Dana grew up in Zambia, where she and her family spent time camping in Luangwa. Her parents drove an old Land Rover and pitched tents in the bush, providing perfect opportunity for barefoot wanders through the grass. Fond memories and time spent in Zambia’s wild places laid the groundwork for her love of overland travel. “The bush is somewhere I feel completely at peace, completely alive,” she says.
She and her partner Deb took their first trip over 25 years ago in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. From there, Dana and Deb traveled more over time, including heading to the Central Kalahari with Dana’s sister and brother-in-law. Eventually, the women rented a 4WD vehicle in Namibia. “We had absolutely no experience at all,” Dana says. “We were given vague instructions on tire pressure and got colossally stuck.”
With more time off-pavement and additional experience under their belts, Dana and Deb yearned for more organization and vehicle space. “We don’t travel light,” Dana says. “We have lots of stuff.” They began their search for a double-cab Land Cruiser fit for the job. In this Video of the Week, Dana shares the story of finding Shackleton, the Land Cruiser with surprising connections to the women’s pasts and present.
To others who are intimidated by the prospect of technical driving and maintenance, Dana has a few words of advice: “There will always be other vehicles around. The overlanding community is super welcoming, and if you get stuck, ask for help.” Don’t be careless, she adds, and make sure you do your homework. “Get stuck. Get unstuck. You’ll feel braver for it.”
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