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.
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Minimalist design endeavor rules, and functionality is the entire focus.
Notes about my first trip Jan/Feb 2021
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At the end of my first trip, here are some observations about my camping/Airbnb/hotel experience:
1. I have to say that I was very disappointed about the KOA camping places I visited:
a) Prices ranged from $65.00 to $ 80.00, which I believe are about 25% too high.
b) WiFi at all KOA places was very weak and very poor excuses were offered for the weak signal.
c) Since my van did not have a shower, I was dependent on the shower houses. All of the shower houses were very cold since I traveled during the colder season. But why is there no heating system that is workable during certain hours or in manual operation?
All the showers had a tremendously low water pressure (which is very annoying)
2. Airbnb:
a) The great thing about Airbnb is the fact, that the rating system of the room you rent is almost always 100% on target! A one night stand will cost you (depending on location) around $45.00 + fees.
I always prefer a rental by a “Superhost”, who had a superior rating system over a long period of time!
b) Here is what you have to watch: Make sure to check how much the additional fees are like cleaning fees, etc.
3. Hotel:
a) Most hotel rooms (unless you will stay in a dump or is below any standard) will range from $85.00 +fees to $xxx.00 depending on location.
Here are my philosophical observations I made on my trip. I share them here in my video:
Timeline of my trip with interviews, pics and observations from the the end of the trip to the beginning:
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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
♥ 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
♥ 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
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.
Order Photo Book: ” The American Experience 2021″
A 64-page photo book as a time capsule of the year 2021. Soul capturing pictures that allow us to question if there is objective truth. What do we believe? What do we know?
(Part 20) One more trip ahead & Upcoming book
After over 13,000 miles of traveling so far this year I have one more trip ahead of me. Currently I am in the process of publishing a Coffee Table Book filled thoughts, facts and pictures of my travels
(Part 19) The longest trip ahead. . . wanna see?
I am ready to embark on my 3rd trip across our Nation, and it will be my longest one. As always I would like to ask you for your help of telling me about interesting places and subjects.
(Part 18) Notes about my second trip April 2021
Reflections and notes about my second trip in April 2021 of over 3500 miles across the USA.
(Part 17) Thursday is the day!
I will leave Thursday 04-01-2021 on my second leg of my trip. This trip will be over 3,000 miles and I have exciting plans.
(Part 16) 2nd travel route – and hurdle to overcome
I was coming back home to get my vaccine shots and get my movie clips filed when I received a letter . . .
(Part 15) Notes about my first trip Jan/Feb 2021
I learned a lot on my first journey of my almost 3000-mile trip.. Here are the diary and my learning experiences.
(Part 14) Did I forget anything?
The van is converted, tested, loaded with stuff I think I need. The camera equipment is charged and the route is set . . . but did I forget anything?
(Part 13) Reflections and getting ready
13 days to go and I am getting very excited. It has been such a wonderful experience to have you by my side as a supporter of my upcoming journey.
(Part 12) 1st route of my project
On Jan 20th – 2021 I will leave on my first route for my documentary. Subscribe now to follow me on a great journey with exclusive insights, videos, pics, etc.
Three great reasons why you should get my T-Shirt today
Become part of the “Experience America 2021 Project” and support my amazing journey, documentary, and blog when you buy this T-Shirt.
(Part 10) Van test run and what is next . . .
Get to know how the trip went. What I learned and what will be next.
(Part 9) Bob Dellaposta & Johnny Neel agree to sponsor the theme music for my documentary
Listen here to the theme music (“Like it or not”) written by Blues & Rock artists Bob Dellaposta and Johnny Neel for my upcoming documentary.
(Part 8): . . . Test run to Lordsburg, NM
To test my van conversion, I will be setting off for a test run from Las Cruces, NM to Lordsburg, NM on Monday, Nov. 16th.
(Part7): . . . Here is the explanation you asked for:
Why am I documenting the people of America on my journey across America in 2021?
(Part 6):… A 2021 one year journey across America
The last two weeks have been very, very busy . . . if you wonna’ check out what I got done . . .
(Part 5): . . . A 2021 one year journey across America
Here is a run-down from last week of the conversion and work I did on my van. I also included a running cost sheet, of the items and vehicle maintenance.
(Part 4): … A 2021 one year journey across America
Check out the current transformation of my van for my upcoming journey across America.
(Part 3) The project: . . . A 2021 one year journey across America
Getting the small things done, that will guide me through the build out. Here are a few things that I am occupied with . . .
(Part 2) The project . . . A 2021 one year journey across America
The last few day I contracted with ELITE CAR WRAP to wrap the van. I did an alignment, took countless measurements, bought supplies and ripped out the seats.
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.
Van supply conversion cost
| Item | Cost $ | Total supplies $ |
|---|---|---|
| Van Purchase (incl. tax, title, etc.) | 12,000.00 | |
| Tire alignment | 66.02 | |
| --------- | -------- | -------- |
| Tools needed not included! | ||
| --------- | -------- | -------- |
| Cable hatch | 11.19 | 11.19 |
| 30 AM - 15 AF Adapter | 13.95 | 25.14 |
| 2x4 Studs | 69.00 | 94.14 |
| 5/8 x 3 Cedar studs | 35.00 | 129.14 |
| 4 sheets of plywood | 158.68 | 287.82 |
| Metal screws | 6.97 | 294.79 |
| Wood screws | 19.97 | 314.76 |
| Aqua Container 7 gal (2x) | 38.98 | 353.74 |
| Magnet blocks | 0.99 | 354.73 |
| Magnetic Key holder | 2.99 | 357.72 |
| 17 gal tote | 18.96 | 376.68 |
| 7 gal tote | 9.96 | 386.64 |
| 27 gal tote | 10.98 | 397.62 |
| 17 gal tote | 9.48 | 407.1 |
| Extra van keys | 43.32 | 450.42 |
| 299 piece First Aid Kit | 19.50 | 469.92 |
| KIPIDA Solar Shower bag | 19.99 | 489.91 |
| 6 inch Foam memory foam mattress - Queen | 80.00 | 569.91 |
| Echo Auto | 10.00 | 579.91 |
| Tram 703 - HC Center Load CB Antenna kit | 20.53 | 600.44 |
| Krieger 2000 watts inverter | 187.99 | 788.43 |
| 80pc cable clips | 4.99 | 793.42 |
| 50pc reusable fastening cable ties | 13.95 | 807.37 |
| 3 socket cigarette lighter charger with dual USB | 13.99 | 821.36 |
| Universal lighter power plug male adapter | 7.99 | 829.35 |
| Set power AJ50 53 Quarts Portable Freezer/Fridge | 288.15 | 1117.5 |
| Self adhesive nylon sticky | 6.90 | 1124.4 |
| Double bubble reflection foil insulation for windows | 29.88 | 1154.28 |
| 4AWG 37" negative battery cable | 11.99 | 1166.27 |
| 60A inline AGU fuse holder | 6.99 | 1173.26 |
| WIRTHCo 20090 Battery Doctor 75amp/100am isolator | 63.38 | 1236.64 |
| Redcamp Heavy duty suction cups | 29.99 | 1266.63 |
| LED interior light bars 2x | 19.69 | 1286.32 |
| Kohree 12-way 12V Blade Fuse Block | 19.12 | 1305.44 |
| Outbound camping stove / 2 burner | 69.99 | 1375.43 |
| 12V cigarette lighter socket car power outlet | 10.99 | 1386.42 |
| Hike crew Advanced portable outdoor camping toilet | 119.99 | 1506.41 |
| Nulaxy Bluetooth car fm transmitter | 17.99 | 1524.4 |
| Coconix leather repair kit for seat | 19.99 | 1544.39 |
| Vivid black perforated one way vision vinyl wrap | 13.99 | 1558.38 |
| JunaDa phone mount | 14.99 | 1573.37 |
| Bralon USB 2pack rapid USBcharger | 9.99 | 1583.36 |
| Magnetic charging cables | 16.99 | 1600.35 |
| Book: How to live in a van and travel | 13.99 | 1614.34 |
| Uniden Pro505xl-40 channel CB | 36.59 | 1650.93 |
| Battery terminal | 7.97 | 1658.9 |
| Hyco bar 14GA | 1.74 | 1660.64 |
| Rubber carpet runner | 27.76 | 1688.4 |
| Electric tape | 0.94 | 1689.34 |
| Electric cabling | 12.90 | 1702.24 |
| Grommets | 3.29 | 1705.53 |
| Extension cord 30amp/50ft | 27.97 | 1733.5 |
| Gorilla wood glue | 3.97 | 1737.47 |
| 4 drawer cabinet | 59.97 | 1797.44 |
| 2 gal gas can | 13.80 | 1811.24 |
| Battery terminals, etc | 29.20 | 1840.44 |
| Super glue | 4.47 | 1844.91 |
| 14 wire | 12.90 | 1857.81 |
| Cable lugs | 12.97 | 1870.78 |
| AGM batter-740CHAGM | 157.49 | 2028.27 |
| Gear tie | 4.97 | 2033.24 |
| Paint (gray) | 15.98 | 2049.22 |
| Set Power AJ50 53 quart Cooler | 329.00 | 2378.22 |
| REDCAMP adjustable awning poles | 39.95 | 2418.17 |
| Coleman gas lantern 1000 lumen | 36.12 | 2454.29 |
| Reversible mat (outside 6x8) | 27.50 | 2481.79 |
| Ventshade for windows | 31.27 | 2513.06 |
| Datttcc Curtain rings | 8.99 | 2522.05 |
| Fire Extinguisher | 21.86 | 2543.91 |
| Reflectix Bubble wrap | 10.85 | 2554.76 |
| Mat anchor (4x) | 6.00 | 2560.76 |
| Broom | 6.49 | 2567.25 |
| Table | 32.48 | 2599.73 |
| Washers | 3.05 | 2602.78 |
| Tarp (Awning) | 25.00 | 2627.78 |
| Champion 2000 W generator | 429.00 | 3056.78 |
| Tie down for roof rack 12x | 16.99 | 3073.77 |
| Indoor / Outdoor Thermometer | 19.48 | 3093.25 |
| Rope Ladder | 24.56 | 3117.81 |
| Clamp Hooks for Roof Rack | 13.99 | 3131.8 |
| Safety Straps for drawers | 9.99 | 3141.79 |
| Solar Lights for Roof Rack | 33.72 | 3175.51 |
| Clamp Hooks for Roof | 13.99 | 3189.5 |
| Organizer hanging inside | 15.99 | 3205.49 |
| Clamp hook 2x | 17.99 | 3223.48 |
| Flag Decalb | 10.00 | 3233.48 |
| Folding table | 14.65 | 3248.13 |
| Rustoleum - Black | 18.28 | 3266.41 |
| Steelbar for roof | 14.07 | 3280.48 |
| Tie downs, cargo net, 4x ratchets | 33.94 | 3314.42 |
| Washers, Screws, | 16.14 | 3330.56 |
| Rustoleum, steelbar, | 33.08 | 3363.64 |
| License plate frame | 6.99 | 3370.63 |
| Wood, JB Weld, Threadlocker, etc | 56.57 | 3427.2 |
| TOTAL | 3427.2 | |
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