Most epic trip report ever

[korisu56]

Frederick and Josephine going through the Democratic Republic of Congo. They're report is on ExpeditionPortal.com right here (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50799). A gripping story. Really is.

[Allium]

wow had to finally book mark it as work was wondering what Ive been staring ta

[korisu56]

I literally spent the last week reading every post of his, sometimes twice. Unreal.

[KSJeep]

I was checking it out also, but soon began to wonder why anyone would put themselves in those situations, just for the sake of saying they did.

[korisu56]

I think I would do it with one or two more vehicles and trusted friends. Granted, it must be extremely difficult to find someone to be as daring. I envy their opportunity to do a trip like this. I would also better equip my vehicle for recoveries. If anything, they've strengthened my resolve for a strong winch and pull pal.

[HillBillE]

I was checking it out also, but soon began to wonder why anyone would put themselves in those situations, just for the sake of saying they did.

There was a whole other thread on ExPo just about that! I've only read a bit, gotta read more! (read more of Frederick and Josephines report, that is!)

[SavageSun4x4]

I would love to do some of those and I admire those who do. One of the things that bothers me or I guess keeps me at bay is the lack of the ability to carry a gun. I see so many of these expo's as so far over the edge of good sense I get frightened just reading them.

I think its a hang up with me, I see only two ways of dying: 1) with my boots off or 2) with a gun in my hand. But the thought and fear of dying in some Gawd forsaken country at the hands of some nut job with an AK 47 just scares the hell out of me. That and knowing I am not the most diplomatic guy around. I don't fear some rag head or Congo head hunter, maybe that is my problem, but I fear not having a gun in my hand to defend myself and others...

I cancled my month long trip to Mexico. It was head S out of Phoenix down and across, then down the E shore of Baja around and up the W shore all the way into Cali, then I 10 back to Phoenix. I was leading a group on the trip so I had their safety in my hands. What with the issues down there I just could not see it. It was an April trip (dry months) and instead we went to Death Valley.

[korisu56]

I doubt there's a lack of ability versus the lack of desire to carry a firearm. I'm sure one could procure an AK or other vintage war piece in those countries for a pittance. However, the general philosophy is that it does more harm than good. The report has them being pulled over by the police several times. The threat of deportation is great, especially in the DRC due to a mythological "permit". Add a firearm, and they'll kick the foreigner out easy (unless a SUBSTANTIAL bribe is given).

Even then, there were large crowds around them a LOT. When they pulled into villages, when they were chased out of villages....maybe its the people that came before them that forced the mob mentality by brandishing a firearm. There was a night where they pulled into 4 villages and the people started yelling "White people!" and grabbed machetes. They were forced to drive a couple hours in the night to a place that they felt quai-safe for the night. How would a gun have helped? It is only as good as the amount of rounds you have, and who knows what you're going to see just around the bend.

[SavageSun4x4]

While I cannot argue you points at all, I think you missed MY point. Its really me as an individual. Some of the places are flat out dangerous, so dangerous in fact that maybe you should not go. That said, I have no intention of 'brandishing' a firearm, but its me, in a corner and I have no desire to die and not take some with me.

What a lot of folks don't know is just how many Americans are killed outside the US and I can assure you its RARE that anyone is ever prosecuted for the crime. We had one only a few months ago on a lake here in Texas, I have been down on that lake, its a BEAUTIFUL place. When I head out on my wave runner I carry a gun and I dare say had the young man had a gun on his rig he might possibly be alive today. Instead we have no body and no one in jail, my money sez never will.

Last week a missionary and his wife traveling in Mexico. His wife MURDERED. I travel outside the US often and the days are long gone when you could openly and proudly state you are an AMERICAN. WHY? Weak federal gov't. You but get in a sling and you will likely rot before our gov't steps in to help. There are plenty of Americans sitting in jails now around the world.

Wanna play in Afrika well they don't kill until the RANSOM is sent, then you die.

Lucky for me I am a big guy, wear a cowboy hat and boots and I tower over most in my travels and I have a good way of turning the situation into a laughing matter with all. They may not like Americans but I never found anyone who did not know who John Wayne was and where Texas is. Trust me I use that to my advantage and have since the first time I left these shores. But there are some out there that only see you for a few $ in your pocket or a ransom to be paid for and they will kill you in a heartbeat, only because they have no use for you.

There are a LOT of things or State Dept does not cut press releases on...

Col in my office, Ft Monroe. Daughter grads from college. She and roomie of 4 years get a 30 vacation in Mexico for a grad present. They head out and call home every day, then one day the fone call does not come in. That was in the late 80's, when he retired in the mid 90's that Col knew NOTHING, ZERO, NADA! In spite of his travels to Mexico, State Dept, letters, calls you name it. And being a Col in the Army meant nothing. This is NOT rare the world over. Americans are targets.

I got hold of some folks who post on Expo, trip planned for Belize they had some slots open and I jumped on it, 30 days down south, wow lets do it. Then I found out the bad news, there were NOT driving thru Mexico to get there. They thought I was crazy to even bring it up. Why? Too dangerous, ship the rigs down there and fly in.

But like I said, its just me, boots off or gun in my hand I will go either way but never like a sheep led to slaughter.

[korisu56]

I read your point and did not miss it. You stated "the lack of ability to carry a gun". My post was pointed at that comment and that comment alone.

[SavageSun4x4]

I read your point and did not miss it. You stated "the lack of ability to carry a gun". My post was pointed at that comment and that comment alone.
I felt like you thought I wanted to drive thru countries with a M 60 mount on my Jeep like a bad scene out of 'F Troop' shooting the place up as I went. My intent that was one of self defense before I died, rather than cower in a corner.

I just see a secnario where its the stand at the Alamo, I am going down and I am taking all I can with me. That is powerful mojo. I have been there in the US, surrounded by a gang intent on doing harm and taking my money. I was traveling in my Corvette and alone, late at night. I had had a flat a few days before and had left my tire iron between the seat and door sill. It was OEM, about 12 in long or a bit longer and had a fixture on the end about 4 in long that would flip back and forth and it was used to removed the lug nuts. When the boxed me in and forced me over I came out of my car and grabbed the tire iron. I am looking at a good 8+ guys and one steps and telling me "hand over the wallet and keys". I flipped the lug nut end of the tool back and forth and told them hell no. Then I said I know I am gonna get hurt here but I am gonna take some of you down hard before you get me down, now who wants to be FIRST? and I stepped forward. Collectivectly they back up.

Then like so many other things the leader of the pack gave that laugh and said well we really wanted to just see your vette, then a ramble about what engine I had etc. This turned into a 'hey man can you pop the hood' etc. After a bit I said I had to go was just traveling...all worked out well.

Maybe I am just lucky, but in my years that is not the only time I have found myself up chit creek and having been single most of my life I was always in the boat up that creek by myself. I have managed to dodge a lot of bullets over the years. What I know about groups of people is they think in a mob mentality, but as individuals they are cowards. You stand up and take control of the situation and chances are you are going to come out a winner...