Thayer (Discovery Girl 42)

Where are you from?

I was born in Hawaiian Gardens, CA but have mostly grown up between the Rocky Mountains and Front Range of Colorado

When did you start your interest in exploration?

I really can't remember a time I wasn't exploring. My best childhood memories are camping in my grandfather's Westfalia van, sometimes just at local campgrounds, but for a five year old that was an adventure!

What is a brief understanding of your background story up until you started seeking adventure?

My overlanding adventures haven't taken me out of the states much- yet! I stopped exploring for a while when my kiddos were quite young. I have two preschool age girls that are 13 months apart. I realized I needed to follow my passion so that I could pass it onto them and now they join me on shorter trips

What special skills do you have to help with your explorations?

Competing in the Rebelle Rally boosted my confidence in navigation, first on paper and then with gps. I've really become quite a topographical map nerd. It is fascinating to have a map at your fingertips and travel through completely deserted places and match the terrain to the paper version.

Where have you explored so far?

Baja Mexico, all around BC Canada, and through the majority of the US Western states.

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

Every trip I take, even if it's for a weekend, spurs me on and gets me excited for the next! I always come home with a greater sense of how much more I haven't seen!

What are the top three destinations you hope to explore next, and why?

Alaska- the arctic circle and the Dempster highway, Machu Picchu- it has been on my list since I was a kid and I'd love to drive there now, and my dream is to recreate the London to Singapore drive done in 1955 by a Land Rover Series truck.

Where would you recommend others visit?

Really, everywhere...from US state parks (my favorite is Arches) to getting out a map and investigating the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) /open land!

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

My trips are primarily in my 2012 LR4 Land Rover. The best modifications would be smaller wheels (18' Compomotives, with KO2s), Tactical Rovers rear bumper with jerry can holder and spare tire mount, and my Voyager Racks rack that has been useful for everything from carrying Maxtrax to dancing on.

What are five pieces of equipment you always travel with?

Tow Strap, Maxtrax, Viair (inflator), fluids, and a ham radio

What inspires you to explore more?

I think it's an unending addiction- to new places, people, open spaces.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

Other cultures in turn teach us about our own culture. Having the ability to embrace cultures through travel opens our eyes when we return home.

What are your goals when you explore?

To have an open mind; whether it is getting stuck in the sand or getting sick from tacos, it was an experience and I lived through it!

How has exploration changed you?

The world is larger, but also MUCH smaller than I used to think.

How do you explore locally?

I think exploring changes how we see our own town. At least for me, it helps me be curious about say, what trees are at the local park, or finding new trails in the local mountains.

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

Well being a Land Rover fanatic- One Life, Live it!

What advice would you give to others who are seeking life changing adventure?

Everything begins with that first step! You don't need all the expensive equipment or weeks off of work- just start somewhere!