Photo courtesy of Two Feet and Classy
Editor’s Note: The Two Feet and Classy crew is currently on the road to Mexico… and they’re takin’ us with them. It’s no doubt that their story will unfold to epic proportions, but here’s a little backstory about what it was like for them to get prepared for all the things that may go wrong on their journey.
Ok, I want to start by setting the record straight. For all the people who envy us because we can just “get up and go,” there’s nothing quick and easy about what we are doing. It has taken months of planning, building, orchestrating, organizing, eliminating, packing, and preparation. We have been a little overwhelmed, exhausted, and super excited! But let’s be clear, it’s WAAAAAY more complicated than grabbing a toothbrush and a bathing suit.
Going from this… to this. No easy task, indeed. Photo courtesy of Two Feet and Classy
In fact, in the busy days preceding our departure, I thought we’d never get it all done. But by some miracle, we finally locked the front door, jumped in the van and headed south to meet up with our travel companions who were surfing and waiting for us in Florida. So what if we pulled out of the driveway four hours later than expected, we were giggling like a couple of school kids. We’d made it. Wahoooooo! We’re driving to Mexico!
But, let’s travel back to early November when we had originally made this exciting and frightening decision to drive to Mexico and live out of our vans for an extended period of time. We woke one morning and the headlines from The Inertia appeared in our inbox: “Two Australian Surfers Vanish in Mexico.” Holy crap! You have got to be kidding me. This is like watching your worst nightmare come to life.
Adam Coleman and Dean Lucas. Surfers that went missing in Mexico.
So, of course the four of us began to have long conversations about this new turn of events. With the details so scarce at this first reporting, we decided to wait and see how the story unfolded before freaking out. We’d been doing a great deal of research and talking to people who’d made the trip before, and we’d already begun to create our route and some basic ground rules for driving in Mexico. One consistent message we received loud and clear from everyone who’s driven there was, “DON’T DRIVE AT NIGHT.” Other advice included: Keep your valuables out of sight, or better yet, don’t even bring them; Don’t drive with your surfboards strapped to the TOP of your vehicle; and so many more! (Tip: If you’re looking for some great information, start by talking to people who’ve gone before you. You should also check out the book, The Peoples’ Guide to Mexico and their website is a great resource as well).
We followed the developing story of the missing surfers to its tragic end. During which, we doubled down on our research, and checked and rechecked our route. We were deeply saddened by the loss of our fellow surfers and our hearts go out to their families and loved ones. Even after watching our worst nightmare unfold, we made the decision to go ahead with our plan. A carefully mapped out plan, which of course guarantees nothing.
So here we are, in the middle of day three and 800 miles under our wheels. How’s that plan of ours going, you ask? A very chilly first night in Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Campground, and a restless night sleep gave way to a disappointing morning without surf at Mayport Poles. Time to pack up and head west. Onward to Destin, Florida where we camped at Henderson Beach State Park. The theme for the second night was rain which stayed with us through the morning drive out of Florida. Moist and miserable, we’ve crossed into Alabama, and will spend the night somewhere in Louisiana. Only 1440 miles and four or five more days to go… Are we there yet?
Sweet Home Alabama! Photo Courtesy of Two Feet and Classy
Want to see each of our four perspectives on this journey? You can follow each of us on Instagram:
@twofeetandclassy | Patrick Willey, Maker of Surf Movies
@tanyaboggsphoto | Tanya Boggs, Photographer and Content Creator
@ct_sizemore | Chris Sizemore, Graphic Designer and Website Developer
@findingoutmy_fit | Cat Dianne Sizemore, Wellness Mentor
