Howdy! we are Gerri & Greg Leon. We met over 20 years ago, and this how this adventure started. Overlanding and off-roading have become an essential part of our lives, but it wasn't always that way. My husband and I both had a love for driving to places off the beaten path long before we met—though, let’s be real, we had slightly different interpretations of "adventure." He’s the rugged Eagle Scout type, happily sleeping under the stars with only a flint and some optimism, while I prefer a cozy hotel with spa amenities waiting at the end of the trail. Somehow, we make it work, and it turns out, we love both facets of the journey.
Before we met, he had already taken the plunge, purchasing his first dream vehicle—a Land Rover Discovery—and diving headfirst into the world of off-roading. When we found each other, my own curiosity for exploration was ignited by his passion (and maybe just a little bit by the thrill of seeing if I could out-drive him).
Our first off-road trip together? Oh, just straight into the deep end with one of the toughest trails—the John Bull in Southern California. It was both exhilarating and, at times, a complete disaster. We got stuck, we argued over tire pressure, and I may have dramatically threatened to walk back to civilization. But by the end of it, we were hooked. The rush of conquering obstacles, the quiet beauty of the backcountry, and the undeniable teamwork it required sealed the deal.
Since then, we’ve covered the U.S. from coast to coast, constantly seeking new and unexplored roads. Over the years, we’ve collected a lineup of adventure-ready vehicles: a vintage Range Rover County LWB edition, a Jeep CJ, a Toyota FJ, a Toyota Tacoma, and our newest baby—an imported Japanese Hiace 4WD Van. Each one has its own personality and quirks, just like us.
One of our most memorable adventures was our first trip through Moab. That trip turned our roots in the Southwest into a full-blown obsession. The dramatic rock formations, the heart-pounding trails, and the incredible terrain left us completely awestruck. Moab sealed our fate as lifelong explorers.
As we gained confidence (and a few scars), we started upgrading our gear, modifying our vehicles, and pushing our limits. We learned that overlanding isn’t just about the smoothest route—it’s about the chaos, the challenges, the epic recoveries, and the inside jokes that come from every challenge.
Now, we’re planning our most ambitious journey yet—an extensive trip that will take us across the entire continental U.S., through much of Canada, and all the way to Alaska. It’s the ultimate test of everything we’ve learned, a chance to explore more than ever before, and an excuse to collect even more gear (because obviously, we need it all).
Overlanding and off-roading have shaped the way we travel and how we tackle life’s challenges. It’s brought us closer together as a couple, taught us invaluable skills, and given us memories that we wouldn’t trade for anything—well, except maybe a hot shower after a week in the wild.
For anyone considering diving into overlanding or off-roading, our advice is simple: Start with what you have, embrace the inevitable mishaps, and enjoy the adventure. The road less traveled is often the most rewarding, and sometimes, it even leads to a five-star hotel (if I have any say in it).