Off the Road

More and more people are hitting the road tothe middle of nowhere. Along less-traveledpaths they are heading up mountains anddown dunes in converted mobile homes,campers, trucks, or vans. They are enjoyingthe drive and the view through mud-splatteredwindshields as much as the stops andevening campfires amid stunning terrain.Although many of us love living in cities,we have a growing longing to escapeinto nature. The outdoor scene is boomingand many people are heading off to discoverit with their own converted vehicles. Thisway, they can determine their own routes,itineraries, and pace, as well as how manychallenges they'd like to meet along theway. After a day on the go, these multifunctionalvehicles also serve as kitchens, campgrounds,and sleeping quarters that offer agreat deal more improvised fun than a standard,perfectly equipped RV. Conventionalluxuries are eschewed for the sake of greaterfreedom, tranquility, and adventure.Off the Road captures the special moodof such trips by solo travelers, couples, orfamilies who are seeking an alternative to amore standard vacation or want to live theirlives differently --at least for a while. Onthe one hand, the book shows how familiarmodels, such as VW buses, Land Rovers,jeeps, and Toyotas are being rediscoveredand repurposed for these exploits. Onthe other, it presents automotive dreamsturned into customized, homey vehiclesthat offer tailgate breakfasts or roof beds tobetter admire the stars and that can, in anemergency, cross a river or drag a fallen treefrom the road.Whether exploring the desert, showingchildren the world, or navigating polarlandscapes, the journeys collected in Offthe Road are as unique as the people whotake them. From radical escapists to fansof nature looking for their next trip, thebook celebrates the joy of being on the goon four wheels.