fbpx
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
I am on the Road!

A one year journey across America in 2021

A one year journey of Manfred (an international photojournalist) traveling by van across America in 2021 to capture and document in video, pics and blog the pulse of communities and issues that touch us.  After the year is completed, I plan to place a film documentary on a streaming service to give us a glimpse of who we are as one Nation.

Please follow me by subscribing to my newsletter. 
If you subscribe you will be the first one who has access to my pics and videos and planned routes/events.

Minimalist design endeavor rules, and functionality is the entire focus.

Quick run down about my test run this week; what I learned and what will be coming up next.

Before I will give you a run-down of this week I want to THANK my new sponsors Kasul Urban Wear from Las Cruces and Sara Luptowski for supporting my project with their generous donation.

Without my contributors, all of this would not be possible!

If you would like to donate, please check for the donate button while scrolling down.

The 320 mile trip went without any problems.  The van performed fantastic.  We stayed at a KOA campground in Lordsburg, NM for one night with electricity hook-up . . . good thing, because it got cold at night and we were amazed how many campers were out camping.  It was about 75 degrees during daytime and about 40 degrees at night.

miles per gallon

The truly amazing thing was the average gas mileage of the 3500 Express Chevy van for the 320 miles round trip.

Pancake making
Trying hard!
Pancake making 2
Forgot the cooking spray . . . oh boy

Yes, the little things matter when you are camping.  I forgot the cooking spray and our pancakes did not meet the breakfast standard . . .lol

What is next:

We will make a over 700 mile round trip run to Big Bend, TX starting Tuesday, checking cameras, drone and other technical equipment.

And in my next blog I will reveal the first real 3 week trip route to the Western United States starting Jan. 20th-2021!

Quick update:


Just as I was finishing this blog, I tried to reserve a camping spot  . . . without any success (35 ppl on the waiting list). 

Since I do not have a generator yet, to camp in an isolated area I will try to go up to Albuquerque to see if there is a campground.
I will keep you posted in my next blog . . .

To get the latest news from my journey, subscribe to my blog newsletter here:

Become part of my project:

Would you be so kind and support me with a any size gift to make this project even better?  Any amount will help.  $60.00 will pay for a tank of gas and $50.00 will pay for a a campsite.

If you are willing to offer more  . .  . fine .  If you are thinking of a smaller amount I will be as grateful.

In return you will get first exclusive access (accessible via password) to pictures during my journey that are not publicized immediately, and I will give you licensing right to any digital picture you may want to download, print, etc.  I will also list your name as donor on any upcoming events,  exhibit, publication, etc.

Thank you to my Sponsors and Supporters:

♥ My deepest gratitude goes to my friends and Key Sponsors: Gabriella and John Boyer, who own a wonderful facility in Las Cruces, NM:   Las Cruces Horse Motel and Boarding.  Both gave me a generous gift that made it possible to start this project, encouraged me in my vision for this project and believed in me and the project.


♥  A big Thank YOU goes to ELITE CAR WRAPS in Las Cruces, who sponsored part the wrap for the van.  This is an incredible company run by Jacob.  Call him at 575.662.4148.

Elite Car Wraps


♥  My heartfelt THANK YOU also goes to my dear friend and wonderful artist Natalie Abbott who supported me, will assist me in a thousand little things and who will work as an editor for the proposed book and from time to time travel along.


♥  Boe Buckley from OH, a fourteen year old kid and friend from OH, wanted to make sure I stay clean and fresh and donated his home-made Soap for my trip.
Make sure to check him out . . . he makes wonderful soap.


♥  Thank you Enchanted Sun Realty for your support for this project as a Key Sponsor.  Not only are you an incredible community supporter, but an absolutely fantastic real estate company in our area.

Enchanted Sun Realty

Enchanted Sun Realty


A Thank you to my Key Sponsor the Di Mora Farmers Insurance Agency, who is one of the premier agencies in our area.  Chris, you are more than an agent, but a great friend and supporter of our community.

Di Mora Agency

Di Mora Agency


A big, big Thank You to my musician friends Bob Dellaposta and Johnny Neel who provided the theme music for the documentary I will produce.

Bob Dellaposta

Bob Dellaposta

Johnny Neel and The Dave Chappell Band

Johnny Neel and The Dave Chappell Band


A big Thank you to Sara Luptowski, The Schlauch family, Bob Gray, Sandy Denny, Dr. Mark Musumba, Sandy Denny, Priscilla De La O and so many others for their donation!


Thank you to Kasual Urban Wear for sponsoring this project.  An absolutely fantastic custom apparel store located right here in Las Cruces, NM.



The project . . . A 2021 one year journey across America

In 2021 I will begin a one year journey across America and document in video, pics and blog the pulse of communities and issues. Follow me by subscribing to my newsletter where you can journey with me from building the camper I will live in – to learn about communities, the people, their feeling and circumstances in pictures of my documentary.

Read More »

Van supply conversion cost

ItemCost $Total supplies $
Van Purchase (incl. tax, title, etc.)12,000.00
Tire alignment66.02
-------------------------
Tools needed not included!
-------------------------
Cable hatch11.1911.19
30 AM - 15 AF Adapter13.9525.14
2x4 Studs69.0094.14
5/8 x 3 Cedar studs 35.00129.14
4 sheets of plywood158.68287.82
Metal screws 6.97294.79
Wood screws19.97314.76
Aqua Container 7 gal (2x)38.98353.74
Magnet blocks0.99354.73
Magnetic Key holder2.99357.72
17 gal tote18.96376.68
7 gal tote9.96386.64
27 gal tote10.98397.62
17 gal tote9.48407.1
Extra van keys43.32450.42
299 piece First Aid Kit19.50469.92
KIPIDA Solar Shower bag19.99489.91
6 inch Foam memory foam mattress - Queen80.00569.91
Echo Auto10.00579.91
Tram 703 - HC Center Load CB Antenna kit20.53600.44
Krieger 2000 watts inverter187.99788.43
80pc cable clips4.99793.42
50pc reusable fastening cable ties13.95807.37
3 socket cigarette lighter charger with dual USB13.99821.36
Universal lighter power plug male adapter7.99829.35
Set power AJ50 53 Quarts Portable Freezer/Fridge288.151117.5
Self adhesive nylon sticky6.901124.4
Double bubble reflection foil insulation for windows29.881154.28
4AWG 37" negative battery cable11.991166.27
60A inline AGU fuse holder6.991173.26
WIRTHCo 20090 Battery Doctor 75amp/100am isolator63.381236.64
Redcamp Heavy duty suction cups29.991266.63
LED interior light bars 2x19.691286.32
Kohree 12-way 12V Blade Fuse Block19.121305.44
Outbound camping stove / 2 burner69.991375.43
12V cigarette lighter socket car power outlet10.991386.42
Hike crew Advanced portable outdoor camping toilet119.991506.41
Nulaxy Bluetooth car fm transmitter17.991524.4
Coconix leather repair kit for seat19.991544.39
Vivid black perforated one way vision vinyl wrap13.991558.38
JunaDa phone mount14.991573.37
Bralon USB 2pack rapid USBcharger9.991583.36
Magnetic charging cables16.991600.35
Book: How to live in a van and travel13.991614.34
Uniden Pro505xl-40 channel CB36.591650.93
Battery terminal7.971658.9
Hyco bar 14GA1.741660.64
Rubber carpet runner27.761688.4
Electric tape0.941689.34
Electric cabling12.901702.24
Grommets3.291705.53
Extension cord 30amp/50ft27.971733.5
Gorilla wood glue3.971737.47
4 drawer cabinet59.971797.44
2 gal gas can13.801811.24
Battery terminals, etc29.20
1840.44
Super glue4.471844.91
14 wire12.90
1857.81
Cable lugs12.971870.78
AGM batter-740CHAGM157.49
2028.27
Gear tie4.972033.24
Paint (gray)15.982049.22
Set Power AJ50 53 quart Cooler329.002378.22
REDCAMP adjustable awning poles39.952418.17
Coleman gas lantern 1000 lumen36.122454.29
Reversible mat (outside 6x8)27.502481.79
Ventshade for windows31.272513.06
Datttcc Curtain rings8.992522.05
Fire Extinguisher21.862543.91
Reflectix Bubble wrap10.852554.76
Mat anchor (4x)6.002560.76
Broom6.492567.25
Table32.482599.73
Washers3.052602.78
Tarp (Awning)25.002627.78
Champion 2000 W generator429.003056.78
Tie down for roof rack 12x16.993073.77
Indoor / Outdoor Thermometer19.483093.25
Rope Ladder24.563117.81
Clamp Hooks for Roof Rack13.993131.8
Safety Straps for drawers9.993141.79
Solar Lights for Roof Rack33.723175.51
Clamp Hooks for Roof13.993189.5
Organizer hanging inside15.993205.49
Clamp hook 2x17.993223.48
Flag Decalb10.003233.48
Folding table14.653248.13
Rustoleum - Black18.283266.41
Steelbar for roof14.073280.48
Tie downs, cargo net, 4x ratchets33.943314.42
Washers, Screws, 16.143330.56
Rustoleum, steelbar, 33.083363.64
License plate frame6.993370.63
Wood, JB Weld, Threadlocker, etc56.573427.2
TOTAL 3427.2

0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *