKE & CAMPGROUND, BOWEN, KY Callie's has EVERYTHING- RV hookups, primitive campsites, hot showers & flush toilets at the main office/restaurant/store and porta-potties by the primitive sites. Great for large groups. The cafe serves food all day, the BBQ pulled pork breakfast wrap was the bomb.

DANIEL BOONE COFFEE SHOP, SLADE, KY Cute little souvenier shop with the full barista coffee setup and delicious baked goods. The coffee cake is to die for.

MIGUEL'S PIZZA, SLADE, KY A Red River Gorge institution, Miguel's pizza was loved by everyone. They also have sandwiches, pasta & beer on tap. @Justice_Explores

"Having the Red River Gorge area so close to home is amazing; you can go from mild to wild in an afternoon, if you want. There are trails that are stock 4x4 friendly to the craziest rock climbs you are willing to try. From the DBBB to the off-road parks in the area to the KAT sections; there truly is something for all vehicles and skill levels. All of this with some of the most breathtaking scenery you will ever find makes RRG an off road paradise."

-Sam Justice @justice_explores

@Justice_Explores

@Justice_Explores

OVERLAND PIONEERS- TRANS AMERICA TRAIL SERIES In this video we tackle the Tennessee section of the Trans America Trail, the last mountainous area in the eastern region before we head west.

Water Crossings • Appalachian Mountains • Endless Forestry Trails

north woods boat life ANDREW SCULLY WORDS & PHOTOS

"IT’S PEACEFUL, IT’S QUIET, ITS SURREAL. NATURE MOVES ALONG AT ITS OWN SPEED. THERE IS NO URGENCY, NO DEADLINES, NO PLACE TO BE, JUST EXIST. "

As I leave work in Madison at 5pm I race home to get my family in the vehicle, ready for a road trip. We all get in and I hitch up the boat. We drive 3 hours north to Mountain WI. I could just wait until the next morning to make the drive…but waking up on the lake has a special affect on me. It’s our families slice of heaven. We launch the boat just as the sun sets and enjoy our sunset cruise across Chute Pond.

It’s no wake on the lake before 10AM. It’s peaceful, it’s quiet, its surreal. Nature moves along at its own speed.

There is no urgency, no deadlines, no place to be be, just exist. And then, the count down to 10AM begins. You can feel it, those who have held back their horse power on their boats want to roar! 10AM hits and you see the first speed boat pulling a water skier across the glass of the undisturbed water. It’s just as majestic as the nature of the morning. We fire up our 80HP 2 stroke and join the roar on the lake. My step daughter is seven now and is a fish in the water. She loves tubing behind our boat or just swimming along the shoreline. We spend the whole day outside basking in the sunlight. We stop at the local sandbar and suddenly its a party. We are joined by

fellow lake lovers and the conversation and the drinks are shared.

Adventure calls! Let’s go to the cliffs and dive into the lake! And then to Slipper Rock, a natural water slide waterfall in the woods. We drop anchor off shore and leave the boat behind as we hike through the woods. The woods tell a story of survival, not that long ago a furious storm ravaged the area and the woods show the survivors and the victims. Time heals all as the trees straighten back up and reach towards the sun. We enjoy the water slide and keep the kids from going over the edge, an easy mistake to make.

Hunger calls and its time to return to the boat for an easy trip to the local lake side bar. Food and drinks provide everyone with a second wind and we return home for a bon fire as we watch the best sunset you’ve ever seen descend across the water in front of us.

It’s time for bed, time for rest. Tomorrow will bring the same enjoyment and memories. And come June we will be married on this lake, our slice of heaven.

T

adventure calendar MAY 4/30-5/2-Smoky Mountain

Overland Rally, Crosby, TN 5/14-5/16- Big Iron Overland Rally, West Mineral, KS 5/30- Sunday Adventurers Meetup, Roscoe, IL JUNE 6/27- Sunday Adventurers Meetup, Roscoe, IL

submit your event at info.northologyadventures@gmail.com

WELDING, AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SANDBLASTING, PAINTING

OUR TOP FAVORITE WATERFALL CHASING LOCATIONS MICHIGAN- BOND FALLS This very accessible and popular Upper Peninsula waterfall has developed trails, steps, decks and bridges across the Ontonagon river

ILLINOIS- JACKSON FALLS Jackson Falls offers a remote nature experience in the Shawnee National Forest with wooded hills and winding trails and primitive camping.

WISCONSIN- AMNICOM FALLS Amnicon Falls State Park features waterfalls along the Amnicon River.

View them from a covered foot bridge or trails along the river.

MINNESOTA- DEVIL'S KETTLE Hike to the falls- one side tumbles 50 feet into a pool that flows to Lake Superior, and the other plunges underground and disappears.

IOWA- BRIDAL VEIL FALLS Hike the half-mile boardwalk to Bridal Veil Falls and explore Bear Mound—an effigy built by Native Americans from the Woodland era.

NATIONAL

PARK FAVES

WORDS BY DELIA MO - PHOTOS BY ENOCH LEISURE

#1 BIG BEND This is our favorite park overall. There’s a lot that this park has to offer and different ways to explore. The park consists of the Chisos Basin Mountains surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert. We were able to experience multiple seasons here, one day hiking in 80 degrees and the next day watching snow fall in the mountains. Their backcountry campsites are all along offroad trails with beautiful views of the mountains, desert, or the Rio Grande river.

There’s also a natural hot spring that sits right next to the Rio Grande. Don’t forget your passport! You can cross the Rio Grande on a boat and ride into Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico on donkeys. Overall, 10/10 for landscape and activities.

THE HIKING

#2 DEATH VALLEY

We had our first true off road experience here. This was the 3rd park we visited after starting the trip. We did not have any modifications done to the car yet and decided to go down Mengel Pass at dusk.

We learned very quickly that we should’ve waited to do the pass in the daytime. We completed the road but had some casualties along the way. We lost our side steps and almost broke the car. But we didn't, so now we just have a great story to tell! After tackling this pass, we installed Hardcore Off-Roading LLC rock sliders and ASFIR 4x4 skid plates armor on Yogi.

BIG BEND

#3 GRAND TETON We had our first backpacking experience here. We hiked up to the Death Canyon Shelf, 22 miles round trip to 9,731 feet high. We completed this hike in 2 days but should have stayed longer as our legs were dead afterwards. We saw so many animals along the hike: deer, marmots, chipmunks, moose, a baby bighorn sheep, and a bear from afar. Our campsite had an amazing view of the Teton Mountains as well. I would recommend this hike but definitely spread it out for multiple days.

REISE | PAGE 4

This is our favorite park overall. There’s a lot that this park has to offer and different ways to explore. The park consists of the Chisos Basin Mountains surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert. We were able to experience multiple seasons here, one day hiking in 80 degrees and the next day watching snow fall in the mountains. Their backcountry campsites are all along offroad trails with beautiful views of the mountains, desert, or the Rio Grande river.

There’s also a natural hot spring that sits right next to the Rio Grande. Don’t forget your passport! You can cross the Rio Grande on a boat and ride into Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico on donkeys. Overall, 10/10 for landscape and activities.

GRAND TETON

LEAST FAVORITE HOT SPRINGS There wasn’t much to see here, as the park is in the middle of a city. We toured the visitors center which is inside of the old Fordyce bathhouse. There are only 2 bath houses that you can soak in and both were closed on the day that we visited. We stopped by a couple of the outdoor hot springs and filled our water bottles at the Happy Hollow Fountain with fresh spring water. We couldn’t go up the Mountain Tower due to zero visibility from the fog and rain. Overall, not a very exciting or memorable experience, for us.

GATEWAY ARCH

Yet, another park in the middle of a city. This park is part of the Indiana Dunes State Park. It was very confusing to know the difference. It was also very crowded when we went. It is a popular beach destination for the locals. We saw a line of cars heading into what we thought was the National Park so we started waiting in the line. We ended waiting in a line to pay to enter the State Park. We quickly did a U-turn to try to find the entrance to the National Park. Overall, too crowded and not much to see as it’s really just a beach.

These are only 6 out of the 46 parks that we have been to. We highly recommend going to all of these parks and experiencing them for yourselves.

Everyone expects different things when they go to new places. We like our parks to have variety in environment, activities, and weather. We want to hear from you!

What are your favorite/least favorite national parks? Feel free to DM us your answers. @MoLeisureXventures

REISE | PAGE 4

Another park in the middle of a city. The park is part of a larger greenspace overlooking the Mississippi River. There is an old courthouse and church that you can explore too. But the main attraction is the St. Louis Arch. It was raining when we were there, but luckily visibility cleared up when we got to the top of the arch. It was a nice view of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. I don’t think it should have National Park status though. Perhaps a National Monument title is more suitable.

INDIANA SAND DUNES

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MEANDERING RUN

ELWOOD TOAST

@CoffeeToastRunner

Drive along Hwy 20 in northwestern Illinois in the middle of Northology Adventures territory and you'll come upon small town Galena. Built in the 1820s on the backs of lead miners, an active shipping industry and the home of President Ulysses S. Grant. The Galena River and mighty Mississippi meet,

GALENA HAS TRANSFORMED ITSELF FROM A MINING TOWN INTO A TOURIST DESTINATION LIKE NO OTHER, PROUDLY REMEMBERING THEIR PAST WITH A FIRM FOOTHOLD IN TODAY.

the rugged lead ore was transported via ship along the waterways and through the hills and valleys. You can still experience all this today. Galena has transformed itself from a mining town into a tourist destination like no other, proudly remembering their past with a firm foothold in today.

Historic downtown is full of activity.

Specialty retail, restaurants, coffee and candy shops and outdoor specialty retailers fill Main Street. You can jump on the Galena River Trail just steps away from downtown.

The trailhead and crushed gravel trail travels in two directions with a total mileage of six

GALENA, ILLINOIS to eight miles, much of it following the Galena River. Jump on at the trailhead. I've run on it many times and it is never busy.

Whether you run, hike, walk or ride your bike it doesn't matter. Just enjoy the quiet, peaceful journey. Be advised that the Galena River Trail is probably the most level stretch in the area. Most of NW Illinois is very hilly so if you want a more stressful workout you can easily find it.

Head northwest on Field Street/County Road 3 and you'll find yourself out in the countryside. I've run this route many times and as long as you stay off to one side and watch for traffic this route is a great workout and stress reliever. The hilly countryside makes itself apparent quickly and you find yourself in the peace and quiet of the driftless countryside. I enjoy passing by the farms with cows and horses only twenty feet away. A great way to train the body and ease the mind. Wear road shoes as this run is most all paved.

But, I digress.

For a run with a different twist run out Blackjack Road. It is quiet with many unique looking homes and farms. How about an Alpaca Farm? You'll find it on Blackjack.

For trail runners Ornery Mule Racing organizes two great runs in the Galena area. On May 15th is the Galena Sky Trail Race. A four and eight hour challenge in the driftless hills this is an event not to be missed. I've run the four hour twice and can say OMR put on a fantastic all day event.

New for 2021 on May 14th is their Friday Night Mountain Challenge held at the Chestnut Mountain Resort. Check out their website for details and to pre-register. www.ornerymuleracing.com

There are many specialty businesses in Galena which I thought may be of interest to our readers. If you want to canoe, kayak or paddle board stop in at Fever River Outfitters. They also offer bike rentals including electric, fatty, road and tandem bikes. Their store which is located in an old Galena home on Main Street, stocks outdoor gear too. Be sure to call them in advance if you want to rent a bike or join them for a water sport. www.feverriveroutfitters.com Another outdoor sports option is Nuts Outdoors, also offer bike and kayak rentals as well as bike and high-end knife sales.

And, something unique...for those who enjoy fishing NUTS offers fishing tours with guides that "know every corner of NW Illinois driftless region" according to their website. Visit their site and call ahead if you want to plan a visit. www.nutsoutdoors.com I haven't met many trail and outdoor enthusiasts that don't enjoy a cold brew once in a while. For beer lovers try Galena Brewing Company. From the lightest to the darkest they have a beer for you. Enjoy their food menu along with an original beer, brewed in-house. www.galenabrewing.com Speaking of food, downtown offers many great options. For great tasting burgers check out Durty Gurts (they're Sarah Palin was a favorite of yours truly) or Market House, who's Tavern Burger may be the best in town. Breakfast can't be beat at Victory Cafe. If a steak dinner is in order try the long-standing Log Cabin.

NW ILLINOIS IS VERY HILLY SO IF YOU WANT A MORE STRESSFUL WORKOUT YOU CAN EASILY FIND IT.

Wine or coffee? My personal favorite wine is made locally at Galena Cellars, with two locations. One is their fantastic new retail location on Main Street and, their winery (tours are available) which is just a short drive in the country from Galena. www.galenacellars.com Coffee lovers can enjoy original blends at either Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea www.trolleydepotcoffee.com or downtown mainstay Kaladi's Coffee Bar. There is much more downtown to explore including Grateful Gourmet cooking utensils and supplies, fun stuff at Poopsie's and antiques at Peace Of The Past. Art stores, ice cream, popcorn, women's wear and many more unique places to shop, eat and sleep.

The next time you are traveling through the northwest driftless area be sure to stop in Galena.

Explore the trails and hills, shop a little and eat up! Learn more at www.visitgalena.org and www.cityofgalena.org .

A question every brand-loyalist should be asking themselves.

ByAsa Lee Meadows Right now, my brand new Jeep is 513 miles away from me, in a small town in West Virginia, awaiting a heart transplant.

I admit it, I’m a Jeep guy, although I haven’t always been one. Long before I started owning the toughest four letter word on wheels, I had muscle cars and pick up trucks. Then I got fancy and had an Audi A4. It was when a snowstorm, followed by freezing rain, kept me out of my own driveway after the roads had been plowed that led me to getting my first ever Jeep. It was a 2007 base sport 2 door Wrangler JK. My only requirements were a 6 speed manual and AC. It was as basic as you could get. It was great. I bought that Jeep on April 25, 2007 and have only bought Jeeps as my daily driver ever since. Almost 14 years later, on April 22, my latest Jeep died on me, coming to rest a few feet from mile marker 53 on I-77.

The family and I were traveling from Michigan to Virginia for my mom’s 70th birthday weekend. My wife had wanted to take her Highlander as it does have more room in it and is very comfortable on the highway. I wanted to take the Jeep to see how well it’d do on a long journey and to take it up on our 100 acre mountain property that has our family cemetery going back to 1844.

A short version of why it’s at a dealership is during the trip in Findlay, OH, I rounded an exit, hit a bridge joint and got some crazy error codes and total loss of power. I was able to restart and get to a Jeep dealership. Scanning the computer, they saw no active codes, and cleared the check engine light. They did check the battery terminals, as one of the error msgs on my dash had said the Stop/Start system needed service.

We all thought that little battery for the stop/start system was dead or dying and it was causing gremlins. We were wrong.

About 3.5 hours later going up a mountain in WV, the Jeep again had crazy error lights on the dash, total loss of power, and I was able to get on the shoulder. It seemed to have been running fine, my MPG average was 27.2 so far. It would not restart and it got towed to the nearest Jeep dealer where it’s awaiting a brand new engine at 5,135 miles. So far Jeep, the company, has been cool with regards to rental, new engine, etc.

But on the drive back home from our visit, my wife and I had a thought provoking chat. This is my fifth Jeep. Jeeps one and two had no issues. But number three, four and now this one have all had problems.

That’s a 60% fail rate. Most issues were covered under warranty, and that’s why there are warranties. These are machines,

designed and built by humans. Even the robots used to help make things were made by us. Humans are fallible. We make mistakes. I won’t go into the arguments I had with my wife when my previous Jeeps had issues, but there were many. But this time, there was no ‘I told you so’ or anything negative about them. It was this one question for me, ‘Why do you continue to support this brand?’

She went on to say I do all these Jeep events, not necessarily official Jeep branded events, but the Trail Guiding for Topless for Tatas, JeepEend, and KOAR. Going to Easter Jeep Safari (where jeep number three broke down on me there) or the articles I write featuring the Jeep, pictures on Facebook, YouTube videos, etc. She pointed out that all of that stuff reinforces the brand to people.

She said, “Why do you devote so much time and energy to this Brand, what have they done for you?” For once, I didn’t have a snarky come back or anything. It has had me thinking for days.

There are people who are brand loyalists and those who could care less and just want the right tool for the job. I thought I was the latter. Posting what happened to my Jeep in the Michigan Overland group on FB, quite a few people said get a Toyota, or even as one person said, “Jeep sucks.” They are probably just as brand loyal to their respective vehicle as I have been. In researching a little for this article on Brand Loyalty, I found this article about it. There are 4 main disadvantages to being Brand Loyal: Cost, Lack of Variety, Lack of Convenience and Tribalism. I realized I was just like an Apple fanboy,

but with my Jeeps. One look in my closet shows the number of Jeep shirts I have.

I want this Jeep to be the perfect vehicle for me. A strong diesel to pull our little camper trailer with ease, something to take the boys camping in with the little army trailer and RTT, something that can take me through Canada across the Rockies to Alaska to visit my nephew, and a fun toy to drive around with the top and doors off. I could take my Jeeps to the beach, the mountains, play in the snow, you name it. You know, all the things the ads show us doing with our jeeps.

I don’t know how this will turn out when I get the Jeep back. It could be perfect from here on out. Or it could have more issues.

But one thing is for certain, my outlook on it has changed.

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HOW IS A HIGH CLEARANCE VEHICLE CLASSIFIED?

USFS defines a high clearance vehicle as following:

High Clearance Vehicle. Generally a truck, pickup truck, SUV or ATV with a road clearance that allows travel on low standard roads without vehicle damage and greater than the clearance of a standard passenger vehicle. (Local definition by Ogden Ranger District used for clarity in communication

BY MAURICE DE LANNEE

Over this past year I tried to submerge myself more into the wonderful world of MVUM and I found a few things that should be addressed.

with this analysis.)

National Park Services defines a high clearance vehicle as following:

High Clearance Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD) Vehicles- A high clearance 2WD vehicle is defined as a SUV or truck type vehicle, with at least 15 inch tire rims or more, designed for heavier type use than a standard passenger vehicle, with at least 8 inches of clearance or more, from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential, to the ground.

High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Vehicles- A high clearance 4WD vehicle is defined as a SUV or truck type vehicle, with at least 15 inch tire rims or more, with a low gear transfer case, designed for heavier type use than a standard passenger vehicle, with at least 8 inches of clearance or more from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential, to the ground, also including a means to mechanically power both, front and real wheels at the same time.

ROAD CLASSES

Class 5 Road

USFS roads are classified in 5 levels.

5 High degree of user comfort 4 Moderate degree of user comfort 3 Suitable for passenger cars 2 High Clearance vehicles Basic Custodial Care (Closed) Lets have a closer look in what these levels mean.

5 – High degree of user comfort.

Think about double-lane roads with or without markings.

4 – Moderate degree of user comfort. Still drivable in a sedan / hatchback style passenger vehicle. Single lane asphalt and hard packed graded gravel roads will fall under this category. There is a grown in the road and potholes will be repaired (most of the time).

Class 5 gravel road

Editor's note: Thank you Maurice for allowing us to share this info with our readers! You can read more about this topic and more on the Illinois Overlanders website.

All the MVUMs available for National Forests available herehttps://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml

Class 4 paved road

3 – Suitable for passenger cars.

These are dirt roads maintained well enough that a passenger vehicle (which point mostly to Mini vans, sedans, hatchbacks etc.) can drive over them during the normal season of use.

Roads still have drainage to avoid water collecting as much as possible.

Class 3 road

2 – High clearance vehicles.

Now we get to the part where things become interesting for most people. These roads have bare minimum maintenance unless structural integrity of the road is needed. Road surface is most of the time native material.

Class 3 road

This is a lot of information to chew through but if you are like my wife and I and like to do solo trips, this information can help you to avoid to get into situations you might not want to find yourself in. MVUM maps are in my opinion a must-have for any Overlander and extremely useful when planning a trip.

Class 2 road

Class 2 road

Protecting the Keweenaw's vast landscapes.

For everyone.

Forever.

How to

SoobWisconsibly

Jonathan Garland turns a tongue-in-cheek Instagram handle into a charitible events community

cheek joke - a public instagram account for my car

Where do you go or what do you do in your Subaru for fun?

since up until then, it was a personal account only,

Family Camping and road trips are currently at the

with mostly pics of my kids. Increasingly the folks I

top of my list. I have a 9yo and a nearly 7yo and I

wanted to see my kids didn't care about the car,

am determined to get in as much family adventure

and I didnt want car accounts having access to my

as possible while they still think I'm cool. This past

family photos. Once that happened, it was a

year we've done trips to New England and NYC,

slippery slope as I found out more and more about

Door County, WI, South Dakota to visit the

subarus, offroading, the offroad community, and

Badlands National Park and Custer State Park, on

local groups to adventure with. The name itself was

a family ski trip up in the UP and to explore the

just a joke on the "Drink Wisconsibly" shirts i saw in

Lake Superior coastline - not to mention weekly

the airport my first time in Wisconsin. Im an East

trips to local ski mountains from Madison all winter

Coast transplant, by way of 14 years in Northern

long, plus every kid's soccer game and trip to the

California and I thought that was both hilarious and

grocery store we make. Since we bought the car

a good expression for what i was setting out to do.

new, off the lot in 2009, we've driven it across the

From the IG account, I made and shared stickers

county, off the lot in 2009, we've driven it across

and have since then turned it into a platform for

the county, off road in the desert, along snowy

charity fundraising. 100% of SoobWisconsibly sticker

forest roads, across frozen lakes and through at

sales goes to charity. Always.

least a dozen national parks.

SoobWisconsibly started as a bit of a tongue in

I call her the STARCOW

What is Fl4Fest?

Subaru Fl4tfest is a charity show/event for Subaru owners and others, celebrating their shared passion for cars with a tremendous opportunity for doing good. Starting as a dealer run cars and coffee type show in 2006, Fl4tfest has grown to become the midwest's premiere charity Subaru event and has maintained its sponsorship relationship with Don Miller Subaru. Our event now boasts an annual car show with hundreds of cars at Madison International Speedway, along with RallyX, AutoX, Drags, Exhaust Competition, Car limbo AND and Offroad Zone where we design a basic course for anyone to take their stock or modified vehicles through the mud and over an obstacle or two. The entire event is about having fun and doing good, and 100% of all donations and money raised gets split evenly between the American Family Children"s Hospital and the Dane County Humane Society. Last year saw our inaugural Fl4tfest Overland Adventure become a reality as a group of 16 Subarus ran the TWAT from the Illinois Border to the shore of Lake Superior - camping and wheeling off road whenever possible.

Taking what we learned from last summer's trip, this summer the second annual Fl4tfest Overland Adventure will be EVEN better, and will provide yet another way for this community to come together while simultaneously helping others.

What other outdoor activities do you enjoy doing?

The Subaru was initially a means for accessing all of the adventuring my wife (and later, wife and kids and dogs) love to do. We are passionate campers and hikers, bikers, skiers, and kayakers and our Outback has always gotten us to our activities. It was only in the last 5 years

that overlanding and offroading even entered my awareness - the car was bone stock and getting us where we needed to go for its first 6 years!

I

want to get your opinion on a highly

divisive topic in our society todaypineapple on pizza, yes or no?

Ok - so not only do I come from the East Coast, but I'm from New Haven, Connecticut - WHERE PIZZA WAS INVENTED. Growing up, Pizza is religion and when I have a real pizza craving it's for thin crust, red sauce, parm/mooz and basic toppings like meatball/sausage/pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers...I would not order Hawaiin back home - the basics are just TOO GOOD. THAT SAID, I freaking love ham and pineapple on pizza...especially when you add some bacon and serranos too - sweet, heat, YUM. I know the haters are out there, but that's just more for me.

Out here you gotta take any advantage you can to make the pizza better.

Name: Jody Cameron @birddogoverland Hometown: Chicago, IL Vehicle 2018 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium Drivetrain-Engine: 4.0L V6 Transmission: Stock Transfer Case: Stock Front Axle: Stock Rear Axle: Stock Suspension/wheels/tiresSprings & Such: Dobinsons MRA/MRR 3-way adjustable long travel suspension kit with 3” lift Tires & Wheels: SCS Ray10 wheels 17x8.5 with -10 offset with BF Goodrich KM3 tires Lighting: Diode Dynamics Pro LED Fog lights and rear bumper lights, Alpharex Luxx Headlights, Anzo Taillights, Cali-raised LED grill lightbar and ditch lights, SSO bumper light bar The extrasVictory 4X4 Front and Rear Steel Bumpers, Warn EV S 10k winch, Factor55 Fairlead and shackle mount, Victory 4X4 Standard length roof rack, RCI aluminum skid plates, SSO rock sliders, Chitown 4X4 BMC and pinch weld mod, Maxtrax MKII, Midland MXT275 GMRS radio (KOAR discount), WeBoost Cell booster, RockPals 300W power station, Smittybuilt 2781 Air compressor, 48” hilift jack, sPod BantamX w/touchscreen

PHOTO BY Jill @1941_adventures