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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.

Did I forget anything? lol

Packed converted van a few days before my journey in front of the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces, NM.

In September of 2020 I bought the used van and started converting it for my trip (Why am I taking this trip?)

Now it is January 18th (two days before my send off), and I think everything is tested, completed, and packed . . . and ready.  But my mind is rushing that I may forget something.  Get over it Manfred . . .!

I will leave on Wed. 20th -2021 (The day of the Inauguration) into a Nation that is divided on many issues.  But I have hope, that if we try to understand each other’s reason for “our” truth, we may find reason to respect each other and live in the greatest country in the world peacefully.

I will try to find out who we are as a Nation, and capture the people, our land and circumstances in film, interviews and pictures … Our desires, ambition and hopes.

My first route will be the West Coast of our great Nation.  I have several meetings with people like you and me and extraordinary people that live on the edge.  Although the route is set, there will be side roads I will take and adjustments I will make along the way.

PLEASE:

Would you mind sharing my project with your friends? Or if you would like to support this project  buy a hoodie or T-Shirt here>>

Thank you to one of my sponsors, who bought me this generator for my trip, so that I maybe off the grid and still feel like home.

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.

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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